Coverage of child maltreatment in abnormal psychology textbooks: Reviewing the adequacy of the content.

Abstract

Abnormal psychology courses introduce undergraduate students to the range, causes, and treatments of psychological disorders. These courses present important opportunities to instruct students about disorders and treatments associated with childhood maltreatment (CM) as well as its prevalence. Little research has examined the adequacy with which abnormal psychology textbooks present information about CM. The present study reviewed the CM content of 10 abnormal psychology textbooks. The content was assessed in terms of the number of times CM was mentioned, the number of psychological disorders linked to CM, and the number of CM-related research citations. In addition, the authors conducted a content analysis to examine the significance, depth of detail, and organizational structure of the information provided within the sections of text addressing CM. There were significant differences in scores and the accuracy of coverage of CM across textbooks. Most of the textbooks lack key information on CM. The information presented in many textbooks is not consistent with current research and is overly focused on controversies. These findings are concerning because research has linked many psychological disorders and problematic outcomes to CM, but this information is not adequately conveyed to students via abnormal psychology textbooks. The authors make recommendations for improving the coverage of CM in abnormal psychology textbooks.

Traumatic dissociation: Theory, research, and treatment.

“…Subsequent studies have also found that individuals with DID are no more suggestible or prone to creating false memories than are individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), actors simulating DID, or healthy controls (Vissia et al., 2016). Despite the lack of support for this theory, it continues to be presented in many psychology textbooks as if it is a scientifically based explanation for dissociation (Wilgus, Packer, Lile-King, Miller-Perrin, & Brand, 2015). This misinformation has contributed to skepticism among many people about the validity of dissociation and the DDs, despite the substantial research showing both are common, neurologically linked psychological problems caused by trauma and disruptions in attachment.…”

An Online Educational Program for Individuals With Dissociative Disorders and Their Clinicians: 1‐Year and 2‐Year Follow‐Up

“…Studies of individuals with PTSD, both with and without borderline personality disorder, have found that higher dissociation levels predict poor response to standard treatments, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT; Bae, Kim, & Park, ; Kleindienst et al., ). Despite these data, most psychiatric and psychology textbooks fail to present empirical research about DDs, or they provide inaccurate or sensationalized information about diagnosis and treatment of DDs (Loewenstein et al., ; Wilgus, Packer, Lile‐King, Miller‐Perrin, & Brand, ).…”

Coverage of child maltreatment and adult trauma in graduate psychopathology textbooks.

“…Despite the prevalence and negative outcomes for survivors of CM and child trauma, as well as their increased need for treatment (Bartlett et al, 2018; Hanson & Lang, 2016), undergraduate psychology textbooks provide inadequate coverage of CM, including limited discussion of the risk factors, myriad consequences, and treatments related to CM (Brand & McEwen, 2014; Kissee, Isaacson, & Miller-Perrin, 2014; Wilgus, Packer, Lile-King, Miller-Perrin, & Brand, 2016). These textbook deficiencies may reflect that few people in the mental health field, including textbook authors, have received training about trauma; therefore, few mental health professionals recognize its prevalence and impact (Brand, 2016; Courtois & Gold, 2009).…”