Social Psychology and Psychological Disorders

These flashcards cover key concepts from social psychology and psychological disorders including definitions of theories, models, and specific disorders.

Attribution Theory

Theory that describes how we explain the causes of behavior, distinguishing between internal/external, stable/unstable, and controllable/uncontrollable factors.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to overestimate the influence of internal traits and underestimate the impact of external situations when judging others’ behavior.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

The phenomenon whereby expectations about a person lead that person to behave in ways that confirm those expectations.

Dunning-Kruger Effect

A cognitive bias where individuals with low ability overestimate their own competence and skills.

Imposter Phenomenon

The persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evident success and accomplishments.

Elaboration Likelihood Model

A model of persuasion that distinguishes between central and peripheral processing, which affect attitude change.

Cognitive Dissonance

A psychological conflict resulting from incongruous beliefs and attitudes held simultaneously.

Biopsychosocial Model

A model that considers biological, psychological, and social factors as interconnected in understanding health and illness.

Schizophrenia

A severe mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, and behavior.

Mood Disorders

Psychological disorders characterized by significant disturbances in emotions that interfere with daily living.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

A severe form of dissociation characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states.

Behavioral Therapy

A treatment that uses conditioning principles to reduce unwanted behaviors and increase adaptive behaviors.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of therapy that combines cognitive and behavioral strategies to address specific psychological disorders.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A mental disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions).

Antisocial Personality Disorder

A personality disorder characterized by a disregard for the moral or ethical rules of society and a lack of empathy.

Borderline Personality Disorder

A disorder marked by intense emotional instability, impulsive behavior, and turbulent relationships.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to severe anxiety and distress.