Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress: A Psychosocial Perspective on PTSD and Treatment

by Stephen Joseph, Ruth Williams, William Yule

Overview

This book examines the latest developments in theory and research in post-traumatic stress disorder. Drawing on the literature exploring personality and social psychology, it presents an integrative model of psychosocial factors affecting adjustment following traumatic stressors. It serves as an innovative contribution to the area as well as an introductory text. A main feature of the book is a series of

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780471968016
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	07/07/1997
Pages:	250
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Stephen Joseph, PhD, is Professor of Psychology, Health and Social Care at The University of Nottingham, where he is codirector of the Centre for Trauma, Resilience and Growth and an Honorary Consultant Psychologist in Psychotherapy at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

Ruth Williams is the author of Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress: A Psychosocial Perspective on PTSD and Treatment, published by Wiley.

William Yule is the author of Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress: A Psychosocial Perspective on PTSD and Treatment, published by Wiley.

Table of Contents

Normal and Abnormal Reactions to Trauma.

Assessment and Measurement.

Types of Trauma: From Natural Disaster to Political Violence.

Theoretical Paradigms and Perspectives.

Evidence for an Integrative Model of Adjustment.

Intervention and Treatment.

Conclusions.

References.

Index.

Editorial Reviews

This book presents conceptual models for understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its treatment, focusing on etiology, symptoms, time course, diagnostic criteria, assessment, and clinical interventions. Chapters cover the psychological responses of trauma survivors, the underlying psychological processes and environmental factors involved in PTSD, the major theoretical approaches used in understanding PTSD, and the mechanisms of effective treatment. The authors attempt to bring together theory, research, and their clinical experiences to evaluate several psychosocial perspectives on PTSD and to propose their own integrative model. In doing so, they provide a most thoughtful discussion of theoretical, methodological and practical treatment issues, such as those involved in the psychiatric classification of the disorder. Advanced undergraduates in psychology, psychology graduate students, and practicing clinical psychologists are the target audience. Its excellent discussion of clinical issues in PTSD treatment, however, will appeal to other mental health providers, such as psychiatrists and social workers. Because the text offers an excellent review and integration of research, researchers may find the text a useful resource. The book includes well-organized tables, text boxes, and bullet lists that summarize material and highlight key concepts. Clinical case examples, presented in text boxes, are a unique and helpful feature, providing rich illustration of the conceptual material discussed in the text. The table of contents and index are clear and well organized. The authors include a thorough reference list. In this book, readers will find an excellent review andintegration of theory, research, and clinical observations on psychosocial adaptation to traumatic stress. It represents a scholarly work and a concise practical guide to clinical work with PTSD patients. Its many case examples illuminate the authors' discussion of conceptual, methodological, and clinical practice issues. University libraries will find this text to be an important addition to their bookshelves.

Sara J. Knight

Reviewer: Sara J. Knight, PhD (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine)
Description: This book presents conceptual models for understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its treatment, focusing on etiology, symptoms, time course, diagnostic criteria, assessment, and clinical interventions. Chapters cover the psychological responses of trauma survivors, the underlying psychological processes and environmental factors involved in PTSD, the major theoretical approaches used in understanding PTSD, and the mechanisms of effective treatment.
Purpose: The authors attempt to bring together theory, research, and their clinical experiences to evaluate several psychosocial perspectives on PTSD and to propose their own integrative model. In doing so, they provide a most thoughtful discussion of theoretical, methodological and practical treatment issues, such as those involved in the psychiatric classification of the disorder.
Audience: Advanced undergraduates in psychology, psychology graduate students, and practicing clinical psychologists are the target audience. Its excellent discussion of clinical issues in PTSD treatment, however, will appeal to other mental health providers, such as psychiatrists and social workers. Because the text offers an excellent review and integration of research, researchers may find the text a useful resource.
Features: The book includes well-organized tables, text boxes, and bullet lists that summarize material and highlight key concepts. Clinical case examples, presented in text boxes, are a unique and helpful feature, providing rich illustration of the conceptual material discussed in the text. The table of contents and index are clear and well organized. The authors include a thorough reference list.
Assessment: In this book, readers will find an excellent review and integration of theory, research, and clinical observations on psychosocial adaptation to traumatic stress. It represents a scholarly work and a concise practical guide to clinical work with PTSD patients. Its many case examples illuminate the authors' discussion of conceptual, methodological, and clinical practice issues. University libraries will find this text to be an important addition to their bookshelves.

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