About the Book
From McGraw-Hill Contemporary Learning Series (formerly known as McGraw-Hill/Dushkin), this fourth edition of TAKING SIDES: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY presents current controversial issues in a debate-style format designed to stimulate student interest and develop critical thinking skills. Each issue is thoughtfully framed with an issue summary, an issue introduction, and a postscript. An instructor’s manual with testing material is available for each volume. USING TAKING SIDES IN THE CLASSROOM is also an excellent instructor resource with practical suggestions on incorporating this effective approach in the classroom. Each TAKING SIDES reader features an annotated listing of selected World Wide Web sites and is supported by our student website, www.mhcls.com/online.
Table of Contents:
PART 1. Psychological Conditions and Treatments ISSUE 1. Should Individuals with Anorexia Nervosa Have the Right to Refuse Life-sustaining Treatment? YES: Heather Draper, from “Anorexia Nervosa and Respecting a Refusal of Life-Prolonging Therapy: A Limited Justification,” Bioethics (April 1, 2000) NO: J.L. Werth, Jr., Kimberly S. Wright, Rita J. Archambault, and Rebekah J. Bardash, from “When Does the `Duty to Protect’ Apply With a Client Who Has Anorexia Nervosa?” The Counseling Psychologist (July 2003) Heather Draper argues that clinicians need to accept the fact that individuals with anorexia nervosa may be competent, and may have legitimate reasons for refusing therapy. In such cases, therapists should respect the individual’s wishes and should refrain from administering life-sustaining treatment. James Werth, Jr. and his colleagues contend that, due to the very nature of anorexia nervosa, individuals with anorexia cannot make rational decisions about nutrition and feeding. Because the behaviors of anorexics have such potential for health damage or even death, clinicians have a duty to protect the lives of their patients, even if it calls for compulsory treatment. ISSUE 2. Is Psychological Debriefing a Harmful Intervention for Survivors of Trauma? YES: Grant J. Devilly and Peter Cotton, from “Psychological Debriefing and the Workplace: Defining a Concept, Controversies and Guidelines for Intervention,” Australian Psychologist (July 2003) NO: J.T. Mitchell, from “A Response to the Devilly and Cotton Article, `Psychological Debriefing and the Workplace...’,” Australian Psychologist (March 2004) Psychologists Grant J. Devilly and Peter Cotton assert that critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) is poorly defined and has been shown to do more harm than good. They propose alternative approaches for responding to trauma survivors, which they consider more effective. Jeffrey T. Mitchell of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) argues that Devilly and Cotton have misrepresented important information about psychological debriefing and have confused several aspects of this system of responding to trauma survivors. ISSUE 3. Are Blocked and Recovered Memories Valid Phenomena? YES: David H. Gleaves, Steven M. Smith, Lisa D. Bulter, and David Spiegel, from “False and Recovered Memories in the Laboratory and Clinic: A Review of Experimental and Clinical Evidence,” Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice (Spring 2004) NO: John F. Kihlstrom, from “An Unbalanced Balancing Act: Blocked, Recovered, and False Memories in the Laboratory Clinic,” Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice (Spring 2004) Psychologist David Gleaves and his colleagues assert that for some people, memories of traumatic events are blocked but may subsequently be recovered. Psychologist John Kihlstrom disputes the validity of blocked and recovered memories. He views the phenomenon of "false memories" as a serious problem in contemporary society.ISSUE 4. Is Multiple Personality Disorder a Valid Diagnosis? YES: Frank W. Putnam, from “Response to Article by Paul R. McHugh,” Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (July 1995) NO: Paul R. McHugh, from “Resolved: Multiple Personality Disorder Is an Individually and Socially Created Artifact,” Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (July 1995) Psychiatrist Frank W. Putnam contends that the diagnosis of multiple personality disorder meets the standards for the three basic forms ofvalidity: content validity, construct validity, and criterion-related validity. Psychiatrist Paul R. McHugh denies the validity of multiple personality disorder, asserting that this condition is a socially createdbehavioral disorder induced by psychotherapists. ISSUE 5. Does Attention Deficit Disorder Exist? YES: Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey, from Delivered From Distraction: Getting the Most Out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder (Ballantine, 2005) NO: Rogers H. Wright, from “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What It Is and What It Is Not,” in Rogers H. Wright and Nicholas A. Cummings, eds., Destructive Trends in Mental Health: The Well-Intentioned Path to Harm (Routledge, 2005) Psychiatrists Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey assert that attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a valid disorder, and that children and adults with this special kind of mind need the help they deserve. Psychologist Rogers H. Wright argues that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has vague diagnostic criteria that lead to over-diagnosis and overmedication of an excessive number of people.ISSUE 6. Should All Uses of MDMA (Ecstacy) Be Prohibited? YES: Robert Mathias and Patrick Zickler, from “NIDA Conference Highlights Scientific Findings on MDMA/Ecstasy,” NIDA Notes (December 2001) NO: June Riedlinger and Michael Montagne, from “Using MDMA in the Treatment of Depression,” in Julie Holland, ed., Ecstasy: The Complete Guide (Park Street Press, 2001) Science