4B - Normality and Neurotypicality Flashcards
The concepts of normality and neurotypicality, including consideration of emotions, behaviours and cognitions that may be viewed as adaptive or maladaptive for an individual
Spectrum of Maladaptive Behaviors
Maladaptive behaviors range from less impairing (e.g., nail-biting) to severely impairing (e.g., self-harm).
Example: Nail-biting is a minor maladaptive behavior, while self-harm is a severe one.
What is the definition of normality in psychology?
Patterns of behaviour that are typical and expected, or that conform to standards of what is acceptable.
What does abnormality refer to?
Behaviours that are unusual, bizarre, atypical or out of the ordinary.
Define neurotypicality.
Standard or typical brain functioning, processing and behaviours.
What is neurodiversity?
The idea that every human has a unique nervous system with a different combination of abilities and needs.
What does the term adaptive refer to in psychology?
Emotions, behaviours and cognitions that enable us to adjust to our environment appropriately and cope most effectively.
Define maladaptive.
Emotions, behaviours and cognitions that interfere with our ability to adjust to our environment appropriately and effectively.
What characterizes adaptive behaviours?
They allow us to effectively manage and achieve our daily tasks.
What are maladaptive behaviours?
Behaviours that hinder us in adjusting to our environment appropriately and effectively.
Give an example of an adaptive behaviour.
Studying for an upcoming assessment that is causing you stress.
Give an example of a maladaptive behaviour.
Avoiding studying for an upcoming assessment that is causing you stress.
What are emotions?
Feelings that arise from our circumstances, mood or relationships with others.
How can emotions be adaptive?
They help to ensure our survival and enable us to communicate with others and convey our needs.
What are maladaptive emotions?
Very intense or overwhelming emotions that occur frequently, persist for extended periods of time without interruption or are inappropriate for the situation.
What is the role of anger as an emotion?
It can be adaptive as it primes our body for an attack and helps us defend ourselves.
What distinguishes adaptive anger from maladaptive anger?
Adaptive anger is mild, infrequent, dissipates quickly, and is expressed assertively, while maladaptive anger is intense, frequent, and can result in aggressive actions.
Why is the concept of normality difficult to define?
It varies based on cultural and societal standards.
What can indicate that a child is developing atypically?
Maladaptive behaviours that hinder social interaction and adjustment.
Fill in the blank: Neurodiverse individuals are not _______.
neurotypical.
Fill in the blank: Maladaptive behaviours can sit on a _______.
spectrum.
True or False: Emotions are always conscious and chosen.
False.
What is an example of a situation where fear is considered adaptive?
When it helps us respond to a threat or danger.
What does it mean that facial expressions are universal?
Emotions are expressed and recognized in the same way regardless of language or culture.
This supports the idea that emotions are adaptive and have evolutionary value.
What are the seven basic emotions identified by Dr. Ekman?
- Anger
- Disgust
- Fear
- Surprise
- Happiness
- Sadness
- Contempt
These emotions are considered fundamental across different cultures.
Why might a child’s expression of anger be considered adaptive?
It reflects their stage of emotional development and lack of ability to manage emotions effectively.
For example, a toddler throwing a tantrum is considered somewhat adaptive during their development.
What are cognitions?
Cognitive processes or mental actions that involve acquiring, processing, and understanding information or knowledge.
This includes perception, memory, attention, and problem-solving.
What are adaptive cognitions?
Ways of thinking that benefit our survival and wellbeing.
An example includes positive self-talk after making a mistake.
How do cognitions, emotions, and behaviors interact?
Cognitions affect emotions, which can influence behaviors, and vice versa.
This illustrates a multidirectional relationship among these aspects of wellbeing.
What is cognitive behavioural therapy?
A psychological treatment that targets the relationship between maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
It helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts.
What are maladaptive cognitions?
Cognitive distortions or irrational thoughts that distort a person’s perception of reality negatively.
An example is persistent negative self-talk in someone with depression.
What is a controlled experiment?
A method that tests the cause-and-effect relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable under controlled conditions.
This may involve more than one independent or dependent variable.
What is a case study?
An in-depth investigation into an individual or small group of people.
This method can provide detailed insights into specific phenomena.
What does a correlational study involve?
Observing and recording behaviour to understand the relationship between variables without manipulating them.
It helps identify patterns and associations.
What is fieldwork in psychological research?
The collection of information through observation and interaction in a selected environment.
This method allows for real-world data collection.
What is the purpose of a literature review?
To collate and analyze secondary data findings and viewpoints.
This method synthesizes existing research on a topic.
How might modelling be used in psychological research?
It involves constructing a physical or conceptual model to simulate and study a system’s behavior.
This can help in understanding complex psychological phenomena.
What does simulation involve in psychological studies?
Using a model to replicate and study the behavior of a system.
This method can provide insights into responses in controlled scenarios.
How can wearable technology be used in psychological interventions?
To regulate maladaptive emotions or change maladaptive behaviours.
Examples include monitoring heart rate or promoting breathing exercises.
What is an example of maladaptive behaviour?
Avoiding driving after a traumatic event.
This behavior can interfere with daily tasks and responsibilities.
What is an example of a maladaptive cognition?
Thinking that one’s circumstances will never improve.
This thought distorts reality and can lead to negative emotional states.
What is an example of a maladaptive emotion?
Persistent anxiety that leads to avoidance of situations.
This emotion can negatively affect daily functioning.
What is the significance of understanding normality and neurotypicality?
It helps in categorizing emotions, behaviours, and cognitions as adaptive or maladaptive.
This understanding is crucial for psychological assessments and interventions.
