PSYC 2230 - Lecture 1: Introduction & Historical Perspectives

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental definitions, the four Ds, the behavioral continuum, historical models, and clinical credentials in Abnormal Psychology.

Psychopathology

The scientific study of mental difficulties, psychological suffering, or behavioral disorders.

Etiology

The origin or causes of a psychological disorder, involving the complex multi-way interaction of genes, the brain, the individual, and the environment.

Deviance

A criterion for abnormal behavior characterized by thoughts, behaviors, or emotions that differ significantly from societal norms or statistical averages.

Distress

The subjective experience of personal suffering, discomfort, worry, fear, or sadness caused by an individual's thoughts, emotions, or behaviors.

Dysfunction

Impairment that interferes with an individual's ability to perform daily responsibilities, maintain employment, sustain romantic and social relationships, or succeed in academic work.

Danger

A feature of abnormal behavior where an individual's psychological state or actions pose a risk of harm to themselves or others.

Trephination

An ancient prehistorical treatment method in which an instrument was used to cut a hole in the skull to release evil spirits believed to cause abnormal behavior.

Hippocratic Theory of Humors

An ancient Greek model proposing that mental and physical illnesses arise from imbalances among four vital bodily fluids: yellow bile, black bile, phlegm, and blood.

Somatogenic Perspective

A perspective emerging in the early 20th century positing that psychopathology has biological and physical causes.

Psychogenic Perspective

A perspective emerging in the early 20th century positing that psychopathology has psychological and emotional causes.

Healthy (Behavioral Continuum)

A state on the behavioral continuum characterized by resilience, adaptiveness, normal mood fluctuations, healthy sleep, physical activity, social connectedness, and effective coping mechanisms.

Reacting (Behavioral Continuum)

A state on the behavioral continuum involving mild or temporary distress, nervousness, sadness, trouble sleeping, procrastination, fatigue, low energy, and occasional social withdrawal.

Ill / Clinical (Behavioral Continuum)

A state on the behavioral continuum marked by severe functional impairment, panic attacks, severe depression, clinical symptoms, complete isolation, physical illness, and inability to perform daily roles.

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who diagnoses mental illnesses and specializes in psychopharmacology, with the authority to prescribe medications, monitor side effects, and coordinate care.

Clinical Psychologist

A mental health clinician holding a Ph.D. or Psy.D. who specializes in psychological testing, diagnosis, clinical research, and providing evidence-based, structured psychotherapy.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

A mental health professional holding a Master's or Ph.D. in Counseling who provides individual psychotherapy, group counseling, and general community mental health services.

Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

A professional holding an M.S.W. who focuses heavily on systemic, social, and environmental factors while providing clinical case management and general psychotherapy.

Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

A clinician holding a Master's in MFT who specializes in marriage and family systems, couple dynamics, and family or child relational therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A structured psychotherapeutic modality used as a primary clinical treatment for anxiety disorders.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

An evidence-based clinical treatment modality used for addressing trauma and PTSD.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

A specialized clinical treatment modality designed specifically for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A clinical treatment modality utilized primarily for depressive disorders and mood dysregulation.

Asylum

An institution established in the mid-sixteenth century dedicated to housing the mentally ill, which historically became overcrowded, filthy, and similar to virtual prisons.

Amy in the Rain: How She Overcame Her Fears

A published children's book written by Dr. Aurélie Weinstein that focuses on helping children overcome anxiety and fears.