unit 5 AP psych

Alarm reaction phase

The first stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), where the body responds to a stressor by activating the sympathetic nervous system.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Potentially traumatic events experienced in childhood that can impact long-term health and well-being.

Distress

Negative stress that can cause anxiety, discomfort, and impair functioning.

Emotion-focused coping

A coping strategy aimed at managing emotional responses to stress rather than addressing the problem itself.

Eustress

Positive stress that can motivate individuals to perform well and achieve goals.

Exhaustion phase

The final stage of GAS, where prolonged stress depletes the body's resources, increasing vulnerability to illness and burnout.

Fight-flight-freeze response

An automatic physiological reaction to a perceived threat, preparing the body to fight, flee, or freeze.

General adaptation syndrome (GAS)

Hans Selye’s three-stage model describing the body's response to stress.

Health psychology

A field of psychology focused on how biological, psychological, and social factors influence health and illness.

Hypertension

Chronically high blood pressure, often linked to stress and poor lifestyle choices.

Immune response

The body's defense mechanism against infections and diseases, which can be weakened by chronic stress.

Problem-focused coping

A coping strategy aimed at directly addressing and solving the source of stress.

Resistance phase

The second stage of GAS, where the body remains activated and attempts to adapt to the stressor.

Stress

The body’s physical and psychological response to challenging or demanding situations.

Stressors

External or internal events that trigger a stress response.

Tend-and-befriend theory

A theory suggesting that, particularly in women, individuals seek social support and care for others in response to stress.

Character strengths and virtues

Positive traits that contribute to personal well-being and social good.

Courage

The ability to face fear, challenges, or adversity with bravery and perseverance.

Gratitude

A sense of appreciation for what one has, contributing to overall happiness and well-being.

Happiness

A state of well-being that includes positive emotions, satisfaction with life, and a sense of fulfillment.

Humanity

The quality of compassion, love, and kindness toward others.

Justice

The principle of fairness and equity in personal and social interactions.

Positive psychology

The scientific study of strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Positive emotions

Feelings such as joy, hope, and love that enhance well-being and resilience.

Posttraumatic growth

Psychological improvement and personal development that arise after experiencing trauma.

Resilience

The ability to recover from setbacks and adapt to adversity.

Subjective well-being

An individual's self-perceived happiness and life satisfaction.

Temperance

The practice of self-regulation and moderation in emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Transcendence

A sense of connection to something greater than oneself, often through spirituality or purpose.

Wisdom

The ability to use knowledge, experience, and good judgment to navigate life’s challenges.

Behavioral perspective

Explains psychological disorders based on learned behaviors and conditioning.

Biological perspective

Focuses on genetic, neurological, and physiological factors that influence mental disorders.

Biopsychosocial model

A comprehensive approach that considers biological, psychological, and social influences on mental health.

Cognitive perspective

Examines how negative thought patterns and cognitive distortions contribute to psychological disorders.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

The standard classification system for diagnosing mental disorders.

Diathesis-stress model

Suggests that psychological disorders develop due to an underlying vulnerability combined with stress.

Distress

Emotional or psychological suffering that interferes with daily life.

Dysfunction

A disruption in normal psychological functioning that impairs daily activities.

Eclectic approach

A therapeutic approach that integrates techniques from multiple psychological perspectives.

Evolutionary perspective

Explains psychological disorders based on adaptive functions and evolutionary history.

Humanistic perspective

Emphasizes personal growth, free will, and self-actualization in understanding psychological disorders.

International Classification of Mental Disorders (ICD)

A global diagnostic system for mental and physical disorders, maintained by WHO.

Psychodynamic perspective

Views psychological disorders as stemming from unconscious conflicts and early childhood experiences.

Psychological disorder

A condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, emotions, or behaviors causing significant distress or impairment.

Sociocultural perspective

Considers how societal, cultural, and environmental factors contribute to psychological disorders.

Stigma

Negative social attitudes and discrimination associated with mental illness.

