Theoretical Perspectives on Psychopathology

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from theoretical perspectives on psychopathology, including biological models, psychodynamic theories, behavioral theories, and various psychological assessments.

Etiology

The study of the cause or origin of a disease or disorder.

Single-factor theory

A model suggesting that disorders derive from a single cause, which may be biological or environmental.

Interactionist model

A perspective that emphasizes the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors in the development of disorders.

Biopsychosocial model

A model that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding health and illness.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances that transmit nerve impulses across a synapse.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that stabilizes mood and feelings of well-being.

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Autonomic nervous system

Part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and slows down heart rate.

Endocrine system

A system of glands that produce hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, mood, and other bodily functions.

Hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis

A central stress response system that controls reactions to stress and regulates many body processes.

Behavioral genetics

The field of study that examines the role of genetics in behavior.

Concordance

The presence of the same trait in both members of a pair of twins or family members.

Psychodynamic theories

Theories that emphasize unconscious processes and childhood experiences as significant in understanding behavior.

Catharsis

The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.

Defense mechanisms

Psychological strategies used by the ego to protect against anxiety by distorting reality.

Id

The part of the unconscious mind that contains our basic instinctual drives and desires.

Ego

The rational part of the mind that mediates between the desires of the id and the realities of the external world.

Superego

The part of the mind that reflects the internalization of cultural rules and morals.

Psychosexual development

Freud’s theory of childhood development focusing on sexual energy as a driving force.

Repression

A defense mechanism that involves pushing unacceptable thoughts out of consciousness.

Regresssion

A defense mechanism where an individual reverts to behaviors typical of an earlier developmental stage.

Denial

A defense mechanism that involves refusing to accept reality or fact.

Displacement

A defense mechanism in which feelings are redirected from the original source to a safer target.

Sublimation

A defense mechanism that channels unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.

Classical conditioning

A learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus.

Operant conditioning

A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior.

Social learning theory

A theory that posits that behavior is learned through observing others.

Cognitive-behavioral theory

A therapeutic approach that addresses dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and cognitions through a goal-oriented process.

Schemas

Cognitive structures that help individuals organize and interpret information.

Core beliefs

Fundamental beliefs that shape how one views oneself and the world.

Maladaptive schemas

Negative patterns of thought that can lead to emotional distress.

Humanistic psychology

A psychological perspective emphasizing personal growth and self-actualization.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

A motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs.

Existential angst

A profound sense of distress related to one's own existence and the responsibilities of freedom.

Socio-cultural perspective

A framework that emphasizes the influence of society and culture on behavior and mental health.

Public stigma

Negative societal beliefs about people with mental health issues.

Self-stigma

The internalization of societal stigma, leading to reduced self-esteem.

BIPOC communities

Refers to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, highlighting diversity and systemic issues.

Diagnostic system goals

To provide descriptions of different mental disorders and establish communication regarding diagnosis.

DSM

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a major classification system in psychology.

ICD

The International Classification of Diseases, providing a comprehensive listing of diseases.

Reliability

The consistency of a measure over time.

Validity

The degree to which a tool measures what it claims to measure.

Inter-rater reliability

The degree of agreement among different raters evaluating the same phenomenon.

Concurrent validity

The extent to which test scores correlate with scores from other assessments measuring the same construct.

Predictive validity

The extent to which a score on a scale or test predicts scores on some criterion measure.

Heterogeneity

Variability in or diversity of a population; in this context, differences in symptom presentations.

Comorbidity

The simultaneous presence of two or more disorders in a person.

Clinical interview

A conversation between clinician and patient designed to gather diagnostic information.

Behavioral observations

Monitoring and recording an individual's behavior in various contexts.

Psychological testing

Standardized measures designed to assess individual differences in mental functioning.

Neuropsychological assessment

Evaluating cognitive function through testing that measures memory, attention, and problem-solving.

Epidemiology

The study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people.

Experimental research

Research that tests a hypothesis in controlled conditions.

Correlational research

Research that examines the relationship between two or more variables.

Statistical significance

The likelihood that a result or relationship is caused by something other than mere chance.

Effect size

A measure of the magnitude of a phenomenon.

Anxiety

A psychological condition characterized by excessive fear or worry.

Panic attacks

An abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort, reaching a peak within minutes.

Social anxiety disorder

An intense fear of social situations where one might be judged or scrutinized.

Agoraphobia

Fear and avoidance of places or situations where escape might be difficult.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

A condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.

Autonomic nervous system activation

A physiological response that prepares the body for action in stressful situations.

Fight or flight response

The body's acute stress response that prepares an individual to react to danger.

Biological predispositions

Genetic factors that increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders.

Intergenerational trauma

Psychological effects shaped by the trauma experienced by preceding generations.

Cognitive distortions

Erroneous ways of thinking that negatively influence perceptions and behaviors.

Negative reinforcement

A process where a behavior is strengthened by the removal of negative consequences.

Clinical significance

The practical relevance of research findings in a real-world clinical setting.

Treatment planning

The process of developing a strategy for addressing an individual’s psychological issues.

Self-monitoring

The process of tracking one's behavior, thoughts, and emotions.