General Psychology: Chapter 13

3 D’s

deviance, distress, dysfunction

hallucinations

faulty perceptions

delusions

faulty interpretations of reality

medical model

based on the belief that abnormal behavior patterns are mental illnesses or brain diseases that have a biological basis.

psychodynamic model of abnormal behavior

to explain abnormal behavior by focusing on unconscious drives and early childhood experiences that cause unresolved conflicts and repressed emotions

behavioral model of abnormal behavior

which stresses the role of learning in the development of abnormal behaviors

humanistic model of abnormal behavior

holds that abnormal behavior develops when people encounter roadblocks on the path to personal growth

biopsychosocial model

which focuses on the contributions and interactions of biological and psychosocial influences

diathesis stress model

which relates the development of disorders to the combination of a diathesis, or predisposition (usually genetic in origin), and exposure to stressful events or life circumstances.

psychological disorders

a syndrome characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior, reflecting a dysfunction in the underlying psychological, biological, or developmental processes

phobias

are excessive or irrational fears of specific objects or situations

social anxiety disorder

a mental health condition characterized by an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others

specific phobia disorder

an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense and irrational fear of a particular object or situation

agora phobia

an anxiety disorder characterized by the fear and avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable, often triggered by panic attacks

generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

a type of anxiety disorder involving persistent and generalized anxiety and worry that is not tied to any specific object or situation

obsessive compulsive disorder

experience persistent obsessions (nagging, intrusive thoughts) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviors or rituals)

dissociative disorders

a class of psychological disorders involving changes in consciousness, memory, or self identity

dissociative identity disorder

commonly called multiple personality disorder, is a type of dissociative disorder characterized by the appearance of multiple personalities, or “alters” in the same individual

dissociative amnesia

experience a loss of memory for personal information that cannot be explained by a physical cause

mood disorders

involve disturbances in mood states, such as major depression or bipolar disorder

major depression

people have dampening of mood to the point that they may become unmotivated, lose interest in pleasurable activities, develop feeligs of worthlessness, or attempt suicide

bipolar disorder

characterized by mood swings from extreme elation (mania) to severe depression

learned helplessness model

states depression results from the perception of a lack of control over the reinforcements in one’s life that may result from exposure to uncontrollable negative events

disinhibition effect

the removal of normal restraints or inhibitions that serve to keep impulsive behavior in check

schizophrenia

is a severe and chronic psychological disorder characterized by disturbances in thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior.

thought disorder

a breakdown in the logical structure of thinking and speech characterized by loose associations between expressed ideas.

positive symptoms of schizophrenia

involve behavioral excesses, such as hallucinations and delusions

negative symptoms of schizphrenia

involve behavioral deficits, such as withdrawal and apathy

catatonic behavior

remaining in a motionless state or stupor in which they appear unresponsive

waxy flexibility

a psychological symptom of catatonia where a person's limbs remain in the position they are placed in by another person, resisting movement slightly before slowly bending and settling into the new posture

personality disorders

are characterized by rigid personality traits that impair people’s ability to adjust to the demands they face in the environment and that interfere with their relationships with others

antisocial personality disorder

is characterized by callous attitudes toward others and by antisocial and irresponsible behavior