Concepts and Theories applied to Mental Health Flashcards
What is the biopsychosocial model?
A comprehensive approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding and treating mental health.
Define cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
A type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve emotional regulation.
What is Freudian psychoanalysis?
A theory of personality and therapeutic practice that focuses on unconscious motives and conflicts, including psychosexual development.
Explain Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
A theory proposing that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy, from basic physiological needs to self-actualization.
What is the concept of resilience in mental health?
The ability to adapt and recover from adversity or stress, contributing to mental well-being.
Define attachment theory.
A psychological model that describes the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the importance of secure attachments.
What is the purpose of positive psychology?
To focus on strengths, well-being, and factors that contribute to a fulfilling life rather than merely treating mental illnesses.
Explain the social learning theory.
A theory proposing that people learn from observing others, including behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions.
What is the humanistic approach in psychology?
A perspective emphasizing personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness of individuals.
Describe the concept of cognitive dissonance.
The mental discomfort experienced when holding two contradictory beliefs or when behaviors conflict with beliefs.
What role do neurotransmitters play in mental health?
Chemicals in the brain that transmit signals, affecting mood, emotion, and mental states.
Define the theory of planned behavior.
A psychological theory that links beliefs and behavior, suggesting that behavior is driven by intentions formed by attitudes, norms, and perceived control.
What is behaviorism?
A theory that emphasizes observable behaviors over internal mental processes, focusing on conditioning as a way to influence behavior.
Describe the psychodynamic approach to therapy.
A therapeutic approach that focuses on unconscious processes and childhood experiences affecting present behavior.
What is the Family Systems Theory?
A theory positing that individuals cannot be understood in isolation from their family members, emphasizing relational dynamics.
Explain the concept of learned helplessness.
A mental state resulting from repeated failures or adverse experiences, leading to a belief that one has no control over outcomes.
What is the focus of existential psychology?
Addressing the inherent challenges of existence, such as meaning, choice, and the human condition, to foster personal growth.
Describe the role of self-efficacy in mental health.
The belief in one’s capabilities to execute behaviors needed to manage prospective situations, influencing motivation and resilience.
What is the significance of the diathesis-stress model?
A framework that explains how genetic predispositions (diathesis) and environmental stressors interact to lead to mental health disorders.
Define narrative therapy.
A therapeutic approach that encourages individuals to tell their stories and reframe their experiences for empowerment and healing.
What is person-centered therapy?
A humanistic approach developed by Carl Rogers that emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard in therapy.
Explain mindfulness and its application in mental health.
A practice of focusing on the present moment, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and enhance emotional regulation.
Define emotional intelligence (EI).
The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others, contributing to personal and professional success.
What is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?
A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes the development of emotional regulation skills, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
Describe the concept of ‘unconditional positive regard.’
An acceptance of an individual regardless of their behavior, fostering a safe environment for personal growth in therapy.
What is the role of accountability in effective therapy?
Encouraging clients to take responsibility for their actions and behaviors, promoting personal growth and change.
Explain the concept of reframing in therapy.
A cognitive strategy that alters the way a situation, experience, or emotion is perceived, enabling a person to view it more positively.
What is the significance of the Gestalt approach?
A therapeutic approach that focuses on the whole person and their experiences in the present moment, emphasizing awareness and acceptance.
Define the stages of change model (Transtheoretical Model).
A model that describes the stages individuals go through when changing behavior: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.
What is the significance of secure attachment in mental health?
Secure attachment fosters trust, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships, contributing to overall well-being.
Explain the concept of coping strategies.
Techniques or methods used to manage stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions, which can be adaptive or maladaptive.
What is the impact of stigma on mental health treatment?
Negative stereotypes and discrimination can discourage individuals from seeking help and reduce the quality of care received.
Define schema therapy.
A form of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive schemas—core beliefs that develop early in life.
What is emotional regulation?
The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences appropriately, impacting overall mental health.
Explain the role of neuroplasticity in mental health.
The brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, which can be influenced by experiences and therapies.
Describe the concept of vulnerability in mental health.
The openness to emotional risk and distress, which can be a strength in fostering authentic connections but can also lead to challenges.
