Psychology Chapter on Mental Illness and Therapy

The conscious mind is what we are aware of at this moment - our thoughts, beliefs, and feelings.

This refers to our primitive, pleasure-seeking, and impulsive side, driven by the desire for immediate gratification. It's mostly unconscious.

The ego acts as a mediator, balancing the id's primal urges with the superego's moral constraints. It navigates the real world while trying to meet our needs.

Representing our moral compass, the superego is influenced by our parents and caregivers, shaping our sense of right and wrong.

A form of therapy derived from psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy explores past experiences and unconscious conflicts to understand present difficulties.

A defense mechanism used by the ego, repression involves pushing unwanted or painful thoughts and memories into the unconscious.

A defense mechanism where someone refuses to acknowledge or accept painful realities. It involves denying the truth.

A defense mechanism used by the ego to justify actions or thoughts by providing rational explanations, even if those explanations are not true.

The therapist actively guides and challenges maladaptive behaviors and distorted views, helping patients become aware of dysfunctional patterns and unrealistic expectations to modify them.

A hands-on approach in therapy where the therapist helps patients identify and change their unhealthy behaviors and thought patterns.

The therapist actively observes and analyzes the patient's behavior, especially their interactions with the therapist.

A type of learning where involuntary reactions become associated with neutral stimuli.

A therapy approach that uses principles of classical conditioning to treat fear and anxiety by gradually exposing patients to anxiety-provoking stimuli while promoting relaxation.

A behavioral therapy method that aims to eliminate problematic behaviors by rewarding positive behaviors and discouraging negative ones.

A fear of open spaces or crowded places often linked to panic attacks.

A theory that emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and social factors in mental health. It contrasts with psychoanalytic theory which focuses on internal mental processes.

A type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that lead to emotional distress and dysfunctional behaviors.

Unique assumptions or beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world that we hold. They shape our perspectives and reactions.

Rapid, unthinking thoughts that arise automatically from our schemata, often triggered by specific situations.

Irrational or distorted thinking patterns that contribute to negative emotions and behaviors.

A technique used in CBT to identify, challenge, and replace negative thoughts, involving a four-column format for recording events, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The idea that mental health issues can be caused by imbalances in brain chemistry, often related to neurotransmitters.

The ability to be genuine and authentic in therapy, showing your true self to the client.

The therapist's ability to understand and share the client's feelings, fostering a sense of connection and empathy.

A type of therapy that uses electrical current to induce a seizure, believed to work by affecting neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors.

A group of therapies, including CBT, DBT, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy, that have shown to create positive brain changes for various mental disorders.

A mental health approach that focuses on the importance of biological factors, like hormones, nutrition, and sleep, in affecting mental well-being.

A theory that suggests that cognitive development progresses from basic awareness to complex thinking and responses.

A theory that states that our development occurs in eight predetermined life stages and that success in each stage influences the next.

This theory emphasizes the role of past relationships in shaping our sense of self and how we interact with others in the present.

A classification of medications often used to treat mental health conditions.

A scientific observation that all mental processes originate from the brain.

A heightened state of awareness, characterized by narrowed perception and less information processing. You may experience this before an exam or important event.

The most severe level of anxiety, marked by overwhelming fear, panic, and inability to function or communicate effectively.

The mildest level of anxiety, characterized by normal alertness and readiness to respond to stimuli.

A state of anxiety that hinders clear thinking, significantly narrows perception, and focuses all behavior on reducing anxiety.

Interpersonal relationships and communication are key determinants of a patient's well-being and treatment outcomes.

Providing positive reinforcement for desirable behaviors can significantly improve a patient's actions, particularly in children.

Identifying and changing negative thought patterns helps improve a patient's mental state and overall functioning.

Erikson's theory helps understand the stages of human development throughout life, highlighting key challenges and milestones.

Tuckman's model of group development describes the stages groups go through as they form and mature. These stages are: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning (Mourning).

Task roles focus on completing the group's work and achieving its goals, while maintenance roles keep the group cohesive and supportive.

An autocratic leader makes most decisions and controls the group, while a democratic leader encourages group participation and collaboration.

The laissez-faire leadership style allows the group to operate independently without much direction from the leader.

Coleadership involves two individuals leading a group, providing multiple perspectives and support for group members.

A therapeutic milieu is a supportive and structured environment that promotes healing and recovery for individuals with mental illness.

A therapeutic milieu combines a healthy environment with a supportive social structure to foster positive growth and change in individuals with mental health challenges, leading to better outcomes.