Stigma Impact Scale

A tool used to measure the effects of stigma on individuals with mental disorders.

Personality

An individual’s characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior.

Personality disorders

A group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring maladaptive personality traits.

Cluster A

A category of personality disorders marked by odd, eccentric behaviors.

Cluster B

A category of personality disorders associated with dramatic, erratic behaviors.

Cluster C

A category of personality disorders characterized by anxious or fearful behaviors.

Antisocial personality disorder

A disorder involving persistent disregard for others' rights and a lack of empathy.

Avoidant personality disorder

Marked by extreme social inhibition, sensitivity to rejection, and low self-esteem.

Borderline personality disorder

Characterized by unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions, often leading to impulsive behaviors.

Dependent personality disorder

Involves excessive reliance on others for emotional and decision-making support.

Histrionic personality disorder

Marked by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior.

Narcissistic personality disorder

Characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

A pattern of excessive perfectionism, orderliness, and need for control.

Paranoid personality disorder

Involves pervasive distrust and suspicion of others.

Schizoid personality disorder

Marked by social detachment and limited emotional expression.

Schizotypal personality disorder

Features eccentric behaviors, odd beliefs, and difficulties in social relationships.

Acrophobia

Intense fear of heights.

Agoraphobia

Fear of situations where escape may be difficult, often leading to avoidance of open or crowded spaces.

Anxiety disorders

A category of mental disorders involving excessive fear, worry, or nervousness.

Arachnophobia

Intense fear of spiders.

Ataque de nervios

A culturally specific anxiety reaction commonly seen in Latin American cultures.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Chronic, excessive worry about various aspects of life.

Panic attack

A sudden episode of intense fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms.

Panic disorder

Recurring panic attacks that lead to persistent fear of future attacks.

Phobia

An irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.

Social anxiety disorder

Extreme fear of social situations due to fear of embarrassment or judgment.

Taijin kyofusho

A culture-bound syndrome in Japan involving intense fear of offending others.

Catatonia

A state of abnormal movement or behavior, often associated with schizophrenia.

Catatonic stupor

A condition of immobility and unresponsiveness.

Delusions

Strongly held false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary.

Delusions of grandeur

Belief in having exceptional abilities, fame, or power.

Delusions of persecution

False belief that one is being targeted or conspired against.

Disorganized motor behavior

Unusual physical movements or behaviors seen in schizophrenia.

Disorganized speech

Incoherent or illogical speech patterns.

Dopamine hypothesis

Suggests that schizophrenia is linked to excessive dopamine activity.

Hallucinations

Sensory experiences that occur without an external stimulus.

Negative symptoms

Symptoms involving the absence of normal behaviors.

Positive symptoms

Symptoms that involve an excess of normal function.

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders

A range of disorders characterized by psychosis and impaired thought processes.

Word salad

Disorganized, nonsensical speech often seen in schizophrenia.

Active listening

A therapeutic technique involving empathetic listening and reflection.

Antianxiety drugs

Medications used to reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Antidepressants

Medications used to treat depression and other mood disorders.

Antipsychotic medications

Drugs used to manage psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.

Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT)

A treatment approach that combines cognitive and behavioral strategies.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

A treatment for severe depression involving electrical stimulation of the brain.

Psychoactive drugs

Substances that alter mood, perception, or brain function.

Therapeutic alliance

The relationship between therapist and client, crucial for effective therapy.

What is the eclectic approach in therapy?

A method of therapy that integrates techniques from multiple psychological perspectives to best treat a disorder.

What is the evolutionary perspective in psychology?

Explains psychological disorders based on how certain traits or behaviors may have been adaptive in human history.

What does the humanistic perspective focus on?

Self-actualization, free will, and personal growth when explaining psychological disorders.

What characterizes Bipolar I Disorder?

At least one manic episode, often with periods of depression.

What defines Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

A condition characterized by prolonged and severe depressive episodes.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

A disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and ritualistic behaviors (compulsions).