What is the foundational principle of existential therapy?
Helping clients confront the essential issues of existence, such as freedom, isolation, meaning, and mortality.
Define ego defense mechanisms.
Psychological strategies unconsciously used to protect oneself from anxiety or social sanctions, including denial, repression, and projection.
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
A therapeutic approach that encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to personal values and behavior changes.
Explain the role of pharmacotherapy in mental health.
The use of medications to treat mental health disorders, addressing chemical imbalances and alleviating symptoms.
What is the role of group therapy in mental health?
A therapeutic process where individuals can share experiences, receive support, and learn from one another in a facilitated group setting.
Define exploratory therapy.
A process that encourages clients to delve into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to gain insight and self-awareness.
What is the significance of self-actualization in mental health?
Achieving personal potential and fulfillment, often considered the highest level of psychological development.
Describe the concept of contagion in social psychology.
The spread of behaviors, emotions, or effects through social interactions, influencing mental health and group dynamics.
What role do coping mechanisms play in mental health?
Strategies used to manage stress and difficult emotions, impacting how individuals respond to challenges.
Define psychotherapy.
A structured form of treatment involving conversations between a therapist and a client aimed at improving mental health.
What is the focus of community psychology?
Understanding the individual within the context of the community and addressing broader social issues impacting mental health.
Explain the role of empathy in therapeutic settings.
The ability of a therapist to understand and share the feelings of a client, fostering a strong therapeutic alliance.
What is the role of narrative in mental health?
Understanding one’s life story can facilitate healing, as individuals reframe experiences and find meaning.
Define existential crises.
Moments when individuals question their purpose and meaning in life, often associated with significant change or loss.
What is the significance of the role of spirituality in mental health?
Spiritual beliefs can provide comfort, meaning, and support, influencing psychological well-being.
Describe the concept of self-care in mental health.
The practice of taking active steps to maintain or improve one’s health, including mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
What is the focus of feminist psychology?
Exploring the influence of gender on behavior, focusing on the experiences and struggles women face in society.
Explain the cognitive triad in cognitive therapy.
A concept emphasizing the relationship between negative thinking patterns regarding the self, the world, and the future.
What is the role of personal narrative therapy?
Helping individuals explore and rewrite their personal narratives to gain insight and foster change.
Describe the significance of validation in therapy.
Acknowledging and affirming a client’s feelings and experiences as legitimate, which can enhance trust and therapeutic rapport.
What is psychoeducation?
The process of providing individuals with information about mental health conditions to empower them in their treatment and recovery.
Define compassion-focused therapy (CFT).
A therapeutic approach that emphasizes the development of self-compassion to alleviate mental distress.
What is the purpose of boundary setting in therapy?
Establishing clear limits in therapeutic relationships to foster safety and respect, enhancing the efficacy of treatment.
What is the role of hope in recovery from mental illness?
Hope serves as a motivational factor that encourages individuals to pursue wellness and believe in their potential for change.
Explain the concept of therapeutic alliance.
The collaborative relationship between therapist and client, characterized by trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
What is narrative exposure therapy (NET)?
A treatment for trauma where individuals recount their life stories in detail to process and integrate traumatic experiences.
Define social support in mental health.
The perception and reality of being cared for, valued, and connected, which can enhance resilience and coping.
Describe the role of stress in mental health.
While short-term stress can be motivating, chronic stress is linked to various mental health disorders and can lead to negative outcomes.
What is the importance of self-reflection in therapy?
It allows individuals to gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, fostering personal growth and therapeutic progress.
What is art therapy?
A therapeutic technique that utilizes creative expression to help individuals explore emotions and work through psychological issues.
Explain mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).
A structured program that teaches mindfulness meditation to help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
What is the purpose of behavioral activation in treating depression?
A therapeutic approach that encourages engagement in meaningful activities to enhance mood and reduce depressive symptoms.
Describe the significance of pro-social behavior in mental health.
Acts of kindness and altruism can improve well-being and foster positive relationships, contributing to overall mental health.
What is the goal of self-determination theory in mental health?
To emphasize the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fostering intrinsic motivation and psychological well-being.
