Psych Final

Drive-reduction Theory

A theory suggesting that physiological needs create drives that push us to reduce those needs, while also being pulled by incentives.

Arousal Theory

The theory that suggests we seek an optimal level of arousal, which can be influenced by factors like sensation seeking and curiosity.

Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's theory that arranged human needs in a hierarchy, starting from physiological needs to self-transcendence.

Physiology of Hunger

The role of the hypothalamus in regulating hunger and physiological needs.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging, often maintaining a normal weight.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder marked by self-starvation and a distorted perception of body weight.

Three Components of Emotion

Physiological changes, behavioral expressions, and cognitive experiences that define our emotions.

Cannon-Bard Theory

The theory that suggests arousal and emotion occur simultaneously.

James-Lange Theory

The theory proposing that physiological arousal precedes emotional experience.

Schacter-Singer Two Factor Theory

A theory suggesting that emotion is determined by physiological arousal and cognitive labeling of that arousal.

Id

The part of personality that contains our basic instincts and operates on the pleasure principle.

Ego

The rational part of personality that mediates between the Id and Superego based on reality.

Superego

The moral component of personality that incorporates social standards about what represents right and wrong.

Ego Defenses

Mechanisms that reduce anxiety by distorting reality.

Sublimation

A defense mechanism that channels negative urges into socially acceptable activities.

Denial

A defense mechanism involving refusal to accept reality or facts.

Rationalization

A defense mechanism where one makes excuses for unacceptable behavior.

Displacement

A defense mechanism taking out emotions on a safer, substitute target.

Projection

A defense mechanism where one attributes their own undesirable feelings to others.

Freud's Oral Stage

The first psychosexual stage, occurring from birth to 18 months, focused on weaning.

Freud's Anal Stage

The second psychosexual stage, occurring from 18 months to 3 years, focused on potty training.

Freud's Phallic Stage

The third psychosexual stage, occurring from ages 3 to 5, characterized by identification and the Oedipus complex.

Latency Stage

The fourth psychosexual stage where libido is dormant.

Genital Stage

The final psychosexual stage initiating adult sexuality.

Reaction Formation

Acting opposite to how you feel

Regression

Going back to an earlier stage/acting immaturely

Anxiety Disorders

Long term anxiety, with no specific cause; think of “worry-warts”

Panic Attack

Can be specific, often generalized

Social Anxiety Disorder

Becoming extremely anxious in social situations where others might judge them; Avoidance is the coping strategy (maladaptive)

Depressive Disorder

Anhedonia (without pleasure); runs in families

Personality Disorders

Inflexible behaviors, difficult to treat

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Sense of entitlement; Grandiose sense of self-importance

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Needs to be center of attention; may do so through physical appearance, exaggerated expressions, and speech

Borderline Personality Disorder

Unstable relationships + self-image, Major abandonment fears, and Impulsive behaviors; most likely to do self-harm

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Suspicious without sufficient basis; Reads hidden messages or threats into benign messages

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Will Lie, cheat, steal with no remorse; Charming, manipulative

Schizophrenia

Strong hallucinations/delusions; Positive symptoms include hallucinations, delusions/Negative symptoms include flat affect, avolition, anhedonia

Antidepressant Drugs

MAO inhibitors, Tricyclics, SSRIs, Lithium (mood stabilizer - Bipolar)

Freudian Psychoanalysis

the problem behavior is a “symptom” of inner conflict in our unconscious

Free Association

to talk about whatever you want/think

Transference

transfer onto the therapist what feelings they have towards their parents

Humanistic Techniques

Client-centered, emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.

Reflective Listening

therapeutic reflection of client’s behaviors; promotes growth by taking responsibility for one’s actions, not uncovering hidden causes

Behavioral Techniques

The problem behavior IS the problem

Systematic Desensitization

Good with phobias; a gradual exposure to the feared stimulus paired with relaxation techniques.

Foot-in-the-Door

Persuasion Technique: Small request first, Large request second

Door-in-the-face

Persuasion Technique: Large request first, small request second

Asch Conformity Study

Proves that conformity can overthrow our own senses

Stanley Milgram’s Obedience Study

Proved that obedience to authority can overthrow our senses and morality

Eichmann Defense

“I was just following orders”

Attribution

How do we explain behavior? We ask the question ‘Why?’

Internal (dispositional) cause

A reason for behavior that originates from within an individual, such as personality, beliefs, or motives.

External (situational) causes

Reasons for behavior arising from external factors, such as the environment or social context.

Attitudes

 Feelings, beliefs, behavioral intentions

Cognitive Dissonance

When attitudes aren’t in line with each other

Matching Hypothesis

We like those who are attractive...but also likeable people become attractive