Chapter 2 - Theoretical Perspectives Flashcards
Central Nervous System
Neurotransmitters – activate/inhibit impulses in post-synaptic neuron
Abnormal behaviour results from... Too much/little neurotransmitters Too many/few receptors on dendrites Excess/deficit amount of transmitter-deactivating substances Reuptake process too slow/fast
Peripheral Nervous System
Endocrine system
HPA axis -- releases cortisol into bloodstream
Increases glucose (survival)
Sensitivity related to anxiety/depression
Sympathetic nervous system – fight or flight
Parasympathetic nervous system – relax and recover
Psychodynamic Theory
Unconscious forces control behaviour
Repressed experiences
Catharsis – emotional response to unconscious memories
Levels of Consciousness
Conscious – information currently aware of
Preconscious – not presently aware, but can bring to consciousness
Unconscious – memories, can be brought to consciousness with difficulty
Impulses, memories, defense mechanisms
Structure of Personality
Id – pleasure principle
Biological/instinctual drives
Present @ birth
Ego – reality principle
Avoidance of pain/discomfort
Develops 1st year of life
Superego – moral principle
Social standards
Defense Mechanisms
Repression – bury in unconscious
Projection – attribute onto others (see in others)
Denial – refuse to acknowledge
Displacement – transfer feelings onto others
Reaction formation – repress unacceptable desires by expressing opposite view
Behavioural Theories
Classical conditioning
Operant conditioning
Two-factor theory – established by classical conditioning, maintained by operant conditioning
Social learning theory – behaviours through modelling and observation
Cognitive Therapy (Aaron Beck)
Main levels of cognition
Schemas
Information processing and intermediate beliefs
Automatic thoughts
Treatment
Monitor thoughts
Develop/alter cognitions, beliefs, and schemas
Third Wave Approaches
Mindfulness – present in moment without judgement
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Dialectical behaviour therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Humanistic Theory
Carl Rogers
Person-centered theory
Self-fulfillment = accepting self
Honest interactions and trusting the experience
Relying on oneself for personal evaluations
Distressing life events distort self-perception (abnormal behaviour)
Abraham Maslow
Hierarchy of needs – self-actualization
Existential Theory
Awareness of own existence and possibility of death
Life = search for meaning
Giving up = despair
Sociocultural Influences of Abnormal Behaviour
Gender – rates of disorders, biased diagnoses, upbringing
Stigma
Social support – protective factors, loneliness
Race and poverty
