Psychological Approaches - Biological

Question 1

Genetic predisposition

Answer 1

Increased chance of developing a particular diseased based on a person’s genetic makeup.

• Genetic change = development of disease, not direct cause.
• will not effect all with these genes. → complex interactions.

Question 2

Role of Neurotransmitter Imbalances

Answer 2

Neurotransmitter = chemical messenger that carries,boosts and balances signals between Neurons.
Target calls in glands, muscles, other neurons

Imbalanced
Balance = proper functions
Genes, environment, drugs or diet = effect neurotransmitters.
-> problems with nervous system → physical + psychological issues.

Question 3

Examples

Answer 3

Genetically predisposed
→ cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, mental illness.
Genes = vulnerable to addiction.

Neurotransmitters
→ drugs cause imbalances
→ GABA = neurotransmitter = off and on switch in the brain. - improves mood, anxiety and sleep.
→ dopamine → linked to addiction.

Question 4

Evaluations - strengths

Genetics and neurotransmitter imbalances

Answer 4

Strengths
-> Implications for healthcare = effective treatments.
genes = obesity = gene mutation = screening to treat.
Neurotransmitters = anorexia → low serotonin levels.

→ objective approach = scientific approach to health.
Both = scientific research to prove.

Question 5

Evaluations - weaknesses

Genetics and neurotransmitter imbalances

Answer 5

→ Influence of environment = focus on genes risks ignoring environmental factors.
N - drug for depression - ignores environmental triggers.
G - now focus = genes and environment.

→ deterministic = Behaviour is fixed on biology
- claims no free will to change behaviour