CH 3 - Defining and supporting psych development

Question 1

Typical behaviour

Answer 1

an activity that is consistent with how an individual usually behaves

Question 2

Atypical behaviour

Answer 2

an activity that is unusual or unnatural according to how an individual usually behaves

Question 3

Criteria for categorise behaviour

Answer 3

• cultural perspective
• social norms
• statistcal rarity
• personal distress
• maladaptive behaviour

Question 4

Normality

Answer 4

the state of having thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that are considered common and acceptable

Question 5

Abnormality

Answer 5

the state of deviating from the norm, usually in a way that is undesirable

Question 6

Approach to understanding normality

Answer 6

• the socio-cultural approach
• the functional approach
• the historical approach
• the medical approach
• the statistical approach
• the situational approach

Question 7

Neurotypicality

Answer 7

a term used to describe individuals who display neurological and cognitive functioning that is typical or expected

Individual usually:
- good communication skills
- focus for prolonged periods
- function in distracting environments
- adapt to change in routing

Question 8

Neurodiversity

Answer 8

variations in neurological development and functioning within and between groups of people

Individuals usually:
- express themselves through creativity
- can’t focus for prolonged periods but detail oriented
- get distracted easily
- difficult adapting to change

Question 9

Adaptive

Answer 9

being able to adjust to the environment appropriately and function effectively

Question 10

Maladaptive

Answer 10

being unable to adapt to the environment appropriately and function effectively

Question 11

Neurodivergent

Answer 11

individuals who have a variation in neurological development and functioning

Question 12

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Answer 12

a neurodevelopmental condition characterised
by impaired social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication difficulties, and narrow interests, and repetitive behaviour

Brain:
- big brain in childhood, normal after
- thinner temporal cortex (sounds & speech)
- thicker frontal cortex (complex social & cognitive processes)

Question 13

ASD - strengths and challenges

Answer 13

Strengths:
- attention to detail
- retention of facts
- high motivation & enthusiasm in activities of interest
- high accuracy
- good problem solving

Challenges:
- unable to make/keep eye contact
- unable to read facial expressions & recognise emotions
- not good with routine change
- obsessive and singular interest
- delayed language, movement, cognitive/learning skills

Question 14

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Answer 14

a neurological condition characterised by
persistent inattention or hyperactivity that disrupts social, academic, or occupational functioning

Brain:
- hyperactivity (increased) & hypoactivity (decreased) in some brain regions
- delayed maturation of cerebral cortex (cognitive & attention control)
- faster maturation of motor cortex (restlessness & fidgeting)

Question 15

ADHD - strengths and challenges

Answer 15

Strengths:
- hyperfocus
- creative
- enthusiasm
- find innovative ways to complete tasks

Challenges:
- time management
- concentration
- staying on top
- acting rationally
- emotional articulation
- impulsivity

Question 16

Dyslexia

Answer 16

a neurologically based learning difficulty manifested as severe challenges in reading,
spelling, writing words, and sometimes in
arithmetic

Brain:
- less grey matter volume (reading skills, speech processing, spelling recognition)
- weaker white matter organisation (reading speed)
- hypoactivation of certain brain regions (recognising symbols & letters & associating them with sounds)
- reduced neuroplasticity of left-hemisphere (language & reading)

Question 17

Dyslexia - strengths and challenges

Answer 17

Strengths:
- strong memory
- puzzle solving skills
- spatial awareness
- initiating conversation
- big-picture thinking
- narrative reasoning

Challenges:
- reading and writing
- slow learning
- forming words
- understanding jokes/expressions
- lack confidence in activities w/ reading/writing

Question 18

Mental wellbeing

Answer 18

an individual’s current psychological state, involving their ability to think, process information, and regulate emotion

Question 19

Psychological development

Answer 19

an individual’s changes in functioning across multiple domains, including the life-long growth across emotional, cognitive and social domains

Question 20

Mental health workers

Answer 20

members of a mental health treatment team who assist in providing a wide range of services and care for patients with psychological or social problems

Question 21

Psychologist

Answer 21

an individual who is professionally trained in one or more branches or subfields of psychology

Question 22

Psychiatrist

Answer 22

a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and study of mental, behavioural and personality disorders
- a medical doctor who can prescribe medication
- need a referral

Question 23

Mental health organisation

Answer 23

a company or group that works to address or advocate for mental health, such as through providing support or specialised services

• mental health workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health organisations work together to provide holistic support for a patient

E.g., kids helpline, beyond blue, headspace, amaze, lifeline