Chapter 3 - Models of Abnormality Flashcards
Two ways to study behavior genetics
Pedigree studies, twin studies
Pedigree studies
Genealogical studies, studies family background and genes
Concordance
The rate at which twins share the same trait
Discordance
When both twins do not share the same trait
Identical vs fraternal twins?
Identical twins are monozygotic, while fraternal twins are dizygotic
What causes disorders from a biological standpoint?
Disorders associated with a lack of NTs or excess of NTs at the synapse, or heightened sensitivity of receptors in synapse
Characteristic hemispherality
Some may have relatively more activity in one hemisphere during rest
Why is characteristic hemispherality important for disorders?
Davidson/Tomarken proposed that right hemisphere people are closer to the threshold than others for negative states
Characteristics of the left hemisphere
- Verbal, speech math, logic
- Relatively more active with joy, happiness
- Positive emotions
Characteristics of the right hemisphere
- Imagery, artistic skills, creativity
- Relatively more active with sadness, disgust, anger
- Negative emotions
What is psychoneuroimmunology?
Interactions among nervous, endocrine, and immune systems
Role of significant stressors on the immune system
Stress -> Corticosteroids -> decreased immune system function -> illness
Id
Instinctual, in unconscious, is present at birth, unrealistic, instant gratification
Ego
Realistic (only one), delays instant gratification
Superego
Internalization of moral code/values
Two subsystems of superego
- Conscience: internalization of what is wrong
* Ego-ideal: internalization of what is right
Ego-strength
Healthy personality, grounded in reality, needs are met realistically, better able to cope
Freud structure of the mind
- Preconscious: not currently in awareness, but can gain access
- Conscious: in current awareness
- Unconscious: below level of awareness and difficult to gain access
Psychic determinism
All behavior overt and covert is caused (determined) by unconscious variables and events from earlier in life
Displacement
Defense mechanism in which unacceptable feelings/attitudes unconsciously displaced onto something/someone else
Projection
Defense mechanism in which unacceptable thoughts/feelings are projected onto others - attribute unacceptable thoughts/feelings to other people
Intellectualization
Defense mechanism in which you view emotional challenges as an intellectual experience
Psychodynamic causes of maladaptive behavior
1) Rigidly sticking to defense mechanisms
2) Conflicts between Id and Superego overwhelm Ego
3) Vulnerability due to early life experiences
4) Fixation on one psychosexual stage