Psychology and Genetic Research Questions

Studies comparing monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins to estimate the heritability of a trait. If a trait differs more between dizygotic twins than monozygotic, it suggests a genetic component.

Studies investigating the brains of deceased individuals to uncover abnormalities associated with diseases like Alzheimer's.

Techniques like MRI used to compare brain structures between individuals with a disease and healthy controls. This helps identify potential structural differences associated with a disease.

Studies combining genetic information with brain imaging data to explore the influence of genes on brain function and structure.

Clinical trials where participants are randomly assigned to receive either a treatment or a placebo. This helps determine the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing outcomes between the groups.

A system for classifying mental disorders based on shared symptoms, developed by Emil Kraepelin. It was the forerunner of modern diagnostic systems like the DSM and ICD.

A standardized diagnostic system used by mental health professionals in the United States. The DSM provides criteria for the diagnosis of a wide range of mental disorders.

A globally used diagnostic system for diseases and health conditions, including mental disorders. The ICD is developed by the World Health Organization.

The idea that mental disorders are like medical illnesses, having identifiable causes, symptoms, and treatments. This model emphasizes biological factors and medical interventions.

A set of symptoms or behaviors that significantly interfere with an individual's daily life, work, or social relationships. This definition emphasizes the impact of mental disorders on functioning.

The proportion of a population with a specific disorder at a particular time.

Studying how the symptoms of different disorders relate to each other and how they fit into broader theories of mental health.

A qualitative research method that explores the subjective experiences of individuals with a disorder, focusing on their feelings and how the disorder affects their lives.

A research method that uses experiments to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables that may contribute to a disorder.

The idea that mental illness can be caused by negative actions or deeds in a person's past.

Surveys that gather information about past events, potential risk factors, and personal experiences related to a disorder. This data can reveal potential correlations between life experiences and mental health challenges.

A practice originating from Buddhism that involves paying attention to one's thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment.

An ancient Indian practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to achieve physical and mental well-being.

The understanding of cultural values and beliefs is crucial in treating Black males, reducing the risk of misdiagnoses.

For some Black males, seeking emotional support from family members can be more beneficial and accessible than traditional mental health services.

A group of mental health conditions that typically develop in childhood and can continue into adulthood.

A group of disorders characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms.

The diagnostic criteria for Depression include symptoms like weight changes, sleep problems, fatigue, and lack of energy.

Beck's Theory of Depression proposes that negative thoughts about oneself, the world, and the future contribute to depressive symptoms.

Cognitive biases, such as magnification (exaggerating negative events), contribute to the negative thinking patterns in depression.

The inability to directly observe and understand a person's internal thoughts and feelings, making it challenging to assess mental conditions.

A method of assessing psychological issues by asking individuals to report on their own experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

The practice of observing and analyzing an individual's behavior to gain insights into their mental state.

The act of obtaining information about an individual's psychological functioning from others who know them well, such as family members or friends.

Using biological measurements, like brain scans or blood tests, to assess mental health.

The idea that Western psychology's concepts and treatments don't fully account for the diverse experiences of people across cultures.

A field that combines cultural and clinical psychology to better understand how mental health issues manifest across societies.

The way a society understands, experiences, and expresses psychological well-being.

The tendency for individuals in some cultures to present mental health problems as physical symptoms.

A common reason for somatization in some cultures - stigma surrounding mental illness can lead people to avoid seeking help.

Depression is a mental health condition involving a lack of motivation, feelings of sadness, and a decline in functioning.

The theory that depression arises from a depletion of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.

A learned behavior where individuals become passive in stressful situations due to repeated exposure and a lack of control.

A specific coping strategy that involves trying to manage the emotional and behavioral responses to stress.

States of mind and mood are temporary, lasting for a short period. They are also highly changeable, unlike traits.

Traits are long-term dispositions or personality characteristics, relatively stable over time. In contrast to states, they are consistent and unchanging.

Abnormal behavior is considered atypical when it deviates from what is considered normal or typical within a given population.

Atypical traits are abnormal and include personality disorders, characterized by long-term, unchanging patterns of behavior that deviate from the norm.

Mood disorders are characterized by short-term, fluctuating emotional states that deviate from normal mood. They are distinct from personality disorders, which focus on enduring personality patterns.

A legal defense where a defendant's mental state at the time of the offense is used to reduce their sentence, but not completely absolve them of responsibility. This defense acknowledges the act was committed but argues the person's mental condition lessened their ability to understand the act or control their behavior.

A legal standard used to determine if someone was insane at the time of committing a crime. It focuses on whether the individual understood the nature of their actions and the wrongfulness of their behavior.

The perception that people with mental illnesses are more likely to commit violent acts, often perpetuated by media portrayals and stereotypes. This perception is not supported by research and can lead to harmful biases.

A study that found a significant link between gun ownership, mental health issues, and increased risk of violence or suicide. This highlights the importance of responsible gun control and access for individuals with mental health challenges.

While people with mental health issues are often portrayed as dangerous to the public, research shows that their greatest risk is to their family members and mental health professionals. The danger to the general public is relatively lower.