Psych foundations exam 12th nov

Question 1

What is psychological theory, and why is it important for Allied Health professionals?

Answer 1

Psychological theory explains and predicts human behavior, and it is important for Allied Health professionals because it informs practice, enhances communication, guides interventions, and promotes holistic patient care.

Question 2

What are values, and how do they influence behavior?

Answer 2

Values are deeply held beliefs about what is important or desirable, guiding decision-making and actions consistently in line with personal principles.

Question 3

Name four fields of psychology and their focus

Answer 3

Social Psychology: Group behavior, social influence on decision-making.
Cross-Cultural Psychology: Influence of cultural factors on behavior.
Health Psychology: Interaction of biology, psychology, and social factors in health.
Clinical Psychology: Assessment and treatment of mental illness.

Question 4

How do values and attitudes affect behavior in Allied Health practice?

Answer 4

Strong and personally relevant values and attitudes predict behaviors, helping professionals make decisions and actions aligned with patient care and ethics.

Question 5

Why is understanding patient values and attitudes crucial in healthcare?

Answer 5

It helps tailor interventions, increases patient engagement, supports cultural sensitivity, and enables more effective behavior change.

Question 6

What is cognitive dissonance?

Answer 6

Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort experienced when values, attitudes, and behaviors are in conflict, often leading to a change to restore balance.

Question 7

Name some bioethical principles upheld by OT Australia.

Answer 7

Beneficence, non-maleficence, honesty, veracity, confidentiality, justice, respect, and autonomy.

Question 8

What role do social and cultural influences play on values and attitudes?

Answer 8

Social and cultural factors shape values and attitudes through influences like family, peers, and media, which affect behavior and decision-making.

Question 9

Why is knowledge of Social, Cross-Cultural, Health, and Clinical Psychology valuable in Allied Health?

Answer 9

These fields provide insight into group behavior, cultural influences, the interaction of biological and social factors on health, and treatment of mental health conditions.

Question 10

How do values align with professional practice in Allied Health?

Answer 10

Personal and professional values guide ethical behavior, decision-making, and patient care, aligning with the principles of respect, service, and justice in health settings.

Question 11

What is the main focus of Psychoanalytic Theory in psychology?

Answer 11

Psychoanalytic Theory looks at the influence of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences

Question 12

How does Behaviourism explain learning?

Answer 12

Behaviourism explains learning through conditioning, where behavior is shaped by reinforcement (rewards) or punishment, focusing on observable actions.

Question 13

What is a key principle of Humanistic Theory?

Answer 13

Humanistic Theory centers on self-actualisation, personal growth, and the individual’s ability to make free choices.

Question 14

What does Cognitivism emphasise in its approach to understanding behavior?

Answer 14

Cognitivism concentrates on how a person’s mind receives, organises, saves and retrieves information. It looks at mental processes like memory, perception, and problem-solving, comparing the mind to an information processor.

Question 15

What is the Law of Effect and who developed it?

Answer 15

Developed by Edward Thorndike, the Law of Effect states that behaviors followed by positive outcomes are likely to be repeated, while those with negative outcomes are not.

Question 16

How is Biomedical Theory relevant to Allied Health?

Answer 16

Biomedical Theory helps allied health professionals understand how physiological states affect behavior, supporting a holistic approach to treatment.

Question 17

Describe a practical application of Behaviourism in Allied Health.

Answer 17

Behaviourism is applied in behavior modification programs, using reinforcement techniques to encourage adherence to therapeutic routines.

Question 18

How does Humanistic Theory influence therapy in Allied Health?

Answer 18

Humanistic Theory encourages a client-centered approach, promoting empathy and respect, which fosters supportive therapeutic relationships.

Question 19

Why is an understanding of Cognitive Theory important in Allied Health?

Answer 19

Cognitive Theory creates cognitive rehabilitation strategies, improving functions like memory and attention to enhance client independence.

Question 20

What role does Developmental Theory play in health care?

Answer 20

Developmental Theory guides allied health practitioners in designing age-appropriate interventions based on predictable stages of human development.

Question 21

What is a key application of conditioning principles in Allied Health?

Answer 21

Conditioning principles are used in behaviour modification to encourage positive changes, often through reinforcement techniques to promote engagement in therapeutic routines.

Question 22

How does Cognitivism differ from Behaviourism?

Answer 22

Cognitivism acknowledges internal mental states and focuses on how thought processes shape behavior, while Behaviourism focuses solely on observable actions.