writers Robert Mathias and Patrick Zickler argue that MDMA has skyrocketed in popularity and that insufficient attention has been paid to the physical and psychological risks associated with its use. June Riedlinger, an assistant professor of clinical pharmacy, and Michael Montagne, a professor of pharmacy, contend that the risks associated with MDMA use have been exaggerated and that there are legitimate therapeutic uses for this substance.ISSUE 7. Should Abstinence Be the Goal for Treating People with Alcohol Problems? YES: Patricia Owen, from “Should Abstinence Be the Goal for Alcohol Treatment,” The American Journal of Addictions (Fall 2001) NO: Anne M. Fletcher, from Sober for Good: New Solutions for Drinking Problems—Advice from Those Who Have Succeeded (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2001) Psychologist Patricia Owen asserts that abstinence is the safest and most honest treatment goal for most people who are dependent on alcohol. Health and medical writer Anne Fletcher contends that many people with alcohol problems can be successful in their efforts to control their drinking, particularly if they are given professional guidance and support.PART 2. The Trend Toward Biological Interventions ISSUE 8. Are Prozac and Similar Antidepressants Safe and Effective? YES: William S. Appleton, from Prozac and the New Antidepressants: What You Need to Know About Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Serzone, Vestra, Celexa, St. John’s Wort, and Others, rev. ed. (Plume, 2000) NO: Joseph Glenmullen, from Prozac Backlash: Overcoming the Dangers of Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Other Antidepressants With Safe, Effective Alternatives (Simon & Schuster, 2000) Psychiatrist William S. Appleton asserts that Prozac and other drugs in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can provideeffective relief for depression as well as other mental health problems and concerns, with minimal side effects. Psychiatrist Joseph Glenmullen argues that Prozac and other drugs in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are neither aseffective nor as safe as pharmaceutical companies have led people to believe.ISSUE 9. Are Antipsychotic Medications the Treatment of Choice for People with Psychosis? YES: E. Fuller Torrey, from Surviving Schizophrenia: A Manual for Families, Consumers, and Providers, 4th ed. (Quill, 2001) NO: Robert Whitaker, from Mad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill (Perseus, 2002) Psychiatrist E. Fuller Torrey, an outspoken advocate for the needs of the mentally ill and their families, contends that antipsychotic medications play a centrally important role in alleviating psychotic symptoms and reducing the likelihood of rehospitalization. Journalist and social critic Robert Whitaker asserts that antipsychotic medications make people chronically ill, cause serious side effects, and increase the likelihood of rehospitalization; furthermore, reliance on these medical treatments for the mentally ill neglect important questions such as what it means to be human.ISSUE 10. Is Ritalin Overprescribed? YES: Peter R. Breggin, from The Ritalin Fact Book: What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You About ADHD and Stimulant Drugs (Perseus, 2002) NO: Russell A. Barkley, from Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents (Guilford, 2000) Physician Peter R. Breggin asserts that Ritalin and similar stimulants are dangerous addictive medications that should not be prescribed to children because they suppress growth and lead to a number of worrisome physical and psychological symptoms. Psychologist and prominent ADHD researcher Russell A. Barkley objects to criticisms of Ritalin and similar stimulants, asserting that these medications serve as important parts of interventions and aimed at helping children increase their attention and concentration.ISSUE 11. Should Psychologists Prescribe Medication? YES: Robert Resnick, from “To Prescribe or Not To Prescribe—Is
That The Question?” The Psychologist (April 2003) NO: William N. Robiner, Diane L. Bearman, Margit Berman, William M. Grove, Eduardo Colon, Joann Armstrong, and Susan Mareck, from “Prescriptive Authority for Psychologists: A Looming Health Hazard?” Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice (Fall 2002) Psychologist Robert Resnick endorses the recommendation that psychologists be given prescription privileges in order to expand psychopharmacological availability to people needing medication. Psychologist William Robiner and his colleagues object to the notion of granting prescription privileges to psychologists, and express several concerns pertaining to training and competence.ISSUE 12. Is Electroconvulsive Therapy Ethical? YES: Max Fink, from Electroshock: Restoring the Mind (Oxford University Press, 1999) NO: Leonard R. Frank, from “Shock Treatment IV: Resistance in the 1990s,” in Robert F. Morgan, ed., Electroshock: The Case Against (Morgan Foundation, 1999) Physician Max Fink asserts that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective intervention whose use has been limited as a result ofsocial stigma and philosophical bias, which have been reinforced by intimidation from the pharmaceutical and managed care industries. Leonard R. Frank, editor and cofounder of the Network Against Psychiatric Assault, criticizes the use of ECT because of its disturbing sideeffects, some of which he personally has suffered, and asserts that its resurgence in popularity is economically based.PART 3. Social Issues ISSUE 13. Is Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy Ethical? YES: Christopher H. Rosik, from “Motivational, Ethical, and Epistemological Foundations in the Treatment of Unwanted Homoerotic Attraction,” Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (January 2003) NO: Robert-Jay Green, from “When Therapists Do No Want Their Clients to Be