Personality, PDs + Abnormal Psych

Question 1

Define Personality

Answer 1

a persons internally-based characteristic way of acting and thinking

Question 2

Define Character

Answer 2

personal characteristics that have been judged or evaluated

Question 3

Define Temperament

Answer 3

hereditary aspects of personality, including sensitivity, moods, irritability and distractibility

Question 4

Define Personality Trait

Answer 4

stable qualities that a person shows in most situations

Question 5

Define Personality Type

Answer 5

people who have several traits in common

Question 6

Describe Eysencks Three Factor theory

Answer 6

Eysenck believed that there are three factors in personality

Introversion vs Extroversion

Emotionally Stable vs Unstable (neurotic)

Impulse control vs psychotic

Question 7

Describe the 4 combinations related to the four basic temperaments

Answer 7

Melancholic (introverted + unstable) = sad, gloomy

Choleric (extroverted + unstable) = hot tempered, irritable

Phlegmatic (introverted + stable)= sluggish, calm

Sanguine (extroverted + stable) = cheerful, hopeful

Question 8

Describe Source and Surface traits

Answer 8

Source traits- underlying characteristics of a personality

Surface traits- features that make up the visible areas of personality

Question 9

What are the 5 factors that are important to the source trait testing?

Answer 9

Openness

Conscientiousness (guided principles)

Etraversion

Agreeable

Neuroticism (linked to anxiety and obsession)

Question 10

Give examples for low and high Openness

Answer 10

low - uncreative

high - creative

Question 11

Give examples for low and high Conscientiousness

Answer 11

low - lazy

high - hard working

Question 12

Give examples for low and high Extroversion

Answer 12

low - quiet

high - talkative

Question 13

Give examples for low and high Agreeableness

Answer 13

low - suspicious

high - trusting

Question 14

Give examples for low and high Neuroticism

Answer 14

low - calm

high - worried

Question 15

What did Freud describe as ID

Answer 15

Id: innate, biological instincts and urges

totally unconscious

works on pleasure principle: wishes to have its desires satisfied now, without waiting and regardless of consequences

Question 16

What did Freud Describe as Ego?

Answer 16

Ego: executive, directs Id energies

partially unconscious, partially conscious

works on Reality Principle: delays action until it is practical and/or appropriate

Question 17

What did Freud describe as Superego?

Answer 17

Superego: judge/sensor for thoughts and actions of ego

comes from our parents/caregivers

guilt comes from the superego

Question 18

Describe the 2 parts of Superego

Answer 18

Conscience- reflects actions for which a person has been punished
(what we shouldn’t do/be)

Ego Ideal- reflects behavior ones parents approved of or rewarded (what we should do/be)

Question 19

Describe the External Locus of Control

Answer 19

perception that chance or external forces beyond personal control determine one’s fate

Question 20

Describe the Internal Locus of Control

Answer 20

perception that you control your own fate

Question 21

Describe Learned Helplessness

Answer 21

a sense of hopelessness in which a person thinks that they are unable to prevent events

Question 22

Describe Human Nature

Answer 22

traits, qualities, potentials and behavior patterns most characteristic of humans

Question 23

Describe Free Choice

Answer 23

ability to choose that is NOT controlled by genetics, learning or unconscious forces

Question 24

What are the 3 levels of awareness?

Answer 24

Conscious- everything that you are aware of at any given moment

Preconscious- material that can easily be brought into awareness

Unconscious- holds repressed memories and emotions as well as the id’s instinct

Question 25

Describe Maslow’s theory of the Hierarchy of Needs

Answer 25

the Hierarchy of Needs - **our innate needs that motivate our actions are hierarchically arranged**

Question 26

Describe the 5 levels of the Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid

Answer 26

**self actualization** —————————- **esteem + self esteem** ——————————— **love and belonging** ———————————— **safety and security** —————————————— **physiological needs:** air, food, water, sleep, sex etc

Question 27

Describe Self Actualization

Answer 27

**the fullest realization of a person’s potential**

Question 28

Describe characteristics of self actualized people

Answer 28

efficient perceptions of reality comfortable acceptance of self, others and nature fellowship with humanity non-hostile sense of humor

Question 29

Describe a Personality Disorder

Answer 29

**an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates from the cultural expectations** is inflexible and constant

Question 30

Describe Ego-Dystonic

Answer 30

**aware** they have a problem

Question 31

Describe Ego-Syntonic

Answer 31

**unaware** that they have a problem

Question 32

Describe Paranoid Personality Disorder

Answer 32

**distrust in others, constant suspicion of sinister motives** **search for hidden meanings and read hostile intentions** **quick to challenge loyalties and hold long grudges** **appear cold and distant**

