Lecture 3 Flashcards
Psychoanalysis/Influences
Based on Freud’s Psycho-analytic theory
Freud’s idea: anxiety emerges from our deepest, darkest instincts
Psychological forces/abnormality is caused by an imbalance in internal forces that arise from unresolved conscious conflicts in early childhood.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is still practiced
Psychopathology-results from the darkest, sexual, agressive instincts and ill attachment formation
Psychoanalytic Model/ Psychopathology
Understanding psychological process underlie continuity/change in patterns of adaptation/maladaptation
Assumed that most behaviour is driven by unconscious emotional experiences
The theory asserts childhood development is an active/dynamic process: How an individual attributes meaning to the experience. Attributed meaning after consequences
The relationship between the parents & child has a significant role in the development of mental health.
Humanistic Theory & Influences
The study of the conscious experience and the individual’s self-awareness and freedom to choose. Abraham Maslow & Carl Rogers.
Focus is self-actualization: self-growth and fulfillment
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: cannot progress without meeting lower levels
Roger’s Person-centered therapy: Unconditional positive regard, Influential on the therapeutic relationship
Humanism & Psychopathology
Maslow Hierarchy of Needs:
Subjective experience
Existentialism: focuses on the authentic freedom to choose
Self-actualization: we need the freedom to grow in order to reach our highest potential
Behavioural Model/Influences
Learning-what can be learned can be unlearned
Behaviour influences learning
Classical Conditioning
Operant Conditioning
Social Learning
Abnormal behaviour is the consequence of abnormal learning
Behavioural model/Psychopathology
Suggests that environmental conditions affect the outcome
The belief that all behaviour, including abnormal, is a result of learnt behaviour
The behaviourist approach is significant in the treatment of some abnormal behaviour.
Observable behaviour can be replicated and motivated to be replicated with reinforcement.
Biological influences
The biological model focuses on mental disorders as a disease.
Parts of the body are impacted: The CNS, Autonomic nervous system and Endocrine system
Relevant to Maladaptive behaviour: Neurotransmitters/Hormonal imbalance, Genetic vulnerabilities, temperament, brain dysfunction and plasticity
Neurotransmitters: Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine: plays a key role in the body’s “fight-or-flight” response and various physiological processes. It is primarily produced in the adrenal medulla (part of the adrenal glands) and in the brainstem (especially in the locus coeruleus), which is a central structure involved in arousal, attention, and stress responses.
Disrupts emergency reaction in acutely stressful or dangerous situations.
Neurotransmitters: Dopamine
Dopamine: It plays a central role in various brain functions, including motivation, reward, motor control, and regulation of mood. Dopamine is involved in many aspects of both physical and mental health, and its dysregulation can contribute to a range of disorders.
Excessive high levels is associated with schizophrenia
Serotonin
Serotonin: plays a key role in regulating mood, emotions, sleep, appetite, digestion, and other physiological functions. It is sometimes called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter because of its significant influence on mood regulation, but its role extends far beyond just emotional well-being.
Disrupts information processing system and plays an important role in emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression and suicide.
GABA
GABA: the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). It plays a critical role in reducing neuronal excitability and maintaining a balanced neural environment, which is essential for preventing overstimulation of the brain. GABA helps regulate many brain functions, including anxiety, muscle tone, and sleep, and it is often described as the brain’s “brake” in contrast to glutamate, which is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter.
Associated with anxiety disorders.
Biological Influences & Psychopathology
The diathesis-stress model: The greater the vulnerability the less stress is needed to trigger the disorder.
Cognition-our ability to store and process information
Memory: implicit vs explicit memory
Memory retrieval is influenced by body state
Emotions: behaviour, physiology and cognition make up the component of an emotion
Eg: Fear and arousal stimulate a behaviour response
Cultural Influences
Affects psychopathology in different ways. A secondary influence on biology and environment.
Psychopathology is more likely determined by psychological factors than cultural factors.
Shapes how and what psychiatric symptoms are expressed
Influences the meanings that are given to the symptoms
Culture & Psychopathology
Culture is a direct causative factor
Cultural beliefs/ideas contribute to stress
Stress can be created by culturally formed anxiety
Culture has powerful influence on peoples choices
Culture shapes symptom manifestations
