Chapter 2: An Integrative Approach to Psychopathology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and biological, psychological, and social factors from the lecture on the integrative approach to psychopathology.

One-Dimensional Model

An explanation that traces the origin of a disorder to a single cause, ignoring other influences.

Multidimensional Integrative Model

A perspective that psychological disorders arise from the interaction of biological, psychological, social, cultural, and developmental factors.

Diathesis–Stress Model

Theory proposing that a genetic or biological vulnerability is activated by environmental stress to produce a disorder.

Gene–Environment Correlation

Idea that inherited traits influence the likelihood of encountering certain environments that trigger genetic vulnerabilities.

Epigenetics

Study of how environmental factors switch genes on or off without altering DNA sequence, sometimes across generations.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits electrical and chemical information throughout the nervous system.

Synapse

The small gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released to communicate signals.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger that carries signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Glutamate

Major excitatory neurotransmitter that "turns on" many neurons and promotes action.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neural activity and overall arousal.

Serotonin (5-HT)

Monoamine neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, information processing, and inhibition of behavior.

Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)

Catecholamine neurotransmitter that influences alarm responses, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Dopamine

Monoamine neurotransmitter linked to reward, motivation, motor control, and some psychotic symptoms.

Agonist

A substance that increases or mimics the activity of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or decreases the activity of a neurotransmitter.

Reuptake

Process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron after transmission.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord, which process information and coordinate activity.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All nervous system structures outside the brain and spinal cord, including somatic and autonomic divisions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Autonomic division that mobilizes the body for action (fight-or-flight reaction).

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Autonomic division that conserves energy and restores the body to resting state.

HPA Axis

Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenocortical pathway that controls stress hormone (cortisol) release.

Limbic System

Brain network (including amygdala and hippocampus) involved in emotion, motivation, and memory.

Amygdala

Almond-shaped limbic structure critical for processing fear and other emotions.

Prefrontal Cortex

Frontal brain area responsible for reasoning, planning, and regulation of emotions.

Brain Circuit

Interconnected pathway of neurons that uses specific neurotransmitters to regulate behavior or emotion.

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Field that studies interactions between psychological processes, nervous system, and endocrine system.

Placebo Effect

Positive symptom change produced by expectations rather than an active treatment.

Learned Helplessness

Condition in which repeated uncontrollable events lead to passive behavior and possible depression.

Learned Optimism

Tendency to maintain positive expectations and cope better with stress.

Modeling (Observational Learning)

Learning that occurs by watching the actions and outcomes of others’ behavior.

Prepared Learning

Innate tendency to more easily learn associations that enhance survival (e.g., snake fear).

Implicit Memory

Unconscious memory that influences behavior without conscious awareness of past events.

Fight-or-Flight Response

Automatic physiological reaction to perceived threat, preparing the body to flee or defend.

Emotion

Short-lived feeling state involving behavioral tendency, physiological response, and cognitive appraisal.

Mood

Persistent emotional state that colors perception, lasting hours or days.

Affect

Moment-to-moment emotional tone accompanying thoughts or behavior.

Circumplex Model of Emotion

Framework plotting emotions along valence (positive–negative) and arousal (high–low) dimensions.

Tend-and-Befriend

Stress response pattern in females characterized by nurturing behavior and seeking social alliances.

Social Support

Network of interpersonal relationships that improve coping, health, and longevity.

Resilience

Capacity to adapt successfully and recover from adversity or stress.

Stigma

Negative social attitude that discredits individuals with mental disorders and hinders recovery.

Equifinality

Principle that multiple different causes can lead to the same psychological outcome.

Life-Span Development

Study of how people change biologically, psychologically, and socially across the entire life course.

Frontal Lobe

Cerebral cortex region involved in planning, decision making, and controlling voluntary movement.

Placebo Analgesia

Pain reduction produced by inert treatments through brain mechanisms similar to those of active drugs.