Exam 4 Flashcards
biological sex
Biological sex refers to the physical characteristics (e.g., chromosomes, hormones, reproductive anatomy) that define male and female bodies.
gender identitity
Gender identity is an individual’s internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with their biological sex.
transgender
a person’s innate psychological identification as male or female does not correspond with the person’s biological sex
sexual orientation
Sexual orientation refers to a person’s emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others (e.g., heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual).
Why was homosexuality removed from the DSM?
It was removed due to evidence that homosexuality is not a mental disorder but a natural variation of human sexuality.
What is conversion therapy? How do major psychological organizations view it?
Conversion therapy aims to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Major psychological organizations condemn it as harmful and ineffective.
indication of transgender identity
Persistent discomfort with one’s biological sex and a strong identification with the opposite gender.
causes of transgender identity
A combination of biological (e.g., hormonal influences during development) and psychosocial factors
gender dysphoria
a condition characterized by ongoing distress and impairment in functioning that results from the mismatch between a person’s experienced or expressed gender and the assigned gender at birth.
core features of gender dysphoria
manifested by at least two of the following for a period lasting at least 6 months:
(a) a marked difference between experienced or expressed gender and one’s own sex characteristics
(b) a strong desire to be rid of one’s primary and/or secondary sex characteristics
(c) a strong desire to have the sex characteristics of the other gender
(d) a strong desire to be a different gender
(e) a strong desire to be treated as a different gender
(f) a strong conviction that one has the typical feelings and reactions of a different gender
The condition is associated with clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
what is the difference between being transgender and having gender dysphoria?
Being transgender refers to one’s gender identity, while gender dysphoria involves significant distress related to this identity.
main forms of treatment for gender dysphoria
Treatments include psychotherapy, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgery.
“big five” personality traits
Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
prevalence of personality disorders
The prevalence of personality disorders is estimated to be about 12 percent, which suggests that these disorders are relatively common in the general population. Personality disorders are diagnosed in approximately 30 percent of those who receive treatment in hospitals and outpatient clinics. Personality disorders are prevalent worldwide but are most common in high income countries
how often do people with personality disorders seek help?
Rarely, unless the disorder causes significant distress or impairment.
characteristics that are part of any personality disorder
extreme behavior that deviates markedly from cultural expectations; inflexible and persuasive behavior across situations; associated with distress and impairment; evident in adolescence or early adulthood and stable over time
what is the association with antisocial personality disorder and crime?
about 35.3%
Major biological causes of antisocial personality disorder
Biological Causes
Genetics: Hereditary component linked to impulsivity and aggression.
Brain Abnormalities:
Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (impulse control, moral reasoning).
Dysfunction in the amygdala (emotional processing, empathy).
Neurotransmitter Imbalances:
Low serotonin: Impulsivity and aggression.
Dopamine dysregulation: Increased reward-seeking behavior.
Prenatal/Early-Life Factors: Exposure to toxins, drugs, or alcohol during pregnancy; low birth weight.
major psychological causes of APD
Personality Traits: High impulsivity and low empathy.
Childhood Trauma: Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Cognitive Deficits: Poor problem-solving and maladaptive thought patterns.
Major social causes of APD
Family Environment:
Lack of supervision.
Inconsistent discipline.
Exposure to family conflict or neglect.
Peer Influence: Associating with antisocial peers.
Early Behavioral Problems: Childhood conduct disorder.
major sociocultural causes of APD
Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, lack of education.
Cultural Norms: Societal reinforcement of aggression or exploitation.
Marginalization: Systemic inequality or disadvantage.
gender differences in antisocial and borderline personality disorder
Antisocial personality disorder is more common in men, while borderline personality disorder is more common in women.
effective treatments for antisocial personality disorder
Treatments focus on behavioral management, therapy to improve social functioning, and addressing underlying issues like substance abuse.
biological and social causes of borderline personality disorder
Biological: genetic predisposition and brain structure differences.
Social: invalidating family environments and trauma.
