Psychopathology Chapter 3

Model/paradigms

A set of assumptions and concepts that help scientists explain and interpret observations

psychodynamic model

looks at people’s unconscious internal processes and conflicts

cognitive behavioral model

emphasizes behavior, the ways in which it is learned, and the thinking that underlies behavior and emotions

humanistic-existential model

stresses the role of values and choices

sociocultural model

which looks to social and cultural forces as the keys to human functioning

family-social perspective

hich focuses on an individual’s family and social interactions

multicultural perspective

emphasizes an individual’s culture and the shared beliefs, values, and history of that culture

biological model

a full understanding of Jorge’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior must therefore include an understanding of their biological basis

neurons

nerve cell

synapse

The tiny space between the nerve ending of one neuron and the dendrite of another

neurotransmitter

A chemical that, released by one neuron, crosses the synaptic space to be received at receptors on the dendrites of neighboring neurons

receptors

A site on a neuron that receives a neurotransmitter

brain circuits

A network of particular brain structures that work together, triggering each other into action to produce a distinct kind of behavioral, cognitive, or emotional reaction

psychotropic medications

Drugs that mainly affect the brain and reduce many symptoms of mental dysfunction

brain stimulation

Interventions that directly or indirectly stimulate the brain in order to bring about psychological improvement

electroconvulsive therapy

A biological treatment in which a brain seizure is triggered when an electric current passes through electrodes attached to the patient’s forehead

psychosurgery

brain surgery for mental disorders

id

According to Freud, the psychological force that produces instinctual needs, drives, and impulses

ego

According to Freud, the psychological force that employs reason and operates in accordance with the reality principle

ego defense mechanism

strategies developed by the ego to control unacceptable id impulses and to avoid or reduce the anxiety they arouse

superego

the psychological force that represents a person’s values and ideals

self theorists

emphasizes the role of the self — our unified personality

object relations theorists

views the desire for relationships as the key motivating force in human behavior

free association

the patient describes any thought, feeling, or image that comes to mind, even if it seems unimportant

resistance

An unconscious refusal to participate fully in therapy

transference

the redirection toward the psychotherapist of feelings associated with important figures in a patient’s life, now or in the past

catharsis

The reliving of past repressed feelings in order to settle internal conflicts and overcome problems