Question 22

What is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Answer 22

CBT is a cognitive therapy used widely to treat mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD by changing unhelpful thought patterns that influence behavior.

Question 23

How is Motivational Interviewing used in Allied Health?

Answer 23

Motivational Interviewing is a technique that helps clients alter behavior through supportive dialogue aimed at changing their cognitions, often used to help achieve therapy goals.

Question 24

What are two common criticisms of Cognitivism?

Answer 24

Cognitivism is critiqued for relying on subjective evidence and assuming that cognition initiates behavior, rather than behavior potentially leading to changed cognitions.

Question 25

What assumption underlies Humanistic Psychology?

Answer 25

Humanistic Psychology assumes that people are innately good and motivated to achieve their potential, contrasting with deterministic views in Behaviorism and Psychoanalytic Theory.

Question 26

How is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs structured?

Answer 26

Maslow’s hierarchy starts with basic physiological needs, followed by safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, and at the top is self-actualisation.

Question 27

What are Carl Rogers' six key principles in Person-Centered Therapy?

Answer 27

* unconditional positive regard * empathy * acceptance * congruence * respect * trust

Question 28

How does Humanistic Psychology influence modern Allied Health practices?

Answer 28

Humanistic Psychology influences client-centered care by emphasizing empathy, empowerment, and aligning care with clients’ personal goals.

Question 29

What criticism does Humanistic Psychology face?

Answer 29

Humanistic Psychology is critiqued for subjectivity, lack of empirical evidence, and its assumption of innate human goodness, which doesn’t account for harmful behaviors from bad people.

Question 30

What are the three primary domains of human development?

Answer 30

Physical, Cognitive, and Psychosocial development.

Question 31

What are Piaget's four stages of cognitive development?

Answer 31

Sensorimotor (0-2 years), Preoperational (2-7 years), Concrete Operational (7-11 years), Formal Operational (12 years and up).

Question 32

How does Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory differ from Piaget’s theory?

Answer 32

Vygotsky emphasizes that cognitive development occurs through social interaction within the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and is influenced by culture, rather than distinct stages.

Question 32

What does Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory focus on?

Answer 32

Eight stages of development across the lifespan, each with a unique conflict (e.g., Trust vs. Mistrust in infancy, Identity vs. Role Confusion in adolescence).

Question 33

How are Piaget, Vygotsky, and Erikson’s theories applied in allied health practice?

Answer 33

these theories guide educational activities, support growth techniques, and address emotional and social needs, helping tailor therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions.

Question 33

What are the main types of learning identified by learning theories?

Answer 33

Classical Conditioning (Pavlov), Operant Conditioning (Skinner), and Observational Learning (Bandura).

Question 34

What is nonassociative learning?

Answer 34

it’s the simplest form of learning, where an individual’s response to a stimulus decreases after repeated exposure, such as becoming accustomed to traffic noise.

Question 35

Define classical conditioning and give an example.

Answer 35

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a naturally occurring response, like feeling hungry when hearing a dinner bell after repeated associations with mealtime.

Question 36

What was the primary finding of Harlow’s experiment with infant monkeys?

Answer 36

That infants sought comfort and security from a soft "mother" figure rather than a wire mother providing only food, highlighting the need for physical touch in development.

Question 36

What are the four stages of observational learning according to Bandura?

Answer 36

Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.

Question 37

Describe secure attachment and its impact on development.

Answer 37

A healthy attachment style where individuals feel confident in caregiver responsiveness, leading to better emotional regulation, social skills, and stable adult relationships.

Question 38

How does early intervention support development in children?

Answer 38

Early interventions assist caregivers in nurturing children’s cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and communication skills.

Question 39

What are the three main components of emotions?

Answer 39

Emotions consist of a subjective experience, a physiological response, and a behavioral or expressive response.

Question 40

What are the adaptive, social, and motivational functions of emotions?

Answer 40

Adaptive function helps respond to situations (e.g., fear aids in avoiding danger), social function facilitates communication (e.g., smiling shows friendliness), and motivational function drives behavior (e.g., seeking pleasure).

Question 41

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Answer 41

Intrinsic motivation is driven by personal interest and enjoyment, while extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards like money or social approval.

Question 41

What is the highest level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Answer 41

Self-actualization, which involves fulfilling one’s potential and achieving personal growth.

Question 41

What is self-efficacy and who proposed it?

Answer 41

Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s capabilities to control their life and achieve goals, proposed by Albert Bandura.

