REAL Psych Unit 5 Terms that arent bs

Biopsychosocial model

The integrated approach that explains mental and physical health as the result of interactions among biological factors (genetics, brain chemistry), psychological factors (thoughts, emotions, behaviors), and social factors (culture, relationships, environment).

Diathesis stress model

A theory stating that a psychological disorder develops when a person with a biological or psychological predisposition (diathesis) experiences significant stress, triggering the onset of the disorder.

General adaptation syndrome (GAS)

A three-stage physiological response to stress consisting of the alarm reaction (initial fight-or-flight response), resistance (continued coping with the stressor), and exhaustion (depletion of resources leading to decreased resistance to illness).

Tend and Befriend Theory

Symptoms that involve the absence or reduction of normal behaviors, including flat affect, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal.

Maladaptive learned associations

Behaviors or emotional responses that are learned through conditioning but are harmful or ineffective, such as developing a phobia after a negative experience.

Psychodynamic perspective

An approach to psychology that emphasizes unconscious drives, childhood experiences, and internal conflicts as the primary influences on behavior and mental disorders.

Humanistic perspective

A psychological approach that focuses on personal growth, free will, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness of individuals.

Cognitive perspective

An approach that emphasizes the role of thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations in influencing behavior and emotional functioning.

Sociocultural perspective

A perspective that examines how social environments, cultural norms, and societal expectations influence behavior and mental health.

Dopamine hypothesis

A theory suggesting that schizophrenia is associated with excessive dopamine activity in certain areas of the brain, leading to symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

Positive symptoms (schizophrenia)

Symptoms that involve the presence of abnormal behaviors or experiences, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech.

Negative symptoms (schizophrenia)

Symptoms that involve the absence or reduction of normal behaviors, including flat affect, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal.

Flat affect

A severe reduction or absence of emotional expression, often seen in individuals with schizophrenia.

Word salad

A form of disorganized speech in which words are jumbled together without logical meaning or coherent structure.

Catatonia

A state of decreased reactivity to the environment characterized by immobility, rigid posture, or excessive purposeless movement.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

A chronic form of depression lasting at least two years, characterized by a consistently low mood that is less severe than major depressive disorder but longer-lasting.

Bipolar I Disorder

A mood disorder characterized by at least one full manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by depressive episodes.

Bipolar II Disorder

A mood disorder involving at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode, without full manic episodes.

Hypomania

A less severe form of mania involving elevated mood and increased activity that does not cause significant impairment in functioning.

Agoraphobia

An anxiety disorder involving intense fear of situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable, often leading to avoidance of public places.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

A disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about multiple aspects of life, occurring more days than not for at least six months.

Obsessions

Recurrent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that cause significant anxiety or distress.

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions, aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared event.

Dissociative identity disorder

A disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states, along with memory gaps beyond normal forgetfulness.

Dissociative fugue

A rare dissociative disorder involving sudden, unexpected travel away from home and confusion about one’s identity.

Hypervigilance

A heightened state of awareness and sensitivity to potential threats, commonly associated with trauma-related disorders.

Flashbacks

Vivid, intrusive memories in which an individual feels as though they are reliving a traumatic event.

Emotional detachment

A psychological response in which an individual feels disconnected from their emotions or from others, often following trauma.

Cluster A personality disorders

A group of personality disorders characterized by odd or eccentric behavior, including paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders.

Cluster B personality disorders

A group of personality disorders characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior, including antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.

Cluster C personality disorders

A group of personality disorders characterized by anxious or fearful behavior, including avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

Antisocial personality disorder

A disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, often involving deceit, impulsivity, and lack of remorse.

Borderline personality disorder

A disorder marked by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, along with impulsive behaviors and fear of abandonment.

Narcissistic personality disorder

A disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

Avoidant personality disorder

A disorder involving extreme social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.

Dependent personality disorder

A disorder characterized by excessive reliance on others for emotional and decision-making support.

Therapeutic alliance

The collaborative and trusting relationship between a therapist and client, which is a key predictor of successful treatment outcomes.

Cognitive restructuring

A cognitive therapy technique that involves identifying, challenging, and replacing irrational or maladaptive thoughts with more realistic and constructive ones.

Cognitive triad

A concept in depression describing negative patterns of thinking about the self, the world, and the future.

Exposure therapy

A behavioral therapy technique that involves gradual and repeated exposure to a feared object or situation to reduce anxiety over time.

Systematic desensitization

A type of exposure therapy that combines gradual exposure to a fear stimulus with relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.

Aversion therapy

A behavioral technique that pairs an unwanted behavior with an unpleasant stimulus to reduce the behavior.

Token economies

A behavioral modification system in which individuals earn tokens as rewards for desired behaviors, which can be exchanged for privileges or items.

Biofeedback

A technique that uses monitoring devices to help individuals gain control over involuntary physiological processes such as heart rate or muscle tension.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

A form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines acceptance and change strategies, often used to treat borderline personality disorder.

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)

A form of cognitive therapy that focuses on identifying and changing irrational beliefs that lead to emotional distress.

Unconditional positive regard

A humanistic therapy concept involving complete acceptance and support of a client without judgment, regardless of what they say or do.