Adult Psychopathology

The study of psychopathology, or mental disorder, is a central focus for clinical psychologists.

91�ֿ� The Adult Psychopathology Research Focus

Many of the faculty members in the Department of Psychological Sciences at 91�ֿ� are engaged in research, teaching, and/or clinical practice related to adult psychopathology. The adult psychopathology research focus at 91�ֿ� is comprised of faculty and students with active programs of research on the etiology, course, and treatment of emotional disorders, including anxiety and mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders. This research utilizes experimental, treatment development, and field research methodologies. A large proportion of the research undertaken is conducted with patient populations.

Ph.D. Training

Research Training

Psychopathology research is broadly defined as investigation into the nature and origins of mental disorders, and into the factors that affect the course and outcome of these disorders. The training for the research focus in adult psychopathology involves engagement in research, in collaboration with a faculty mentor, on a topic related to adult psychopathology. During the course of graduate training, a student in this research focus works toward identifying and developing a particular research interest area of his/her own within the general area of the mentor's expertise. Students typically conduct both their master's thesis and doctoral dissertation in their identified area of interest.

Coursework

All students in the Adult Clinical Specialty take classes related to adult psychopathology and receive training in adult assessment and treatment as part of the core program. Students may elect to pursue advanced training in adult psychopathology by choosing it as a research focus. The adult psychopathology research focus is defined by related coursework and clinical training experiences. Students complete all departmental and clinical core course requirements, as well as the clinical program's requisite number of elective credits. In consultation with the advisor, students identify an area of concentration within adult psychopathology. Students must then take at least three courses that are relevant to their concentration in psychopathology. It is also recommended that students take PSYC 6/71260: Theories of Personality as an elective. A student's choice of core courses and electives is made in consultation with the faculty mentor. Students also may choose to have some of their elective requirements waived so that they can involve themselves in additional research projects.

Clinical Experiences

Students in this research focus complete their practicum requirements by taking the general practicum in their second year, and selecting an adult advanced or specialty practicum in their third year. It is recommended that students choose a third-year specialty practicum related to their research focus, if one is available. In addition, students may request that they be assigned cases related to their area of interest when it is possible and feasible for the Clinic to do this. Students also complete at least one year of the required field placement in an adult assessment and/or treatment setting.

Core Faculty

Faculty With Related Interests

Dr. Yossef Ben-Porath studies the assessment of personality and psychopathology.
Dr. John Gunstad studies neurocognitive functioning, particularly as it relates to medical conditions.
Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett studies the development of anxiety and anxiety related disorders in African Americans.
Dr. Mary Beth Spitznagel studies neurocognitive functioning as it relates to physical health and aging.
Dr. John Updegraff studies cognitive and emotional processes that underlie health, well-being, and adaptation to stress.

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