Paradigms of Abnormal Psychology Overview

Multidimensional Model

Framework integrating multiple perspectives on abnormal behavior.

Biological Paradigm

Focus on physiological processes causing abnormal behavior.

Pedigree Studies

Research tracing family trees for similar disorders.

Twin Studies

Examine heredity and environment using twins.

Prospective Studies

Identify high-risk patients before disorder development.

Naturalistic Observation

Research observing subjects in their natural environment.

Correlational Studies

Investigate relationships between two variables.

Controlled Studies

Manipulate one variable to observe effects on another.

Independent Variable

Variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

Variable that is measured in response to manipulation.

Experimental Group

Group receiving the independent variable treatment.

Control Group

Group receiving no treatment or placebo.

Placebo

Fake treatment perceived as genuine by subjects.

Neuron

Basic unit of the nervous system transmitting messages.

Soma

Cell body of a neuron containing the nucleus.

Dendrites

Branches of neurons receiving messages from other neurons.

Axon

Long projection sending messages to other neurons.

Axon Terminals

End buds of axon releasing neurotransmitters.

Synapses

Gaps between neurons where communication occurs.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers transmitting signals between neurons.

Hindbrain

Brain division controlling basic life functions.

Forebrain

Brain division responsible for complex functions.

Limbic System

Brain region involved in emotion and memory.

Endocrine System

Glands regulating hormones affecting body functions.

Agonists

Substances enhancing neurotransmitter effects.

Antagonists

Substances blocking neurotransmitter effects.

Unilateral

Refers to one-sided approaches in treatment.

Psychosurgery

Surgical intervention for severe mental disorders.

Prefrontal lobotomy

Surgical procedure with 25% mortality rate.

Cingulotomy

Surgery for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Psychoanalytic Paradigm

Focuses on unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences.

Sigmund Freud

Founder of psychoanalytic theory and therapy.

Preconscious

Mental content accessible but not currently conscious.

Unconscious

Mental processes not accessible to awareness.

Id

Pleasure principle; seeks immediate gratification.

Ego

Reality principle; mediates between id and reality.

Superego

Conscience; internalized moral standards.

Psychosexual Stages

Developmental stages: Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latent, Genital.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious strategies to protect the ego.

Sublimation

Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions.

Projection

Attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts to others.

Rationalization

Justifying behaviors with logical reasons.

Reaction formation

Expressing opposite of true feelings.

Repression

Blocking distressing thoughts from consciousness.

Denial

Refusing to accept reality or facts.

Freudian Psychoanalysis

Therapy aimed at making the unconscious conscious.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Shorter, directive therapy focusing on ego.

Behavioral Paradigm

Abnormal behavior develops through learning principles.

Classical Conditioning

Learning through association between stimuli.

Operant Conditioning

Learning based on rewards and punishments.

Modeling

Learning through observation and imitation.

Systematic Desensitization

Gradual exposure to fears paired with relaxation.

Cognitive Paradigm

Focus on thoughts and perceptions causing behavior.

Rational Emotive Therapy

Challenges irrational thoughts to change behavior.

Cognitive Distortions

Errors in reasoning leading to faulty beliefs.

Humanistic Paradigm

Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.

Client-Centered Therapy

Therapy focusing on empathy and unconditional positive regard.

Gestalt Therapy

Focus on present experience and authenticity.

Sociocultural Paradigm

Examines cultural and societal influences on behavior.

Pharmacological Treatment

Use of medication in treating mental disorders.

Unilateral

Referring to one-sided approaches in treatment.

Cingulotomy

Used for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder cases.

Sigmund Freud

Pioneer of psychoanalytic theory and therapy.

Preconscious

Thoughts not currently in awareness but accessible.

Unconscious

Part of mind containing repressed thoughts and memories.

Ego

Reality principle; mediates between id and external world.

Psychosexual Stages

Stages of development: Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latent, Genital.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious strategies to protect ego from anxiety.

Repression

Involuntary blocking of unpleasant memories.

Denial

Refusal to accept reality or facts.

Freudian Psychoanalysis

Insight-oriented therapy making unconscious conscious.

Free Association

Therapeutic technique encouraging spontaneous verbalization.

Operant Conditioning

Learning through consequences of behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Increases behavior by adding a stimulus.

Negative Reinforcement

Increases behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus.

Punishment

Decreases behavior by adding an unpleasant stimulus.

Modeling

Learning by observing and imitating others.

Cognitive Distortions

Systematic errors in reasoning affecting perceptions.

Arbitrary Inferences

Conclusions drawn without evidence.

Selective Abstraction

Focusing on a detail while ignoring context.

Overgeneralization

Extreme beliefs based on single incidents.

Gestalt Therapy

Focus on present experience and self-awareness.

Sociocultural Paradigm

Examines cultural and social influences on behavior.

Pharmacological Treatment

Use of medication in treating psychological disorders.

chlorpromazine

Drug treating psychosis symptoms.

phenothiazines

Chemical compounds including chlorpromazine.

neuroleptic

Drug that depresses nervous system activity.

butyrophenone

Class of drugs reducing psychotic symptoms.

antipsychotic drugs

Medications relieving psychosis symptoms.

antidepressant drugs

Medications treating depression symptoms.

monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Drugs increasing neurotransmitters by inhibiting monoamine oxidase.

tricyclic antidepressants

Drugs inhibiting reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Prozac; selectively targets serotonin receptors.

substance P

Amino acid neurotransmitter involved in pain.

lithium

Metallic element used for various medical disorders.

anticonvulsant drugs

Medications used to treat mania.

calcium channel blockers

Drugs used for treating mania.

antianxiety drugs

Medications for anxiety and insomnia symptoms.

barbiturates

Drugs suppressing central nervous system activity.

benzodiazepines

Drugs reducing anxiety without major functional impairment.