Question 42

What are the four sources of self-efficacy according to Bandura?

Answer 42

Previous experiences, vicarious experiences, verbal encouragement, and emotional states.

Question 42

What is delayed gratification and what study is famous for examining it?

Answer 42

Delayed gratification is postponing immediate rewards for long-term goals, famously studied in the Marshmallow Experiment.

Question 42

What is the focus of Indigenous Psychologies concerning health and well-being?

Answer 42

They emphasize the importance of connections to land, community, history, language, and culture, considering these essential for well-being.

Question 42

What are the Big Five personality traits?

Answer 42

Openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Question 42

How does personality change or remain stable throughout life?

Answer 42

Core traits are generally stable, but significant life events, personal growth, or environmental changes can lead to personality adjustments.

Question 42

What is a primary difference between Western and Indigenous psychological frameworks?

Answer 42

Western frameworks focus on individualism and empirical analysis, while Indigenous frameworks emphasize holistic views, collective identity, and ecological and spiritual connections.

Question 42

How do nature and nurture influence personality?

Answer 42

Genetics provide a foundation, while the environment shapes and can alter personality traits.

Question 42

What does Hofstede’s Power Distance Index measure?

Answer 42

It measures how much less powerful members of a society accept unequal distribution of power within institutions and organizations.

Question 42

Define "acculturation" and its effect on culture.

Answer 42

Acculturation is the cultural and psychological change that occurs when two distinct cultural groups interact, often blending aspects of both cultures.

Question 43

Define culture in the context of psychology.

Answer 43

Culture includes shared rules, beliefs, values, and customs that shape behavior and identity, passed down through generations to help members adapt and make sense of the world.

Question 43

Explain "enculturation" in cultural psychology.

Answer 43

Enculturation is the process by which individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, and behaviors of their culture as they grow up.

Question 43

What does Hofstede’s Individualism vs. Collectivism dimension measure?

Answer 43

It assesses whether a culture values individual independence or interdependence as part of a larger community.

Question 43

What are the long-term effects of colonization on Aboriginal Australians?

Answer 43

Colonization led to trauma, cultural loss, and dislocation, with ongoing intergenerational impacts on health, social, and economic outcomes.

Question 44

What is Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance Index?

Answer 44

It measures a society’s tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity, influencing how much people feel comfortable with the unknown or prefer structured rules.

Question 45

How can non-Aboriginal health professionals provide culturally safe care for Aboriginal communities?

Answer 45

By respecting Aboriginal cultural practices, understanding historical trauma, and recognizing the importance of land, community, and cultural identity in health care.

Question 46

What is Social Psychology?

Answer 46

A subfield of psychology focused on understanding the psychology and behavior of groups, particularly how groups influence individuals' thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Question 47

What is the Social Brain Hypothesis?

Answer 47

The idea that human brains evolved to support complex social interactions and group living, which were essential for survival and gene propagation.

Question 48

Define Social Cognition.

Answer 48

The process of perceiving and making judgments about other people, including forming impressions, making attributions, and using stereotypes.

Question 49

What is Impression Formation?

Answer 49

The process of making a first impression about someone based on observable characteristics, which then shapes future perceptions of that person.

Question 50

What is the Fundamental Attribution Error?

Answer 50

The tendency to attribute others' behavior to their personality while attributing our own behavior to situational factors.

Question 51

Describe Social Identity Theory.

Answer 51

A theory suggesting that individuals derive pride and self-esteem from their group memberships and may favor their in-group over out-groups.

Question 52

Explain Milgram's Shock Study and its implications on obedience.

Answer 52

Milgram's study demonstrated that ordinary people could follow orders to harm others, especially when directed by authority figures, challenging assumptions about personal responsibility.

Question 52

What is Conformity, and give an example.

Answer 52

Conformity is changing one's behaviors or opinions to match those of a group; for example, laughing at a joke because others in the group are laughing.

Question 53

What did the Stanford Prison Experiment reveal about social roles and conformity?

Answer 53

It showed that people quickly conform to social roles, suggesting that situational factors and social influence can significantly shape behavior.

Question 54

What is the "Foot-in-the-Door" compliance tactic?

Answer 54

A technique where a small request is made first, and once accepted, followed by a larger request.

Question 54

What are the limitations of the similarity theory of attraction?

Answer 54

1) Artificial setting with lack of real-world context. 2) Limited scope of attitudes considered. 3) Focus on short-term attraction rather than long-term relationship dynamics. 4) Homogeneity of participants limits generalizability. 5) No measure of actual interaction among participants.

