Comprehensive Psychology and Diagnostic Models for Students

What are the two main models explaining the relationship between genetics and environment?

The diathesis-stress model and the reciprocal gene-environment model.

Describe the diathesis-stress model.

This model suggests that psychological disorders develop when a predisposition (diathesis) interacts with environmental stressors. For example, a person with a genetic vulnerability to depression may only develop the disorder after experiencing significant life stress, such as the loss of a loved one.

Describe the reciprocal gene-environment model.

This model posits that genetic predispositions can influence the environment a person chooses, which in turn affects their psychological outcomes. For example, an individual with a genetic tendency toward anxiety may avoid social situations, leading to increased isolation and exacerbation of anxiety symptoms.

What are the three factors that constitute a psychological disorder?

The three factors are: 1) Psychological dysfunction, which refers to a breakdown in cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning; 2) Distress or impairment, which indicates that the dysfunction causes significant distress or impairment in daily life; 3) Atypical or not culturally expected behavior, which refers to behaviors that deviate from societal norms.

What does a clinical description entail?

A clinical description includes prevalence (how common a disorder is), incidence (the rate of new cases), course (the pattern of development and change over time), prognosis (the likely outcome), and etiology (the cause or origin of the disorder).

What are the key contributions of the Supernatural tradition to psychological disorders?

The Supernatural tradition attributed psychological disorders to supernatural forces, leading to treatments such as exorcism and trephination. It emphasized moral and spiritual dimensions in understanding mental health.

What are the key contributions of the Biological tradition to psychological disorders?

The Biological tradition focuses on the physiological aspects of psychological disorders, attributing them to brain chemistry, genetics, and physical health. Treatments often include medication and medical interventions.

What is the psychoanalytic theory?

Psychoanalytic theory, developed by Freud, posits that unconscious conflicts, often stemming from childhood experiences, drive psychological disorders. Treatment involves exploring these unconscious processes through techniques such as free association and dream analysis.

What does the humanistic theory emphasize?

Humanistic theory, championed by Rogers and Maslow, emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness of people. It focuses on the subjective experience and the importance of a supportive environment for psychological health.

What are the main principles of behaviorism?

Behaviorism, associated with Watson and Skinner, emphasizes observable behaviors and the role of environmental influences. It posits that behaviors are learned through conditioning and can be modified through reinforcement and punishment.

What is the multidimensional integrative approach?

The multidimensional integrative approach considers multiple factors (biological, psychological, social) that influence psychological disorders, emphasizing the interaction between these factors rather than attributing disorders to a single cause.

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics studies how environmental factors can influence gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Research on cross-fostering rat pups has shown that nurturing environments can lead to changes in gene expression related to stress responses.

What are reliability, validity, and standardization in psychological assessment?

Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure, validity indicates how well a test measures what it is supposed to measure, and standardization ensures that assessment procedures are uniform across different contexts.

What are the five criteria assessed during the Mental Status Exam?

The five criteria are appearance, behavior, cognition, mood and affect, and thought processes. These criteria help clinicians evaluate the mental state of a patient.

What is the basic premise of projective tests like Rorschach and TAT?

Projective tests, such as the Rorschach inkblot test and the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), are designed to reveal unconscious thoughts and feelings by analyzing responses to ambiguous stimuli. Pros include insights into personality, while cons include subjective interpretation and lack of reliability.

What is the MMPI-2 and its pros and cons?

The MMPI-2 is a widely used personality inventory that assesses various psychological conditions. Pros include strong empirical support and reliability; cons include potential cultural bias and the risk of misinterpretation.

What are the differences between the categorical, dimensional, and prototypical approaches to classification?

The categorical approach classifies disorders as distinct entities, the dimensional approach views disorders on a spectrum of severity, and the prototypical approach combines both by identifying essential characteristics while allowing for variability.

What are the pros and cons of the DSM-IV-TR?

Pros of the DSM-IV-TR include comprehensive diagnostic criteria and widespread acceptance; cons include potential over-pathologizing of normal behaviors and cultural biases in diagnosis.

What is comorbidity in psychological disorders?

Comorbidity refers to the occurrence of two or more disorders simultaneously in an individual, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

What are key changes made in the DSM-5?

Key changes in the DSM-5 include the recategorization of disorders, elimination of the multi-axial system, and updates based on new research findings.