psy chapter 15

Question 1

psychological disorder

Answer 1

a set of behavioral, emotional, and cognitive symptoms that are significantly distressing and disabling in terms of social functioning, work endeavors, and other aspects of life

Question 2

abnormal psychology

Answer 2

an academic field devoted to the study of psychological disorders

Question 3

continuum

Answer 3

• anyone can have experiences similar to symptoms of psychological disorders
• there is a continuum for behaviors and feelings, ranging from normal to abnormal

Question 4

historical context

Answer 4

conceptions of abnormality and definitions of psychological disorders have changed over the course of history

Question 5

stigma

Answer 5

negative attitude or opinion about groups of people based on certain characteristics they have

Question 6

comorbidity

Answer 6

• the occurrence of two or more disorders at the same time
• in one study, being diagnosed with one disorder was associated with an increased risk of developing yet another disorder

Question 7

medical model

Answer 7

explains psychological disorders from a biological standpoint, focusing on genes, nuerochemical imbalances, and problems in the brain

Question 8

psychological factors model

Answer 8

proposes that cognitive factors of personality characteristics contribute to the development and maintenance of disorders or that ways of learning or childhood experiences lay their foundation

Question 9

sociocultural factors model

Answer 9

centers on social factors, such as poverty and community support systems and their role in the development and course of disorders

Question 10

biopsychosocial model

Answer 10

psychological disorders result from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors

Question 11

panic attack

Answer 11

sudden, extreme fear or discomfort that escalates quickly, often with no evident cause

Question 12

panic disorder

Answer 12

a psychological disorder that includes recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and fear that can cause significant changes in behavior

Question 13

biology and panic disorder

Answer 13

• involvement of the hypothalamus (fight or flight)
• irregularities in the size and shape of the amygdala

Question 14

learning and panic disorder

Answer 14

some researchers propose that classical conditioning may be involved in the development of panic disorder

Question 15

specific phobia

Answer 15

a psychological disorder characterized by a distinct fear or anxiety related to an object or situation

Question 16

social anxiety disorder

Answer 16

an intense fear of social situations and scrutiny by others

Question 17

generalized anxiety disorder

Answer 17

a psychological disorder characterized by an excessive amount of worry and anxiety about activities relating to family, health, school, and other aspects of daily life

Question 18

obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Answer 18

psychological disorder characterized by obsessions and/or compulsions that are time consuming and cause a great deal of distress

Question 19

obsession

Answer 19

a thought, an urge, or an image, that happens repeatedly, is intrusive and unwelcome, and often causes anxiety and distress

Question 20

compulsion

Answer 20

behavior or “mental act” that a person repeats over and over in an effort to reduce anxiety

Question 21

learned helplessness

Answer 21

tendency for people to believe they have no control over the consequences of their behaviors, resulting in passive behavior

Question 22

beck’s cognitive triad

Answer 22

negative views of experiences, self, and the future