Psychology and Psychotherapy Review

These flashcards cover key psychological concepts and theories discussed in lectures pertaining to cognitive and psychodynamic models.

What is positive reinforcement in psychology?

It is a process where a desirable stimulus is added following a behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

What are the three elements of Beck's cognitive triad of depression?

Negative view of self, negative view of the world, and negative view of the future.

Which psychological model emphasizes past childhood experiences?

The psychodynamic model.

What is the primary focus of cognitive therapy?

The present cognition and thought processes of the individual.

Why are schemas difficult to change?

Because they are deep-seated core beliefs about ourselves.

In psychodynamic therapy, what are defense mechanisms used for?

To manage psychological conflicts and protect the individual from anxiety.

What is the therapeutic encounter in psychoanalysis?

It is the interaction between the therapist and the client, focused on uncovering unconscious feelings.

Define transference in psychoanalytic therapy.

It is when a client projects feelings about significant others in their life onto their therapist.

What is the difference between normothetic and ideographic approaches in psychology?

Normothetic focuses on studying groups, while ideographic emphasizes individual cases.

What type of anxiety is characterized by an automatic reaction to a threat?

Automatic anxiety.

What types of depression are discussed in psychoanalytic approaches?

Anacliptic (dependent) depression and interjective (self-critical) depression.

What does the p factor in psychology refer to?

A general factor that may underlie various psychological disorders.

Identify one potential issue with measuring the outcomes of psychoanalytic therapy.

The subjective nature of therapy outcomes and difficulty in quantifying success.

What relationship dynamics are key to understanding personality disorders in psychoanalysis?

The quality of relationships and how individuals manage their emotions in response to others.

What is meant by 'the return of the repressed' in psychoanalysis?

The reemergence of repressed feelings or memories in a person's conscious awareness.

What is the role of the therapist in psychoanalysis?

To facilitate exploration of unconscious processes and assist the client in understanding their emotions.

Explain the significance of mentalization in psychodynamic therapy.

It involves understanding one's own and others' mental states, which is crucial for healthy interpersonal relationships.

What might high levels of emotional avoidance indicate in individuals?

They may struggle with anxiety or worry about future events as a coping mechanism.