Question 54

What is interpersonal attraction?

Answer 54

Interpersonal attraction is a positive attitude or evaluation regarding a particular person, influencing our liking for them.

Question 55

What is the mere-exposure effect, and how can it be applied in Allied Health?

Answer 55

The mere-exposure effect suggests that the more frequently we are exposed to something, the more we tend to like it. In Allied Health, this can enhance client engagement by ensuring regular interactions and fostering familiarity.

Question 55

What are the three main factors influencing helping behavior?

Answer 55

1) Evolutionary Factors: Helping behaviors are biologically advantageous. 2) Egoistic Explanations: We help because it benefits us. 3) Altruism (Selfless empahtetic reaons): We are innately driven to help others, even at a cost to ourselves.

Question 56

What did Aronson and Linder's study reveal about attraction and the concept of "winning someone over"?

Answer 56

The study found that participants liked the researcher more when their evaluation shifted from negative to positive than when it was consistently positive, suggesting that the process of being "won over" is more rewarding.

Question 56

How can the matching hypothesis affect interactions in a healthcare setting?

Answer 56

The matching hypothesis posits that we are attracted to those we believe we 'match' with in social rank or attractiveness. Allied Health professionals should be aware of their biases towards physical attractiveness to ensure equitable care and build genuine rapport with all clients.

Question 57

What are some limitations of Aronson and Linder's study?

Answer 57

artificial settings short-term interactions limited generalisability (university students) impact of individual differences ethical concerns

Question 57

How can the theory of attraction inform practices in Allied Health?

Answer 57

It highlights the importance of building trust with patients over time, managing challenging interactions, recognizing the value of perseverance, and reflecting on feedback to improve relationships and care.

Question 58

What is the 'good genes hypothesis' in the context of physical attractiveness?

Answer 58

This hypothesis suggests that individuals prefer certain physical features (averageness, symmetry, youthfulness) because they signal good genetic traits and greater reproductive success.

Question 59

What are the two main motivations behind helping behavior according to psychological theories?

Answer 59

Helping behavior can stem from egoistic motives (self-benefit) or altruistic motives (genuine concern for others), with empathetic concern theory suggesting that empathy drives selfless helping behavior.

Question 60

What is Health Psychology?

Answer 60

Health Psychology is a branch of psychology that studies how psychological, behavioral, and social factors influence health, illness, and healthcare.

Question 61

What are the key areas of study for health psychologists?

Answer 61

Health psychologists study behavioral factors, stress and coping mechanisms, patient behavior, prevention and intervention, chronic illness management, and health disparities.

Question 62

What is the Biopsychosocial Model of Health?

Answer 62

The Biopsychosocial Model integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to understand health and illness, emphasizing the interplay between genetics, mental health, and social context.

Question 63

How does the Biopsychosocial Model benefit Allied Health Professionals?

Answer 63

* promotes holistic care, * personalising interventions, * improves patient outcomes, * supports cultural sensitivity, * encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.

Question 64

What are common psychological processes leading to unhealthy lifestyle choices?

Answer 64

Stress and coping mechanisms, cognitive biases (optimism bias, confirmation bias), social influences, emotional regulation issues, habits, immediate gratification, and lack of knowledge.

Question 65

What is the Availability Heuristic?

Answer 65

The Availability Heuristic is the tendency to judge an event as more likely if it is easy to recall or imagine, often leading to poor health risk judgments.

Question 66

Define Optimism Bias.

Answer 66

Optimism Bias is the tendency to underestimate personal risk for negative outcomes while overestimating the likelihood of positive outcomes, which can inhibit behavior change.

Question 67

What is Confirmation Bias?

Answer 67

Confirmation Bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs, limiting critical thinking and reinforcing self-esteem.

Question 68

Explain Cognitive Dissonance.

Answer 68

Cognitive Dissonance occurs when individuals hold conflicting beliefs or behaviors, causing mental discomfort that motivates them to change their beliefs or justify their actions.

Question 69

What are some lifestyle diseases associated with unhealthy behaviors?

Answer 69

Lifestyle diseases include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and conditions related to smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse.

Question 70

How do psychologists define stress?

Answer 70

Stress is a physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reaction to a stressor that threatens the individual's coping resources.

Question 71

What evolutionary purpose does stress serve?

Answer 71

Stress acts as a survival mechanism that prompts the body into action when faced with danger, preparing for fight or flight.