Homosexual: A Response to Rosik’s Article,” Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (January 2003) Psychologist Christopher Rosik asserts that many clients have valid reasons for pursuing sexual orientation conversion therapy, and mental health professionals have a responsibility to work with these clients toward their goals. Psychologist Robert-Jay Green expresses concern over therapy involving sexual reorientation, cautioning that clients must understand their motivations for seeking change. He contends that there is little evidence regarding the effectiveness of such therapy. ISSUE 14. Does Exposure to Media Violence Promote Aggressive Behavior? YES: Nancy Signorielli, from Violence in the Media: A Reference Handbook (ABC-CLIO, 2005) NO: Jonathan L. Freedman, from Media Violence and Its Effect on Aggression: Assessing the Scientific Evidence (University of Toronto Press, 2002) Professor of communication Nancy Signorielli asserts that research supports the position that media violence affects viewers by fostering aggression, causing desensitization to violence, and promoting fear. Psychologist Jonathan L. Freedman argues that the scientific evidence does not support the notion that exposure to TV and film violence causes aggression, desensitization, or fear.ISSUE 15. Is Pornography Harmful? YES: Diana E. H. Russell, from Dangerous Relationships: Pornography, Misogyny, and Rape (Sage Publications, 1998) NO: Nadine Strossen, from Defending Pornography: Free Speech, Sex, and the Fight for Women’s Rights (Scribner, 1995) Sociology professor Diana E. H. Russell considers pornography profoundly harmful because it predisposes men to want to rape women andundermines internal and social inhibitions against acting out rape fantasies. Law professor Nadine Strossen contends that there is no credible research to support the claim that sexist, violent imagery leads to harmfulbehavior against women.ISSUE 16. Is Divorce Always Detrimental to Children? YES: Judith Wallerstein, Julia Lewis, and Sandra Blakeslee, from The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A Twenty-Five Year Landmark Study (Hyperion, 2000) NO: E. Mavis Hetherington and John Kelly, from For Better or For Worse: Divorce Reconsidered (W. W. Norton, 2002) Psychology professors Judith Wallerstein and Julia Lewis, and Sandra Blakeslee, a science and medicine correspondent for the New YorkTimes, assert that children of divorced parents suffer emotional damage that impedes normal growth and functioning and permanently alters theirlives. Professor of psychology E. Mavis Hetherington and writer John Kelly dismiss some of what they view as myths of the divorce culture, statingthat divorce is not necessarily detrimental to all children but can, in fact, provide opportunities for growth for the children as well as the parentsinvolved in the divorce.ISSUE 17. Does Evolution Explain Why Men Rape? YES: Randy Thornhill and Craig T. Palmer, from “Why Men Rape,” The Sciences (January/February 2000) NO: Susan Brownmiller, from Against Our Will: Men, Women and Rape (Simon & Schuster, 1975) Evolutionary biologist Randy Thornhill and evolutionary anthropologist Craig T. Palmer assert that the reasons why men rape aremisunderstood. They contend that, rather than an act of gratuitous violence, rape can be understood as a biologically determined behavior in whichsocially disenfranchised men resort to this extreme act in order to gain access to women. Journalist Susan Brownmiller argues that rape is an exemplification of the male-female struggle in which men humiliate and degrade women ina blunt and ugly expression of physical power.ISSUE 18. Should Mental Health Professionals Serve as Gatekeepers for Physician-Assisted Suicide? YES: Rhea K. Farberman, from “Terminal Illness and Hastened Death Requests: The Important Role of the Mental Health Professional,” Professional Psychology: Research and Practice (vol. 28, no. 6, 1997) NO: Mark D. Sullivan, Linda Ganzini, and Stuart J. Youngner, from “Should Psychiatrists Serve as Gatekeepers for Physician-Assisted Suicide?” The Hastings Center Report (July–August 1998) Rhea K. Farberman, director of public communications for the American Psychological Association, makes the case that mental healthprofessionals should be called upon to assess terminally ill people who request hastened death in order to ensure that decision making is rational andfree of coercion. Psychiatrists Mark D. Sullivan, Linda Ganzini, and Stuart J. Youngner argue that the reliance on mental health professionals to be suicidegatekeepers involves an inappropriate use of clinical procedures to disguise society’s ambivalence about suicide itself.
About the Author :
Professor Halgin received his Ph. D. from Fordham University, and completed a 3-year fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, prior to joining the faculty of the University of Massachusetts in 1977. He is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist and has had over two decades of clinical, supervisory, and consulting experience. At the University of Massachusetts, his course in Abnormal Psychology is one of the most popular offerings on campus, attracting an enrollment of more than 500 students each semester. In recent years, he has also offered this course at Amherst College and Smith College. His teaching has been recognized at the university and national level. A University of Massachusetts Alumni Distinguished Professor, he was honored with the University's Distinguished Teaching Award and his teaching was recognized by the Society for the Teaching of Psychology of the American Psychological Association. In April 2003, his teaching was highlighted in the Chronicle of Higher Education. Professor Halgin is the author of more than fifty journal articles and book chapters in the fields of psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and professional issues in psychology.
