Ch. 3 Psychological Health

Psychological Health (Mental Health)

The extent to which we are able to function optimally in the face of challenges, whether we have mental illness or not

Self-actualization

The highest level of growth in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Autonomy

Independence; in the sense of being self-directed

Emotional Intelligence

The capacity to identify and manage your own emotions and, where possible, identify and manage the emotions of others

Cognitive Distortions

A pattern of negative thinking that makes events seem worse than they actually are

Defense Mechanisms

A mental strategy that uses techniques such as humor or denial to cope with conflict or anxiety

Pessimism

The tendency to focus on the negative and expect an unfavorable outcome

Optimism

Tendency to emphasize the hopeful and expect a favorable outcome.

Assertive

Expression that is forceful but not hostile

Social Anxiety Disorder

An excessive fear of being observed by others/ the fear of humiliation or embarrassment

Panic Disorder

A syndrome of severe anxiety attacks accompanied by physical symptoms

Agoraphobia

An anxiety disorder characterized by fear of being alone away from help and by avoidance of many different places and situations

Fear of leaving home in extreme cases

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

An anxiety disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry and anxiety in many situations.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

An anxiety disorder characterized by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts and the performing of senseless rituals

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

An anxiety disorder characterized by reliving traumatic events through dreams, flashbacks, and hallucinations

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

A disorder characterized by persistent, pervasive problems with inattention and/or hyperactivity to a degree that is not considered appropriate for a child’s developmental stage and that causes significant difficulties in school, work, or relationships

Schizophrenia

A psychological disorder that involves a disturbance in thinking and in perceiving reality.