Dozois 2- Theoretical Perspectives on Abnormal Behavior

Question 1

attempts to trace the origins of a particular disorder to one factor.

Answer 1

Single-factor explanation

Question 2

Aims of theories about mental disorders are:

Answer 2

1) explain the etiology (that is the causes or origins of the problem behavior
2) identify the factors that maintain the behavior
3) predict the course of the disorder
4) design effective treatments

Question 3

possible etiology of mental disorders:

Answer 3

Biological, psychodynamic (derived from Freud), behavioral or cognitive-behavioral theories, cognitive theories examining dysfunctional thoughts or beliefs, humanistic, socio-cultural influences

Question 4

chemical substances that carry the messages from one neuron to the next in the complex pathways of nervous activity within the brain

Answer 4

Neurotransmitters

Question 5

Abnormal behavior can result from disturbances in neurotransmitter systems in various ways:
(Any or all of these problems can cause either too much excitement or too much inhibition int he particular brain circuits and this excessive or reduced activity may result in abnormal functioning.)

Answer 5

1) there may be too much or too little of the neurotransmitter produced or released into the synapse
2) there may be too few or too many receptors on the dendrites
3) there may be an excess or a deficit in the amount of the transmitter-deactivating substance in the synapse
4) the reuptake process may be too rapid or too slow.

Question 6

The incredible capacity of the brain to reorganize its circuitry

Answer 6

Brain plasticity

Question 7

The automatic nervous system (ANS) has two parts:

Answer 7

sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system (These two systems typically function co-operatively to produce homeostatic (balance) activity in a variety of bodily functions).

Question 8

offers us an insight into the biological bases of abnormal functioning

Answer 8

behavioral genetics

Question 9

genes may influence behaviors that contribute to environmental stressors, which, in turn, increase the risk of psychopathology

Answer 9

gene-environment (genotype environment) interaction

Question 10

Recent techniques for studying genetic influences

Answer 10

genetic linkage studies, molecular biology

Question 11

Ego employs at an unconscious level, a kind of censoring system to allow expression of libidinal desires in a distorted or symbolic form. (e.g., denial- Refusal to acknowledge an unpleasant reality).

Answer 11

defence mechanisms

Question 12

behavioral theory described by Pavlov as the basis for this learning

Answer 12

classical conditioning

Question 13

Skinner- consequences of behavior are important- All actions are followed by consequences of one kind or another Reinforcement/punishment

Answer 13

operant conditioning

Question 14

majority of these experiences occur within social context and are primarily. acquired vicariously

Answer 14

Social learning theory (Bandura & Walters)

Question 15

A theory that reflects the view that both thinking and behaviour are learned and can be changed

Answer 15

cognitive-behavioural theory

Question 16

refer to internal representations of stored information and experiences. They are used to organize new information in a meaningful and help to determine how we perceive and understand what goes on around us

Answer 16

Schemas