Question 33

Describe Schizoid Personality Disorder

Answer 33

**show detachment and disinterest in social interactions** **limited range of emotions** **weak social skills, do not show a need for attention or acceptance** **humorless, distant and “extreme loners”**

Question 34

Describe Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Answer 34

**need for social isolation** **odd, eccentric behavior and thinking, unconventional beliefs (extra sensory abilities or paranormal activity)** **misinterpret social situations** **live in their own world**

Question 35

Describe Antisocial Personality Disorder

Answer 35

**lack of a conscience** **prone to criminal behavior, believe their victims are weak and deserve to be taken advantage of** **careless with money and commit reckless acts** **often aggressive and are concerned with themselves over others**

Question 36

Describe Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer 36

**mood instability and poor self image** **prone to constant mood swings and bouts of anger** **take their anger out on themselves, suicidal threats and actions are common**

Question 37

Describe Histrionic Personality Disorder

Answer 37

**constant attention seekers** **need to be center of attention, often interrupt others** **may dress provocatively or exaggerate illnesses to gain attention**

Question 38

Describe Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Answer 38

**self-centered** **exaggerate achievements to act superior** **choosy with friends as not everyone is “worthy”** **uninterested in others feelings and may take advantage of them**

Question 39

Describe Avoidant Personality Disorder

Answer 39

**constant pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy and sensitivity to negative evaluation** **consider themselves to be socially less, personally unappealing and avoid social interaction in fear of being criticized or humiliated**

Question 40

Describe Dependent Personality Disorder

Answer 40

**constant pattern of dependence on other people** **has difficulty making decisions without large amounts of advice and reassurance**

Question 41

Describe OCPD

Answer 41

**general psychological inflexibility. rigid conformity to rules and procedures** **stress perfectionism above all else and feel anxious when things aren’t “right”**

Question 42

Describe a Psychological Disorder

Answer 42

**a “harmful dysfunction** in which behavior is judged to be abnormal, disturbing or unjustifiable

Question 43

What are Anxiety Disorders?

Answer 43

disorders where the primary symptoms are anxiety or defenses against anxiety patients are in a state of intense uneasiness, uncertainty and/or fear

Question 44

Describe Phobia

Answer 44

**persistent and unreasonable fear of an object, activity or situation** experiences sudden episodes of intense dread **must be an irrational fear**

Question 45

Describe Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer 45

**continuous tenseness, apprehension and in a state of autonomic nervous system arousal** **constantly tense, worried, oversensitive, can’t concentrate and suffers from insomnia**

Question 46

Describe Panic Disorder

Answer 46

**periodic, discrete bouts of panic that occur abruptly and peak within 10 mins** symptoms: **heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pains, faintness, dizziness**

Question 47

Describe OCD

Answer 47

**persistent thoughts, ideas, impulses or images that invade consciousness** **repetition and rigid behaviors or acts that a person feels compelled to perform**

Question 48

Describe PTSD

Answer 48

**flashbacks or nightmares following a person’s involvement or observation of a stressful event** memories of the event cause anxiety

Question 49

Describe Somatoform Disorders

Answer 49

occurs when a person manifests/has a psychological problem through a physical symptom

Question 50

Describe Hypochondriasis

Answer 50

**frequent physical complaints for which medical doctors are unable to locate the cause** **usually believe minor issues are severe illnesses**

Question 51

Describe Conversion Disorder

Answer 51

**report the existence of a severe physiological problem with no biological reason** extreme cases- blindness or paralysis

Question 52

Describe Dissociative Disorders

Answer 52

involve a disruption in the conscious process

Question 53

Describe Psychogenic Amnesia

Answer 53

**where a person cannot remember things but have no physiological reason** **retrograde amnesia from hours to years** **usually traumatic memories are lost**

Question 54

Describe Dissociative Fugue

Answer 54

**reversible amnesia for personal identity** **usually short lived (hours or day) but may last for months** **may involve unplanned travel or wandering, may establish a new identity** **often find themselves in unfamiliar environments**

Question 55

Describe Dissociative Identity Disorder

Answer 55

**several rather than one integrated personality** **specific triggers/situations can cause individuals to switch personalities, but can also occur at random** **associated with childhood abuse or trauma**

Question 56

Describe Major Depression

Answer 56

**severe, long lasting and debilitating sadness** **unhappy for at least 2 weeks without direct cause** **the “common cold” of psychological disorders** symptoms: **sadness, loss of humor, distracted, lack of drive, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, staying in bed**