Question 72

What is the main difference between stressors in Westernized humans and non-mammals, according to Sapolsky?

Answer 72

Most stressors in humans are psychological.

Question 73

How does Robert Sapolsky define a stressor?

Answer 73

A stressor is any departure from normality, wellness, or homeostasis.

Question 74

What are the two types of stress responses?

Answer 74

Acute stress (immediate, short-term response) and chronic stress (long-term response involving the HPA axis).

Question 75

What are the three stages of Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome?

Answer 75

Alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Question 76

What is the role of cognitive appraisal in coping with stress?

Answer 76

Cognitive appraisal involves evaluating whether a stimulus is stressful and determining the best coping mechanisms.

Question 77

What does the PERMA framework in Positive Psychology stand for?

Answer 77

Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.

Question 78

How can positive emotions benefit individuals?

Answer 78

They enhance resilience, broaden perspectives, improve relationships, better health, increase life satisfaction, and motivate achievement.

Question 79

What is stigma, and how does it impact individuals with health conditions?

Answer 79

Stigma refers to prejudiced attitudes towards others based on characteristics like mental illness, leading to discrimination, low self-esteem, and limited social participation.

Question 80

What percentage of Australians will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime?

Answer 80

45.5% of the Australian population experiences a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime.

Question 81

What proportion of Australians aged 16-85 experience symptoms of a mental disorder annually?

Answer 81

One in five (20.0%), equivalent to almost 3.2 million Australians.

Question 82

How does the prevalence of mental disorders change with age?

Answer 82

It declines from 26.4% in ages 16-24 to 5.9% in ages 75-85.

Question 83

What percentage do psychological disorders account for all illnesses in Australia?

Answer 83

Psychological disorders account for 12% of all illnesses, making it the fourth highest disease group contributing to total burden.

Question 84

What defines a psychological disorder?

Answer 84

Atypical disturbances in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that cause significant impairment in life and violate cultural norms.

Question 85

What does the biopsychosocial model recognize in relation to psychological disorders?

Answer 85

It considers the biological, psychological, and social/environmental factors as aetiologies (causes) of mental disorders.

Question 86

Name the six types of anxiety disorders.

Answer 86

1. Social Phobia 2. Panic Disorder 3. Agoraphobia 4. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Question 87

What percentage of Australians experience anxiety disorders within a 12-month period?

Answer 87

14.4% of Australians experience anxiety disorders, with PTSD (6.4%) and social phobia (4.7%) being the most common.

Question 88

What are mood disorders characterized by?

Answer 88

Mood disorders involve significant mood disturbances that disrupt daily functioning and can be recurrent, often linked to stress.

Question 89

What percentage of Australians aged 16-85 experience symptoms of mood disorders annually?

Answer 89

6.2% experienced symptoms in the last 12 months, with Major Depressive Disorder being the most prevalent at 4.1%.

Question 90

What is the role of Allied Health professionals in mental health?

Answer 90

They assess, diagnose, and treat clients often as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Question 91

Why is a multidisciplinary team approach essential in mental health care?

Answer 91

It optimizes expertise from various health professionals, addressing the complex and diverse needs of clients with mental health issues.

Question 92

What is interprofessional practice?

Answer 92

A collaborative approach where multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds work together with clients to make shared health decisions.

Question 93

How does primary health care function in the context of mental health?

Answer 93

Primary health care serves as the first point of contact, often initiated by a General Practitioner who coordinates care with various health professionals.

Question 94

What psychological symptoms indicate anxiety disorders?

Answer 94

Excessive fear, worry, catastrophizing, and obsessive thinking.

Question 95

What are common physical symptoms of anxiety?

Answer 95

Panic attacks, racing heart, hot and cold flushes, quick breathing, and restlessness.

Question 96

What physical symptoms are associated with depression?

Answer 96

Tiredness, headaches, sleep problems, and changes in appetite or weight.

Question 97

What are some common co-existing conditions for individuals with learning difficulties?

Answer 97

Up to 40% may experience anxiety or depression, particularly if learning disabilities are not diagnosed early.

Question 98

What is motivational interviewing?

Answer 98

An evidence-based, client-centered approach that encourages clients to discuss their reasons for behavior change, enhancing their motivation.

Question 99

What are the key principles of motivational interviewing?

Answer 99

Focus on client-driven motivation, collaborative decision-making, and building a therapeutic relationship resembling a partnership rather than a traditional expert/patient dynamic.