Lecture 2 Textbook Flashcards
Risk Factor
A characteristic associated with an increased likelihood of developing a disorder, but not a direct cause.
Necessary Cause
A characteristic that must be present for a disorder to occur.
Sufficient Cause
A cause that guarantees the occurrence of a disorder, but is not necessarily required for its development.
Contributory Cause
A factor that increases the probability of a disorder occurring but is not necessary or sufficient by itself.
Distal Risk Factor
A long-term risk factor that predisposes an individual to a disorder.
Proximal Risk Factor
A short-term risk factor with immediate effects on the development of a disorder.
Diathesis-Stress Model
A model suggesting that a predisposition (diathesis) interacts with stressors to result in a disorder.
Feedback and Bidirectionality
A process where causes and effects influence each other, making it difficult to determine the direction of causality.
Reinforcing Contributory Cause
A factor that maintains a disorder once it has developed, often through maladaptive patterns.
Protective Factor
A factor that mitigates the risk of a disorder despite the presence of risk factors
Biological Causal Factors
Includes neurotransmitter imbalances, genetic vulnerabilities, and brain dysfunctions.
Gene-Environment Interaction
How genetic predispositions interact with environmental stressors to affect mental health.
Polymorphisms
Polymorphism itself refers to small genetic differences between people. These differences can influence traits, including the risk of mental disorders.
Genotype-Environment Interaction
Genetic predisposition + environment = mental disorder
Family History Method
Observing genetic relatives for traits or disorders
Neural Plasticity
Brain’s ability to change and adapt through experiences
Polygenic Inheritance
Mental disorders are often influenced by multiple genes, not just one.
Temperament
A child’s inherent emotional responses and reactivity, influenced by genetics and environment.
Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Disruptions in the communication between neurons due to issues with neurotransmitters.
Interpersonal Perspective
Focuses on the role of social relationships and early attachments in shaping behavior.
Object-Relations Theory:
Focuses on how individuals internalize early experiences with caregivers, which shape future relationships.
Humanistic Perspective:
Views humans as inherently good, emphasizing self-actualization and personal growth.
Existential Perspective
Focuses on human existence, personal meaning, and the challenges of life, such as death and purpose.
Schemas
Mental frameworks that guide our understanding of the world.
Self-Schemas
How our perception of ourselves influences actions and decisions.
Attribution Theory
The process of assigning causes to events, influencing emotional well-being.
Self-Efficacy
Belief in one’s ability to achieve goals, central to cognitive behavioral therapy.
Parenting Styles
Authoritative: High warmth, clear limits.
Authoritarian: High control, low warmth.
Permissive/Indulgent: High warmth, low control.
Neglectful/Uninvolved: Low warmth and control.
Parental Psychopathology
Mental disorders in parents that affect children’s development and behavior.
Marital Discord and Divorce
Marital Discord: Leads to aggression, mental health issues.
Divorce: Affects children’s academic performance, self-esteem, and relationships.
Socioeconomic Status (SES)
Low SES: Linked to higher mental disorder rates.
Unemployment: Contributes to distress and mental health issues.
Prejudice and Discrimination
Prejudice is unjust treatment based on personal characteristics, while discrimination is based on perceived group membership
