Contemporary Issues in Psychology – Lecture Review

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering the ten contemporary psychology topics discussed in the lecture, designed to aid focused exam revision.

What is the core definition of Positive Parenting?

A respectful, encouraging approach that fosters healthy child development without harsh punishment.

List three foundational principles of Positive Parenting.

1) Effective, respectful communication; 2) Encouragement rather than punishment; 3) Setting clear, consistent boundaries.

Why do positive-parenting experts discourage frequent tangible rewards?

Research shows external rewards reduce intrinsic motivation; verbal praise is more effective for long-term engagement.

Give two key benefits of Positive Parenting for children.

Enhanced self-confidence and stronger parent–child relationships.

According to researchers, what daily practice strengthens Positive Parenting?

Spending 10–15 minutes of one-on-one, enjoyable time with the child each day.

At what developmental stage do most experts recommend beginning Positive Parenting strategies?

During the first three years of life, when cognitive, emotional, and social capacities rapidly develop.

How does Positive Parenting view discipline?

As guidance that helps children understand consequences and build responsibility, not as punitive action.

Which Australian study outcome supports Positive Parenting in elementary schools?

Reduced behavior problems and improved self-report skills among students who completed the program.

Define School Bullying.

A repeated aggressive behavior by one or more students intended to harm another student physically, verbally, socially, or online.

Name the four main types of school bullying.

Physical, verbal, social/relational, and cyberbullying.

State two common causes of bullying identified in the notes.

Weak parental/school supervision and a bully’s exposure to violence at home.

Give two psychological effects of bullying on victims.

Lower academic performance and increased risk of depression or suicidal thoughts.

What is one long-term risk for the bully if the behavior is not addressed?

Elevated likelihood of future aggressive or criminal conduct.

Mention two recommended anti-bullying interventions.

Comprehensive awareness programs and strict, consistently applied disciplinary policies.

How is ‘Extracurricular (non-classroom) Education’ defined?

Organized learning activities outside formal lessons aimed at holistic development (cognitive, social, emotional).

According to Dewey, why are extracurricular activities important?

True education occurs when learning connects to direct life experience.

List two skills enhanced by extracurricular activities.

Critical thinking and teamwork/leadership.

Give two common categories of non-classroom activities.

Cultural (e.g., school radio, art exhibits) and athletic (team or individual sports).

Which two theorists form the theoretical basis of extracurricular learning?

John Dewey (experiential learning) and Jean Piaget (active knowledge construction).

Provide one psychological benefit of extracurricular participation.

Greater school belonging and improved mental well-being.

How does the UN define youth in age range?

Individuals aged 15–24 years.

What general definition of psychological stress is offered?

A perceived mismatch between environmental demands and a person’s coping resources that threatens well-being.

Name the four kinds of stress described by Selye.

Eustress (positive), distress (negative), hyperstress (overload), and hypostress (under-stimulation).

List two emotional (affective) reactions to chronic stress in youth.

Anxiety and irritability.

Describe Cannon’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response.

A physiological activation—raised heart rate, blood pressure, etc.—preparing the body to confront or escape a stressor.

What is ‘learned helplessness’ according to Seligman?

A state where repeated uncontrollable stressors lead individuals to perceive no control and cease trying, often producing depression.

Summarize the three stages of Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome.

Alarm, resistance, and exhaustion (where coping resources are depleted).

What term colloquially describes adult relational problems rooted in early father dynamics?

‘Daddy Issues’.

Explain how insecure attachment can create ‘Daddy Issues.’

Inadequate paternal warmth or presence fosters anxious or avoidant attachment patterns that manifest as adult trust/relationship problems.

Give two fathering styles linked to later ‘Daddy Issues.’

Emotionally absent fathers and controlling/toxic fathers.

List two common adult symptoms of unresolved father-related issues.

Excessive clinginess and recurring involvement in harmful relationships.

Name one therapeutic approach for addressing ‘Daddy Issues.’

Psychotherapy focusing on attachment reconstruction and boundary setting.

Define a toxic relationship.

A relationship where one or both parties engage in repeated harmful behaviours that drain the other’s emotional, mental, or physical well-being.

Provide three warning signs of a toxic relationship.

Constant criticism or sarcasm, emotional exhaustion with no reciprocity, and loss of self-esteem.

Mention two psychological impacts of toxic relationships.

Chronic stress leading to anxiety/depression and reduced self-confidence.

Give one recommended step to heal from a toxic relationship.

Set and enforce clear personal boundaries while seeking social support.

Differentiate OCPD from OCD in one sentence.

OCPD is a pervasive personality style of perfectionism and control, whereas OCD involves specific intrusive obsessions and compulsive rituals.

List three hallmark symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder.

Excessive concern with order/details, perfectionism that hampers task completion, and rigidity about morals or spending.

What gender difference in OCPD prevalence is noted?

Men are diagnosed roughly twice as often as women.

Identify two hypothesised causes of OCPD.

Genetic predisposition (non-functional gene variants) and early childhood trauma (e.g., harsh parenting).

Name the primary evidence-based therapy for OCPD.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Give two daily-life impacts of OCPD.

Reduced productivity due to over-detail focus and strained relationships from control needs.

What is meant by ‘ethics in war’?

Adherence to moral and legal rules—such as protecting civilians and humane treatment of POWs—during armed conflict.

Cite two positive outcomes (‘what’s good’) of applying ethics in war.

Preserves human dignity and eases post-war reconciliation.

State one major obstacle to ethical conduct in battle.

Emotional intensity and chaos that make rule adherence difficult for soldiers.

Which international treaties codify wartime ethics?

The Geneva Conventions.

Provide one Islamic principle relevant to warfare ethics.

Prohibition on killing non-combatants like women, children, and monks.

Define Social-Media Addiction.

A behavioural addiction involving compulsive, excessive use of social platforms that impairs daily functioning.

Differentiate psychological and behavioural addiction forms.

Psychological addiction centres on emotional dependence, whereas behavioural addiction involves compulsive engagement in rewarding actions without substances.

List two mental-health consequences of adolescent social-media addiction.

Increased anxiety/depression and sleep disturbances.

Identify two social consequences of heavy social-media use among teens.

Reduced face-to-face interaction skills and family relationship neglect.

What behavioural sign often accompanies social-media addiction?

Persistent checking of notifications with distress if unable to access the platform.

Explain ‘digital reward loop’ in social-media use.

Likes and comments trigger dopamine release, reinforcing repeated platform checking.

What is emotional blunting in the context of AI/social-media exposure?

Diminished intensity of emotional experience caused by constant, rapid exposure to conflicting stimuli.

Define cognitive laziness.

Reduced motivation to employ effortful thinking due to reliance on AI algorithms or quick online answers.

Name two psychological phenomena intensified by continuous social-media alerts.

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and mood volatility.

According to Cognitive Load Theory, how does multitasking on digital platforms affect learning?

Simultaneous stimuli overload working memory, leading to poorer retention and increased mental fatigue.

Give one recommendation for managing personal screen time.

Create ‘phone-free zones’ (e.g., bedrooms) and follow the 20-20-20 eye/attention break rule.

What policy-level change could platforms adopt to reduce compulsive use?

Introduce mandatory ‘cool-off’ periods before users can repost or continue scrolling.