Psychologists rely on "Abnormal Psychology" because it sets the standard for clarity, cutting-edge coverage, authoritative content, and clinical emphasis. It helps them fully integrate the details of all the disorders and distinguish between the more important concepts. The Big Picture feature emphasizes the important comparisons and contrasts to other concepts presented in the chapters.

A new discussion on mental disorders shows how the interpretation of behaviors is dependent on the context in which those behaviors occur. The eleventh edition also demonstrates how context drives the definitions of normal and abnormal behavior. With the new features, psychologists will find the material to be more accessible, engaging, and informative.