AP Psych Unit 5 Behavioral Perspective-Dopamine Hypothesis

Behavioral perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by maladaptive (unhelpful) learned associations/conditioning.

Ex. fear is classically conditioned; bad event leads to fear

Ex. Reinforcement helps maintain phobias and compulsions

Psychodynamic perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by unconscious thoughts and experiences, often developed during childhood.

Humanistic perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by a lack of social support and being unable to fulfill one’s potential

Cognitive perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by maladaptive thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, or emotions. 

Evolutionary perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by genetic mutations that cause behaviors and mental processes that may have once been adaptive, or may be adaptive in some circumstances, but not generally not adaptive today

Ex. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorders may be effects of a genetic mutation that promotes creativity

Sociocultural perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by maladaptive social and cultural relationships and dynamics.

Biological perspective

says that mental disorders are caused by physiological or genetic issues

Ex. Imbalance of neurotransmitters or hormones

Ex. twin studies show genetic contribution to schizophrenia

Biopsychosocial model

assumes that psychological disorders involve a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

Diathesis-stress model

assumes that psychological disorders develop due to a genetic vulnerability (diathesis) in combination with stressful life experiences (stress).

Neurodevelopmental disorders

defined as beginning in childhood. Characterized by exhibiting behaviors inappropriate for a person's age or maturity range. Causes are environmental, physiological, and/or genetic.

Positive symptoms

addition of inappropriate cognitions or behaviors

Negative symptoms

absence of appropriate cognitions or behaviors

Delusions

false beliefs, often of grandeur (exaggerated sense of self-importance) or persecution (everyone is out to get me) +

Hallucinations

false perceptions (no sensory input), can involve multiple senses but most often hearing +

-Disorganized thinking or speech

Word salad

stringing words together in nonsensical ways +

Catatonia

disorganized movement

Stupor

lack of movement, -

Excitement

excessive, often repetitive movements, +

Flat effect

no emotional expression, -

Dopamine hypothesis

people with schizophrenia have high levels of dopamine