The Complete Idiot's Guide to Psychology, 4th Edition [Mass Market Paperback]

Joni E. Johnston Psy.D. (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide | Publication Date: July 7, 2009

Mind over matter.

Interest in psychology extends well beyond the walls of academia. Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and William James are just a few examples of the many people in psychology whose works remain popular sellers, demonstrating an ongoing vast interest in this field. From students looking for a comprehensive resource to those looking for a self-help book, The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Psychology, Fourth Edition provides an easy-to-understand look at both the history and modern practice of psychology.

*Comprehensive, but pays extra attention to contemporary issues such as: fear/anxiety, child psychology, health psychology, mood altering drugs, and forensics
*Author is an award-winning, practicing clinical psychologist
*The Princeton Review identifies psychology as the ninth most popular college degree in the United States

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joni E. Johnston, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and CEO of WorkRelationships, which helps other companies build healthy work relationships. She writes a monthly column for LexisNexis and is a noted public speaker.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; 4 Original edition (July 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592578918
• ISBN-13: 978-1592578917
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,607 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great starting point, May 17, 2010

By 

Nicholas R.W. Henning (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Psychology, 4th Edition (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is excellent as a detailed introduction to psychology, and a must read for any person considering this field of study in the future, or for any person who has an interest in learning more about psychology.

I found that the book balanced basic and technical details well. One point that stuck with me was acknowledging that people who suffer from the blues for a few days often consider themselves depressed, and this is why there is an over diagnosis of depression.

It concerns me that it is legal to advertise anti-depressant medication on television in some countries around the world, e.g. "Are you tired, feeling anxious, and have trouble sleeping...then you need anti-depressant medication!" Over medicating is a big issue in today's society, and this book provides valuable insights into CBT and various forms of counselling. These two forms of treatment need to be prescribed more, as addressing the issues and source of problems is key to healing, and medication can help too, but the two together (therapy and medication) are a real solution to mental health issues.

You'll be glad that you read this book! Nicholas R.W. Henning - Australian Author
Author of: Boomerang Baseball and The American Dream: From Perth to Sacramento

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Quick Read, March 29, 2010

By 

jack23011 "jack23011" (Collinsville, IL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Psychology, 4th Edition (Mass Market Paperback)

I am a senior psych major. I got this book to use as a very cursory overview of common topics in psychology. This is by no means a textbook. I find it helpful to read a very layman-oriented explanation of a particular topic before reading textbooks. It explains the more common topics in mainstream psychology in an easy to read manner. While definitely not a textbook it can be used as an intro into some topics casual students may find daunting.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introductory psychology book, April 23, 2011

By 

SDD - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Psychology, 4th Edition (Mass Market Paperback)

In The Complete Idiot's guide to Psychology is, of course, not just for idiots (I hope!). It is full of up to date information on the latest scientific psychological research and provides a quick view of the philosophies of contemporary and classical psychologists. It has good examples of psychology in everyday life. It is basically well written, and provides an elemental guide to some major psychological issues, such as nature vs. nurture and classical conditioning. It devotes a good amount of time to psychology in general and to mental and psychological issues, both of which I find fascinating and informative. It could go a little more in depth on some complex subjects, but overall I find that it is a good introductory guide to the fascinating field of psychology.