Chapter 02 - Models of Abnormality Flashcards
Model
Set of assumptions and concepts that help scientists explain and interpret observations. Also called a paradigm.
Synapse
The tiny space between the nerve ending of one neuron and the dendrite of another.
neuron
a nerve cell
neurotransmitter
a chemical that, when release by one neuron, crosses the synaptic space to be received by
receptor
a site on a neuron that receives a neurotransmitter
hormones
the chemicals released by endocrine glands into the bloodstream
brain circuit
a network of particular brain structures that work together, triggering each other into action to produce a distinct kind of behavioral, cognitive, or emotional reaction.
genes
Chromosome segments that control the characteristics and traits we inherit
psychotropic medication
drugs that primarily affect the brain and reduce many symptoms of mental dysfunction
brain stimulation
interventions that directly or indirectly stimulate the brain in order to bring about psychological improvement
electroconvulsive therapy ECT
a biological treatment in which a brain seizure is triggered when an electric current passes through electrodes attached to the patients forehead
psychosurgery
brain surgery for mental disorders
Id
according to Freud, the psychological force that produces instinctual needs, drives, and impulses.
ego
according to Freud, the psychological force that employs reason and operates in accordance with the reality principle.
ego defense mechanisms
according to psychoanalytic theory, strategies developed by the ego to control unacceptable id impulses and to avoid or reduce the anxiety they arouse.
superego
according to Freud, the psychological force that represents a person’s values and ideals.
fixation
according to Freud, a condition in which the id, ego, or superego do not mature properly and are frozen at an early stage of development.
free association
a psychodynamic technique in which the patient describes any thought, feeling, or image that comes to mind, even if it seems unimportant
resistance
an unconscious refusal to participate fully in therapy
transference
according to psychodynamic theorists, the redirection toward the psychotherapist of feelings associated with important figures in the patient’s life, now or in the past.
dream
a series of ideas or images that form during sleep
catharsis
the reliving of past repressed feelings in order to settle internal conflicts and overcome problems.
working through
the psychoanalytic process of facing conflicts, reinterpreting feelings, and overcoming one’s problems.
conditioning
a simple form of learning
classical conditioning
a process of learning by temporal association in which two events that repeatedly occur close together in time become fused in a person’s mind and produce the same response.
modeling
a process of learning in which an individual acquires responses by observing and imitating others.
operant conditioning
a process of learning in which individuals come to behave in certain ways as a result of experiencing consequences of one kind or another whenever they perform the bahavior.
social anxiety disorder
a psychological disorder in which people fear social situations
exposure therapy
a behavior focused intervention in which fearful people are repeatedly exposed to the objects or situations they dread
self-actualization
the humanistic process by which people fulfill their potential for goodness and growth
client - centered therapy
the humanistic therapy developed by Carl Rogers in which clinicians try to help clients by conveying acceptance, accurate empathy, and genuineness.
gestalt therapy
the humanistic therapy developed by Fritz Perls in which clinicians actively move clients toward self recognition and self acceptance by using techniques such as role playing and self discovery exercises
existential therapy
a therapy that encourages clients to accept responsibility for their lives and to live with greater meaning and value
group therapy
a therapy format in which a group of people with similar problems meet together with a therapist to work on those problems
self - help group
a group made up of people with similar problems who help and support one another without direct leadership of a clinician. Also called a mutual help group.
family therapy
a therapy format in which the therapist meets with all members of a family and helps them to change in therapeutic ways
couple therapy
a therapy format in which the therapist works with two people who share a long - term relationship. Also called marital therapy.
community mental health treatment
a treatment approach that emphasizes community care
multicultural perspective
the view that each culture within a larger society has a particular set of values and beliefs, as well as special external pressures, that help account for the behavior and functioning of its members. Also called culturally diverse perspective.
culture - sensitive therapies
approaches that are designed to help address the unique issues faced by members of cultural minority groups
gender - sensitive therapies
approaches geared to the pressures of being a woman in Western society. Also called feminist therapies.
developmental psychopathology
a perspective that uses a developmental framework to understand how variables and principles from the various models may collectively account for human functioning
equifinality
the principle that a number of different developmental pathways can lead to the same psychological disorder
multifinality
the principle that persons with a similiar developmental history may nevertheless react to similar current situations in very different ways
