Abnormal Flashcards
Maladaptive behaviors
We all have these. Behaviors that cause us more problems than they solve.
Enough of these can combine to be a “disorder.”
Diathesis-Stress Model
We have a genetic predisposition to a disorder. Then we will only “get it,” if extreme stress of some sort brings it out.
Biopsychosocial Model
all disorders have 3 causes.
Genetic
Cognitive (thought patterns)
Social (interaction with others)
General Adaptation Syndrome: Stage 1 - Alarm
body is shocked by stress.
Sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) begins to act.
Cortisol and adrenaline hormones
General Adaptation Syndrome:
Stage 2 - Resistance
Body tries to calm and go back to normal functions. Parasympathetic NS tries to ramp up.
General Adaptation Syndrome:
Stage 3 - Exhaustion
f stage 2 fails, you deplete hormonal and neurotransmitter resources to calm.
Stress persists or is too intense.
This is when both physical and mental disease can happen.
Tend-and-befriend response
Usually found in females. Seek out your social group and “tend” to them. Interact with them to gain support and comfort.
Gratitude Practice
Training your brain to appreciate even small positive things can change your life.
Tons of studies. Write 3 unique positive things each morning.
Fights ANTs. A cognitive therapy.
Stress coping strategies
Exercise and Meditation
Positive Psychology
Focuses less on the problems like maladaptive behaviors and disorders. Focuses more on fostering traits that prevent these things.
Positive Psychology
The 6 virtues
Wisdom - use your skills, curiosity, open mindedness.
Humanity - seek and strengthen relationships. Be socially brave.
Justice - do the right thing even when no one is looking.
Courage - do not let fear and anxiety make your decisions.
Temperance - avoid excess and embrace self control.
Transcendance - Keep the big picture in mind. 99% of probs are temporary.
Where do diagnoses come from?
DSM-5:
Groups 400 disorders into 17 categories.
Reliability
If multiple researchers perform a similar experiment, will they get similar results? Replication. A study or claim can be invalid, but also be reliable.
Validity
Are you testing what you actually think you’re testing? For example, is a Rorschach test truly an accurate way to measure/examine someone’s mental health?
Etic approach
Schizophrenia is the same in Germany as it is in Brazil. Symptoms might express in different ways, but the causes, treatments, and impacts will be similar.
