Emotions and Motivation / Psychological Disorders / Treatment of Psychological Disorders

This set of flashcards covers core concepts related to emotions, motivation, psychological disorders, and their treatments, providing definitions and explanations for important terms and theories.

Emotion vs. Mood

An emotion is an immediate, specific response to environmental events or internal thoughts, while a mood is a long-lasting emotional state that lacks an identifiable trigger.

Primary vs. Secondary Emotions

Primary emotions are innate and universally recognized (e.g., anger, fear), whereas secondary emotions are blends of primary emotions (e.g., remorse, guilt).

Circumplex Model

Emotions are represented on two continuums: Valence (positive vs. negative) and Activation/Arousal (alert vs. calm).

James-Lange Theory

This theory posits that we perceive specific bodily responses first, and then feel the emotion based on those responses.

Cannon-Bard Theory

According to this theory, emotion and physical arousal occur simultaneously and independently.

Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory

This theory states that we experience physiological arousal and then apply a cognitive label to explain it.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A theory suggesting that needs are prioritized: Physiological, Safety, Belonging and Love, Esteem, and Self-actualization.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

Indicates that performance increases with arousal only up to a moderate point; too little or too much arousal impairs performance.

Diathesis-Stress Model

A framework suggesting that a disorder develops when a genetic/biological vulnerability is triggered by a stressful event.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Anxiety disorder characterized by constant, diffuse anxiety not linked to a specific object.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Condition characterized by obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive acts to reduce anxiety).

Major Depressive Disorder

A severe form of depression that features persistent sad, empty, or irritable moods.

Bipolar I Disorder

Characterized by extremely elevated manic episodes that can cause significant impairment.

Schizophrenia

A mental disorder defined by a disconnection from reality, often manifesting in delusions and hallucinations.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A widely used therapy combining cognitive and behavioral techniques to treat many psychological disorders.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

An alternative treatment effective for severe depression, using electrical stimulation to the brain.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to reduce depression.