Chapter 2 Models Of Abnormal Behavior Flashcards
Discuss the one dimensional model for mental disorders
(a) biological views (including genetics and other physiological explanations);
(b) psychological issues, rooted in the invisible complexities of the human mind;
(c) dysfunctional
social relationships, including stressful interactions with family members and peers;
(d) sociocultural influences, including the effects of discrimination and stressors
related to race, gender, and socioeconomic status
What are models
an analogy used by
scientists, usually to describe or
explain a phenomenon or process
they cannot directly observe
What is a A Multipath Model
of Mental Disorders
Is a model that provides an organizational framework for understanding the numerous influences on the development of mental disorders, the complexity of their interacting components, and the need to view disorders from a holistic framework
What is the biopsychosocial model
perspective suggesting that
interactions between biological,
psychological, and social factors
cause mental disorders.
What are the limitations of the biopsychosocial model
there is limited focus on how factors interact to produce illness;
(b) the model provides little guidance regarding how to treat the disorder; and
(c) the
model neglects the powerful influences of culture
What are sociocultural influences
factors such as gender, sexual orientation, spirituality, religion, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity or culture that can exert an effect on mental health
What are the assumptions based on the multipath model
No one theoretical perspective is adequate to explain the complexity of the
human condition and the development of mental disorders.
• There are multiple pathways to and influences on the development of any single
disorder. Explanations of abnormal behavior must consider biological, psychological, social, and sociocultural elements.
• Not all dimensions contribute equally to a disorder. In the case of some disorders,
current research suggests that certain etiological forces have the strongest influence on the development of the specific disorder. Additionally, our understanding
of mental disorders often evolves as further investigation provides new insights
into contributing factors.
• The multipath model is integrative and interactive. It acknowledges that factors may combine in complex and reciprocal ways so that people exposed to the
same influences may not develop the same disorder and that different individuals
exposed to different factors may develop similar mental disorders.
• The biological and psychological strengths and assets of a person and positive
aspects of the person’s social and sociocultural environment can help protect against
psychopathology, minimize symptoms, or facilitate recovery from mental illness.
What are the assumptions about biological factors causing mental illness
1.Characteristics that make us who we are—our physical features, susceptibility to illness, and physiological response to stress, to name a few—are embedded in the genetic material of our cells. Additionally, many of our personal
qualities result from complex interactions between our biological makeup and
the environment.
- Thoughts, emotions, and behaviors involve physiological activity occurring
within the brain; changes in the way we think, feel, or behave affect these
biological processes and, over time, can change brain structure. - Many mental disorders are associated with inherited biological vulnerability
and/or some form of brain abnormality. - Medications and other biological interventions used to treat mental disorders
influence various physiological processes within the brain.
What role does the brain play in abnormalities
a) regulating activities necessary for our survival (such as breathing and heartbeat);
(b) receiving and interpreting sensory information (from both inside and outside our bodies);
(c) transmitting
information to our muscles and other organs; and
(d) coordinating our responses
to incoming stimuli.
What are 3 parts of the brain
the forebrain—responsible for higher-level mental processes;
• the midbrain—involved with basic functions such as hearing and vision, motor
movement, alertness and sleep/wake cycles, and temperature regulation;
• the hindbrain—the most primitive brain region; designed for self-preservation
and survival; responsible for instinctive behavior, balance and equilibrium, and
basic bodily functions such as heartbeat, respiration, and digestion.
Define resilience
The ability to recover from stressful or challenging circumstances where using our strengths and relying on positive support within environment can decrease likihood of developing a mental disorder
What role does the brain play in the biological dimension
It regulates activities necessary for survival
Recieving and interpreting sensory information
Transmitting info to muscles and other organs
Coordinating our response to incoming stimuli
What are the 3 cross sectional parts of the brain and thier respective functions
Forebrain-responsible for higher mental processes
Midbrain-involved with basic functions such as hearing and vision motor movement alertness sleep wake cycle and temperature regulation
Hindbrain-most primative region designed for self preservation and survival responsible for instinctive behavior balance and equilibrium basic bodily functions like heartbeat respiration and digestion.
What is the structure and function of the forebrain
Contains structures associated with thought perception intelligence language personality imagination planning organisation and decision making.
Contains the cerebrum and Cerebral cortex which consists of layers of specialized nerve cells that transmit info to other nerve cells muscles gland cells throughout the body.
Give the structure and function of the cerebral cortex
The prefrontal cortex is responsible for executive functioning which helps manage attention behavior and emotions so that we reach short term and long term goals.
What is the limbic system
It is a group of structures associated with emotion decision making formation of memories.
The amygdala helps facilitate recall of our emotional memory and responses to potential threat. It activate in response to thoughts and imagination as well as real world stimuli
The hippocampus helps to form organise and store memory include evaluating STM and sending emotionally relevant memories to cerebral cortex for LTM storage and assistance of recall of emotions associated with specific memories.
What are the function of the autonomic nervous system
Coordinates basic functions like digestion and respiration when at rest and also regulates autonomic physical response associated with emotional reactions such as flight or fight response.
The hypothalamus regulates bodily drives like hunger thirst and sexual response as well as body condition like temperature and circadian rhythms.
Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis is a system activated under conditions of stress or emotional arousal.
