Biological Perspective

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that allow one neuron to affect or communicate with another.

Hormones

Biological chemicals that affect parts of the body some distance from where they were produced.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter in the brain associated with positive emotions, reward response, extraversion, motivation and openness.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates emotion, motivation, and is linked to depression and neuroticism.

Epinephrine

A neurotransmitter in the brain and a hormone released in response to stress, also known as adrenaline.

Norepinephrine

An important neurotransmitter associated with responses to stress, also known as noradrenaline. (fight or flight response)

Testosterone

The male sex hormone associated with assertiveness, dominance, and aggression.

Cortisol

A collective term for glucocorticoid hormones released in response to stress, linked to anxiety, depression, and heart disease.

Amygdala

A brain structure near the base of the brain believed to play a role in emotion, especially negative emotions like anger and fear.

Frontal Lobes and Neocortex

Brain regions associated with cognitive functions, planning, and understanding.

Incentive Approach System

A psychological system associated with reward-seeking behavior, linked to positive emotions and dopamine.

Behavioral Inhibition System

A psychological system related to punishment avoidance, activated by cues of danger and punishment.

Heritability Coefficient

.The degree to which variance in a trait in the population can be attributed to genetic variance. (rmz-rdz) x 2 • DOES NOT MEAN A TRAIT IS X% DUE TO GENETICS

Molecular Genetics (Genomics)

The study of how particular gene locations relate to measurable differences among individuals, influencing personality traits.

Allele

Different forms of a gene that can occupy a specific position on a chromosome that can lead to variations in a particular trait.

Interactionism

proposes that personality traits emerge through complex interactions between genetic predispositions, cognitive processes, social experiences, and situational contexts.traits interact with their environments in unique ways, leading to diverse patterns of behavior across different situations and contexts. For example, an individual may exhibit different behaviors in social settings compared to professional settings, depending on the specific demands and expectations of each environment

limitations of biological perspective

Fragmented, incomplete. Animal models may not generalize. Multidetermined biological processes . Often requires validation with non-biological testing

advantages of biological perspectives

New technology is helping provide new answers ,Addresses the importance of biological processes in personality, Provides more direct insight into treatments.

oxytocin

A hormone that may have specific effects in women - emotional attachment and calming. promoting bonding, social behavior, and trust. Known as the "love hormone."

frontal cortex

The front part of the cortex of the brain. Divided left and right into two frontal lobes, this part of the brain is associated with cognitive functioning such as planning, foresight, and understanding. left is associated with approach & right with withdrawl

neocortex

The outer layer of the cortex of the brain, regard as uniquely human

Capgras syndrome

A disorder in which the patient believes that a close friend, relative, or other person is not the real person but an exact look-alike or imposter

Eysencks early views

• Two major dimensions: Extraversion-introversion & neuroticism-stability

• Extraversion traits: Sociability, assertiveness, excitement-seeking

• Neuroticism traits: Anxiety, moodiness, emotional instability

• ARAS & Extraversion: Lower baseline arousal in ARAS for extraverts

• Cerebral Cortex: Balancing arousal, introverts prefer quieter environments

• Lemon Drop Test: Investigating cortical arousal differences

• Neuroticism: Easily aroused emotion centers, heightened emotional responses

biological bases of emotional stability (inverse of neurociticsm)

serotonin, cortisol norepinephrine, left frontal (anger), amygdala, insula, anterior cingulate

biological bases of agreeableness

serotonin, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, superior temporal sulcus, posterior cingulate cortex

biological bases of conscientiousness

seratonin, middle frontal gyrus

extraversion

dopamine, endorphins, medial orbito-frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, striatum

openness

dopamine, left prefrontal cortex, posterior medial prefrontal cortex

polymorphism

presence of multiple forms (alleles) of a gene within a population.

Phenotype

refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which result from the interaction between its genetic makeup (genotype) and the environment.

Genotype

refers to the genetic constitution of an organism, including the specific alleles present in its DNA.

DRD4 (Dopamine Receptor D4)

gene involved in the regulation of dopamine receptors in the brain. Variations in the gene have been associated with differences in novelty seeking behavior, which refers to the tendency to seek out new and unfamiliar experiences.

ANKK1

gene that codes for a protein related to dopamine receptor signaling. Variations in the gene, particularly in relation to the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), have been linked to differences in impulsiveness and fun-seeking behaviors.

5HTTLPR

gene involved in the regulation of serotonin transporter production. Variations in the gene have been associated with differences in impulse control and restraint, as well as certain aspects of neuroticism, which is a personality trait characterized by emotional instability, anxiety, and moodiness.