Psychology Review Flashcards

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts from psychology lecture notes for exam preparation.

What does Positive Psychology study?

Factors leading to better well-being, resilience, positive emotions, and psychological health.

How does experiencing gratitude affect well-being?

Experiencing and expressing gratitude increases well-being.

What are the signature strengths associated with well-being?

Wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence.

What is posttraumatic growth?

Experiencing trauma can result in growth and resilience.

What are the 7 perspectives to explain psychological disorders?

Biological, Evolutionary, Cognitive, Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Sociocultural.

What model combines biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors in explaining disorders?

Biopsychosocial model.

What does the Diathesis-Stress model suggest?

An individual has a genetic predisposition that must be activated by environmental stressors.

What is the DSM used for?

Diagnosing psychological disorders, providing diagnostic criteria and codes.

What is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Characterized by inattention impacting function and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity.

How is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) characterized?

Impairment in social relationships and communication, along with repetitive behaviors.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Eating disorder characterized by significant weight loss, distorted body image, and major calorie restriction.

What are the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?

Extreme sadness, despair, and apathy towards life.

What is the difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorders?

Bipolar I includes manic episodes, usually full depressive episodes; Bipolar II features hypomanic episodes and full depressive episodes.

What are positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and disorganized motor behavior.

What is the Dopamine hypothesis regarding schizophrenia?

Too much dopamine in the brain is linked to symptoms of schizophrenia.

What is the difference between phobias and generalized anxiety disorder?

Phobias are irrational fears that disrupt life; generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent anxiety.

What is the drive reduction theory?

A physiological need creates arousal that motivates an individual to satisfy the need.

What is self-determination theory?

Theory that distinguishes between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

What is the Yerkes-Dodson Law?

Suggests that optimum levels of arousal enhance performance on tasks.

What is classical conditioning?

Learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, eliciting a conditioned response.

What are the stages of Jean Piaget's cognitive development?

Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, Formal Operational.

What is the Broaden-and-Build theory?

Positive emotions broaden awareness and build resources over time.

What is the purpose of the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

To change maladaptive thinking patterns to improve emotional regulation and behavior.

What are the characteristics of personality disorders?

Disruptive, inflexible, and enduring behavior patterns affecting interpersonal functioning.

What are the ethical guidelines for psychological research?

Confidentiality, informed consent, and no harm to participants.

What techniques are used in humanistic therapy?

Active listening and unconditional positive regard.

What is the role of the amygdala in emotional processing?

Involves fear and emotional responses.

What does the term 'neurotransmitter' refer to?

Chemicals released in the synaptic gap that transmit signals between neurons.