Neap 2016

Question 1

Outline what occurs in the HPA Axis.

Answer 1

• Stressor is perceived.
• Hypothalamus releases corticotrophin (CRH).
• Activates pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH).
• Prompts adrenal gland to release adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones).
• Physiological changes occur (Eg. Increased heart rate, respiration rate, release of glucose).

Question 2

Explain primary appraisal.

Answer 2

Is the initial evaluation process where the person determines whether the event (stressor) is a threat or a challenge (is an unconscious process).

Question 3

Explain secondary appraisal.

Answer 3

Where the person considers what options are available to them and how they will respond (is a conscious process).

Question 4

What is emotional forecasting?

Answer 4

Where the person predicts the possible emotional impact of each potential responses (occurs in PA and SA).

Question 5

Explain problem-focused coping.

Answer 5

Looks at the causes of a stressor from a practical perspective and works out ways to deal with the problem or stressful situation with the objective of reducing that stress.
Strategies include:
- Taking control.
- Information seeking.
- Evaluating pros and cons.

Question 6

Explain emotion-focused coping.

Answer 6

Involves trying to reduc the negative emotional feelings associated with the stressor (Eg. Embarrassment, fear, anxiety etc.).
Strategies include: 
- Meditation
- Relaxation
- Talking to friends and family
- Denial
- Distraction
- Physical exercise

Question 7

Homeostasis.

Answer 7

Where automatic bodily functions are maintained at a state of equilibrium by the parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 8

Allsostasis.

Answer 8

“Where the body maintains stability or homeostasis through change” - When a person interprets an event as being stressful; several internal physiological and behavioural processes are activated so that adaptation to the stressor (or allostasis) can be achieved.

Question 9

Allostatic load.

Answer 9

Refers to the cumulative effects our body trying to re-establish allostasis in response to frequent and intense stressors.

Question 10

Allostatic overload.

Answer 10

When the demands of the stressor exceed the body’s ability to repeatedly adapt, the person is no longer able to meet the demands.

Question 11

List two advantages of the categorical approach to diagnosing mental illness.

Answer 11

• Promotes communication between mental health professionals.
• Consistency in how different patients are diagnosed.

Question 12

List two limitations of the categorical approach.

Answer 12

• Stigmatisation.

- Lots of interlap between symptoms can make diagnosis tricky.

Question 13

List three advantages of the dimensional approach.

Answer 13

• Reduces stigmatisation.
• More detailed description of disorder (takes into account a wide range of symptoms).
• Provides a measure of degree or severity of symptom.

Question 14

List two disadvantages of the dimensional approach.

Answer 14

• Subjectivity.

- Time-consuming.

Question 15

What doesn’t the DSM do?

Answer 15

• Tell you how to treat a mental disorder.

- Specify the cause of a mental disorder.

Question 16

List and give an example of the five axes of the DSM-IV-TR.

Answer 16

1. Clinical disorders (Eg. ADHD).
2. Mental retardation and personality disorders (Eg. Mood swings).
3. General medical conditions (Eg. Cancer).
4. Psychosocial and environmental problems (Eg. Isolation, unemployment etc.).
5. GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning).

Question 17

What does the “law of effect” state?

Answer 17

States that behaviour becomes controlled by its consequences - if it feels good, we do it again; if it doesn’t, we don’t.

Question 18

What form of learning is trial-and-error learning?

Answer 18

Operant conditioning.

Question 19

What does trial and error learning involve?

Answer 19

• Motivation.
• Exploration.
• Responses.
• Reward.