Nonpathologizing trauma interventions in abnormal psychology courses

ABSTRACT

Because abnormal psychology courses presuppose a focus on pathological human functioning, nonpathologizing interventions within these classes are particularly powerful and can reach survivors, bystanders, and perpetrators. Interventions are needed to improve the social response to trauma on college campuses. By applying psychodynamic and feminist multicultural theory, instructors can deliver nonpathologizing interventions about trauma and trauma response within these classes. We recommend class-based interventions with the following aims: (a) intentionally using nonpathologizing language, (b) normalizing trauma responses, (c) subjectively defining trauma, (d) challenging secondary victimization, and (e) questioning the delineation of abnormal and normal. The recommendations promote implications for instructor self-reflection, therapy interventions, and future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Abnormal psychology
• feminist multiculturalism
• instruction
• psychodynamic
• trauma interventions

Acknowledgments

We express gratitude to Linda Ganon and Alexis Arczynski for their support.