Question 57

Describe Seasonal Affective Disorder

Answer 57

**experience depression in the winter months** **based on amount on sunlight** treated with light therapy

Question 58

Describe Bipolar Disorder

Answer 58

**periods of depression and manic episodes** **manic episodes involve feelings of high energy —> may be confidence, productivity, or irritability** **tend to engage in risky behavior —> excessive spending, unsafe sex, reckless driving etc during a manic episode**

Question 59

Describe Schizophrenic Disorders

Answer 59

**chronic illness where one loses touch with reality** symptoms: **disorganized thinking, disturbed perceptions, inappropriate emotions and actions**

Question 60

Describe Disorganized Schizophrenia

Answer 60

**disorganized speech or behavior, or flat or inappropriate behavior** **clang association** (linking similar sounding words together)

Question 61

Describe Paranoid Schizophrenia

Answer 61

most common type **preoccupation with delusions or hallucinations—> hearing voices**

Question 62

Describe Catatonic Schizophrenia

Answer 62

**hold rigid poses for hours while ignoring external stimuli** **flat effect, waxy flexibility** **parrot-like repeating of another’s speech and movements**

Question 63

Describe Undifferentiated Schizophrenia

Answer 63

**many and varied symptoms of disorganized thinking, disturbed perceptions and inappropriate emotions and actions, including catatonia**

Question 64

Describe Body Image Disorders

Answer 64

**a fixation or obsession with the body or face which interferes with health, daily life or relationships** **may be a source of intense anxiety and/or depression** **person diagnosed is usually unaware or ignorant to how others perceive them**

Question 65

Describe Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Answer 65

**persistent and intrusive thoughts with imagined or slight defect in one’s appearance** **may think their real or perceived flaws for hours each day** **causes severe emotional distress leading to missing school/work and isolate themselves to avoid judgement of their “flaws”** **may undergo unnecessary plastic surgery, yet never being satisfied with the results**

Question 66

Describe Anorexia Nervosa

Answer 66

**a relentless pursuit of thinnest and unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight, with extremely disturbed eating behaviors** **exhibit a distortion of body image, but may use it as a way to control their lives** **may see themselves as overweight even if severely malnurished** **eating, exercise and weight control becomes obsessions**

Question 67

Describe Bulimia Nervosa

Answer 67

**frequent episodes of binge eating followed by a frantic effort to avoid gaining weight** **a binge eating session may result in the intake of 3000-5000cal in an hour** **constant battle between the desire to lose weight and the compulsion to binge eat**

Question 68

Describe Impulse Control Disorders

Answer 68

**an inability to resist the urge to do something harmful to themselves or others** **afterwards, may feel blame, regret or guilt**

Question 69

Describe Pathological Gambling

Answer 69

**unable to resist the urge to gamble** **begins in early adolescence in men and age 20-40 in women** symptoms: **committing crimes to get money, restless and irritable when trying to quit, losing job, relationships etc**

Question 70

Describe Pyromania

Answer 70

**the inability to fight the urge to set fires —> negative feelings can only be relived by doing so** **may be chronic (frequent) or only in times of unusual stress (episodic)** Symptoms: **urge to set fires, unrelated to revenge, substance abuse or personal gain, pleasure/relief in doing so, shame, guilt or embarrassment after**

Question 71

Describe Kleptomania

Answer 71

**urge to steal items that are generally not needed and have little value** **don’t steal for personal gain or revenge, only because they can’t resist the temptation** symptoms: **increased anxiety, tension or arousal before theft, pleasure or relief while stealing, guilt, shame or fear after theft**

Question 72

Describe Systematic Desensitization

Answer 72

a gradual exposure to the feared item

Question 73

Describe Flooding

Answer 73

a rapid exposure to feared item, all at once

Question 74

Describe Aversion Therapy

Answer 74

Pairing the unwanted behaviour with a negative stimulus

Question 75

Describe Psychoanalytic Therapy

Answer 75

use of psychosis to bring forward subconscious ideas—-> **hypnosis** **free association** **dream interpretation**

Question 76

Describe Humanistic Therapy

Answer 76

non-directive, client-centred therapy, uses active listening self actualization, free-will and unconditional positive regard

Question 77

Describe Cognitive Therapy

Answer 77

changing the way we view the world helps a person challenge unhelpful thoughts and avoid negative emotions/behaviours

Question 78

Describe Somatic Therapy (3 types)

Answer 78

**Psychopharmacy** —> antipsychotics, anti-anxiety, mood disorders, bi polar meds **Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)** —>depression **Psychosurgery** —> prefrontal lobotomy

Question 79

Describe Group Therapy

Answer 79

involves 1 or more psychologists who lead a **group of patients that act as support networks for each other** **group members can help come up with ideas for improving difficult situations and hold you accountable**