FINAL_Exam_Study_Guide

Chapter 14: Stress, Lifestyle, and Health

Definitions of Stress

• Stimulus-based definition: Refers to demanding or threatening events/situations.

  • Examples: High-stress job, being home alone when someone knocks on the door.

• Response-based definition: Focuses on physiological responses to these situations.

  • Example: Increased heart rate when encountering a bear.

Appraisal of Stressors

• Primary appraisal: Judgements about potential harm or threat associated with stressors.

  • Example: Identifying a situation as a low, moderate, or high stressor.

• Secondary appraisal: Evaluating options available to cope with the stressor and their effectiveness.

  • Example: Considering divorce due to a cheating spouse.

Perception of Stress

• Challenge vs. Threat: How stress is perceived changes based on focus; seeking gain vs. fearing loss influences stress level.

• Effective options reduce perceived stress when facing the same stressors.

Types of Stress

• Eustress: Positive stress leading to good feelings and optimal performance.

• Stress responses:

  • Physiological: Increased heart rate, headaches, gastrointestinal issues.

  • Cognitive: Trouble concentrating, decision-making difficulties.

  • Behavioral: Substance use like alcohol or actions to eliminate stressors.

Fight-or-Flight Response

• Physiological reactions to perceived threats include:

  • Pupil dilation, increased heart rate, sweating.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Stages

1. Alarm Reaction: Immediate body reaction to threats.

2. Stage of Resistance: Body adapts but remains alert to stressors.

3. Stage of Exhaustion: Body can no longer adapt, leading to possible illness or death.

Stress's Impact on Memory

• Moderate stress can improve recall of educational material.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Chronic stress reactions characterized by:

  • Intrusive memories, jumpiness, persistent negative emotions following trauma.

Chronic Stressors

• Events lasting over a long period; examples include long-term unemployment or patient care.

Immunosuppression

• Reduced immune functionality due to ongoing elevated stress levels.

Personality Types and Heart Disease

• Type A: Competitive, driven, impatient, hostile; higher rates of heart disease.

• Type B: Relaxed and laid back.

Chapter 15: Psychological Disorders

Definition of Psychological Disorders

• Conditions marked by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

• Standard tool for diagnosis used by mental health professionals.

Comorbidity

• Co-occurrence of multiple disorders such as OCD and major depressive disorder.

Biological Perspective

• Suggests genetic factors, imbalances, and brain abnormalities underlie psychological disorders.

Anxiety Disorders

• Characterized by excessive fear and anxiety; affects behavior.

Agoraphobia

• Intense fear and avoidance of situations where escape or help may be difficult, such as public transport or crowds.

Safety Behaviors

• Actions taken to reduce anxiety in social situations.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

  • Examples of compulsions: Hand washing, checking locks.

  • Brain region implicated: Orbitofrontal cortex.

Peripartum Onset Depression

• Depression experienced during or shortly after pregnancy.

Major Depressive Disorder

• Episodic condition characterized by recurring symptoms that diminish over time.

Genetic Basis of Mood Disorders

• Evidence shows strong heritability across generations.

Hopelessness Theory

• Depression arises from beliefs that negative events cannot be controlled.

Bipolar Disorder

• Characterized by mood fluctuations between depression and mania.

Schizophrenia

• Conceptualized as a psychotic disorder.

Personality Disorders

• Types include:

  • Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal, Antisocial, Borderline, Narcissistic, Histrionic, Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity disrupting functioning.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms

• Deficits in:

  • Social Interaction: Lack of eye contact, preference for solitude.

  • Communication: One-word responses, difficulty with conversation.

  • Repetitive Behavior: Engaging in repetitive actions like rocking.

Chapter 16: Therapy and Treatment

Involuntary Treatment

• Therapy compelled by external circumstances (e.g., court order).

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Targets cognitive distortions and promotes behavioral change.

Play Therapy

• Psychoanalytical method using toys for therapy, especially with children.

Aversive Conditioning

• Uses negative stimuli to discourage unwanted behaviors.

Client-Centered Therapy Techniques

• Active listening: Therapist clarifies and reflects client’s comments.

• Unconditional positive regard: Acceptance of the client without judgment.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

• Effective for severe depression when medications fail.

Free Association

• Technique where patients share unfiltered thoughts.

Cognitive Therapy Principle

• Thinking patterns influence emotions and actions.

Behavior Therapy vs. Psychoanalysis

• Behavior therapy focuses on behavior change; psychoanalysis explores the unconscious.

Group Therapy Benefits

• Reduces feelings of shame and isolation.

Confidentiality in Therapy

• Therapists must protect client confidentiality unless legally compelled.

Cultural Competence

• Therapists' awareness of cultural factors in treatment.