PSY 350 Exam #3 (Textbook Cards)

How do men and women differ in their views of sexual intercourse?

Men often view intercourse as a physical act linked to performance and release, while women tend to view it as connected to emotional intimacy and relationship closeness.

How does the difference in views of sexual intercourse lead to problems?

Different expectations cause miscommunication—men may misinterpret emotional distance as lack of interest, while women may feel pressured or misunderstood, leading to conflict and avoidance.

What are the four phases of human sexual response?

Desire, excitement, orgasm, and resolution.

Which phases of sexual response does sexual dysfunction affect?

Sexual dysfunctions affect the first three phases: desire, excitement, and orgasm.

What disorder of desire affects men?

Male hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

What disorder of desire affects women?

Female sexual interest/arousal disorder.

What hormones may affect sexual desire?

Testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin.

What prescribed medications affect sexual desire?

Antidepressants, antihypertensives, antipsychotics, and opioids typically decrease desire; testosterone therapy can increase it.

What sociocultural factors can lead to desire and erectile disorder?

Stress, cultural expectations, relationship conflicts, poor sexual education, and negative attitudes toward sexuality.

What physiological response is caused by medications for erectile dysfunction?

They increase blood flow to the penis by enhancing nitric oxide activity.

What condition are therapists paying more attention to that is not listed in the DSM-5?

Hypersexuality (compulsive sexual behavior).

What are voyeurism and frotteurism?

Voyeurism: observing unsuspecting individuals who are naked or engaged in sexual activity. Frotteurism: touching or rubbing against a non-consenting person.

What do some clinicians believe about paraphilias?

That paraphilias should be viewed on a continuum and only considered disorders when they cause harm or distress.

What are the cognitive-behavioral treatments for fetishism?

Aversion therapy, covert sensitization, and orgasmic reorientation.

How prevalent is premature ejaculation?

Approximately 30% of men experience it at some point.

What reaction to being transgender becomes a disorder?

Gender dysphoria—distress related to the mismatch between assigned gender and gender identity.

What are some explanations for the origins of transgender functioning?

Biological factors such as prenatal hormone exposure and brain structure differences; social distress is the main cause of dysphoric reactions.

What are reasons for and against gender-affirming surgery?

For: reduced dysphoria, improved mental health, higher life satisfaction. Against: medical risks, cost, permanence, and social pressures.

What are the four categories of substances people misuse?

Depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and cannabis.

What have statistics shown about binge-drinking trends?

Binge-drinking has increased among young adults; males and college students are most likely.

What are the most widely used depressants?

Alcohol, sedative-hypnotics, and opioids.

How does alcohol affect the neurotransmitter GABA?

It increases GABA activity, producing relaxation and reduced anxiety.

Why do women become more intoxicated than men on equal doses?

Women have less alcohol dehydrogenase, leading to higher blood alcohol levels.

Are rates of metabolizing alcohol the same in all individuals?

No—genetics, body size, liver health, and tolerance vary.

What are the only things that help a person sober up?

Time and metabolism; nothing instantly speeds sobering.

Which students are most likely to binge drink?

Students who belong to fraternities/sororities, athletes, and first-year college students.

What ethnic group tends to display the highest rates of alcohol abuse and dependence?

Native Americans.

What do MRI scans reveal about the brains of chronic drinkers?

Reduced brain size, neuron loss, and damage in memory and decision-making areas.

Define tolerance in substance abuse.

The need for increasing amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect.

What are alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Tremors, nausea, anxiety, seizures, hallucinations, and possibly delirium tremens.

What is cirrhosis and how does alcoholism contribute?

Liver damage where liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue; alcohol toxicity destroys liver cells.

What nutritional problems may excessive drinking cause?

Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins (e.g., B1), leading to memory and nerve problems.

What problems are associated with fetal alcohol syndrome?

Intellectual disability, facial abnormalities, behavioral issues, and growth deficits.

What factors increase risk of substance abuse according to sociocultural views?

Stress, unemployment, peer influence, and living in environments with high drug availability.

What process plays a key role in substance abuse disorders according to cognitive-behaviorists?

Operant conditioning—drugs are reinforced by reducing tension or producing pleasure.

What is involved in psychodynamic therapy for substance abuse?

Therapists seek underlying conflicts; generally less effective alone.

How does aversion therapy help combat alcoholism?

Pairs alcohol use with unpleasant stimuli (nausea, shock, imagery) to reduce desire.

What strategies are used in relapse prevention training?

Identifying triggers, coping skills, planning for high-risk situations, and self-monitoring.

How do self-help programs like AA help people with alcoholism?

Provide peer support, structure, a recovery community, and a step-based model.

What does research indicate about controlled drinking vs. abstinence?

Some benefit from controlled drinking, but abstinence is recommended for severe dependence.

Describe paranoid, schizoid, borderline, histrionic, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

Paranoid: distrust & suspicion; Schizoid: social detachment; Borderline: instability & impulsivity; Histrionic: emotionality & attention-seeking; OCPD: perfectionism & control.

What adolescent behaviors are linked to later antisocial personality disorder?

Truancy, aggression, running away, destroying property, and early delinquent behavior.

What childhood disorders often lead to antisocial personality disorder?

Conduct disorder and ADHD.

Why are people with antisocial personality disorder more prone to substance abuse?

They seek stimulation, have impulsivity, and lower concern for consequences.

What neurotransmitter abnormality may contribute to antisocial personality disorder?

Low serotonin levels.

Why are treatments for antisocial personality disorder ineffective?

Lack of motivation, manipulation of therapists, and low empathy.

What common childhood experiences occur in those with borderline personality disorder?

Abuse, neglect, trauma, unstable relationships, and inconsistent parenting.

What does the biosocial theory of borderline personality disorder propose?

It results from emotional vulnerability combined with invalidating environments.

Do people with personality disorders seek treatment on their own?

False—most do not seek treatment unless distressed by consequences.

Why are persons with narcissistic personality disorder difficult to treat?

They lack insight, feel superior, and are sensitive to criticism.

What is a key task in therapy for dependent personality disorder?

Encouraging autonomy and building independence.

What kind of research is being neglected in personality disorders?

Cross-cultural and longitudinal studies.

What is the 'Big Five' in personality traits?

A dimensional model of personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness) used to rate individuals rather than categorize them.