Psychology Chapter on Phobias

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of the One Dimensional Model?

It considers various influences on behavior.

It integrates information from multiple disciplines.

It relies on a single conceptual approach. (correct)

It prioritizes environmental influences over biological.

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Multidimensional Model of abnormal behavior?

Biological Influences

Behavioral Influences

Social Influences

Psychosexual Influences (correct)

How are genes and environmental influences related according to the content?

They are unrelated and influence behavior independently.

Genes only function in isolation from environmental conditions.

There is a bidirectional relationship between genes and environment. (correct)

Environmental factors solely determine gene expression.

What does gene expression refer to in the context of genetics?

Protein influence on the activation of specific genes. Signup and view all the answers

What does polygenic transmission imply in genetic contributions to psychopathology?

Multiple gene pairs contribute to behavioral outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What does diathesis refer to in the context of developing a disorder?

An inherited predisposition to a disorder Signup and view all the answers

According to the diathesis-stress model, when does a disorder typically develop?

When the right type of stressor occurs Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best defines psychopathology as explained in the content?

An unlikely result from the interplay of multiple factors Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord?

Central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What role does neuroscience play in understanding psychopathology?

It examines the contribution of brain structure and function Signup and view all the answers

What event initially triggered Judy's severe reaction to blood?

A graphic frog dissection film in class Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors did Judy develop as a result of her phobia?

Avoiding situations involving blood or injury Signup and view all the answers

How frequently did Judy faint by the time she was referred to the clinic?

5 to 10 times a week Signup and view all the answers

What misconception did Judy's principal have regarding her behavior?

That she was trying to gain attention Signup and view all the answers

What psychological disorder was Judy diagnosed with?

Blood-injection-injury phobia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reaction of people who have a less severe form of Judy's phobia?

Having mild anxiety when seeing blood Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Judy's fainting spells have on her school life?

They disrupted her classes and drew attention from other students Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of phobias as mentioned in Judy's case?

They are characterized by persistent fear of an object or situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

To facilitate the transmission of signals across synapses Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving messages from other neurons?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

What neurotransmitter is particularly associated with anxiety disorders?

GABA Signup and view all the answers

Which structure connects the two cerebral hemispheres?

Corpus callosum Signup and view all the answers

What role does the amygdala play in the brain?

Attending to emotionally relevant stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What hormone does the adrenal cortex release in response to stress?

Cortisol Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is comprised of neurons and their supporting cells?

Central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What does the HPA axis primarily regulate in the body?

Stress responses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major component of psychoneuroimmunology?

How psychological factors impact the immune system Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of reuptake in neurotransmitter activity?

It allows for the reabsorption of leftover neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

How do sociocultural factors influence the prevalence of depression?

They can increase vulnerability through aspects like gender and socioeconomic status. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the emotion of fear play in behavior?

It motivates behavior such as escaping or fighting. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'object relations theory' refer to in the context of psychopathology?

Patterns of relating to others developed from childhood. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of therapy is the impact of current relationships on psychopathology emphasized?

Interpersonal therapy (IPT). Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of attention bias in depression?

Attention, interpretation, and recall are biased towards negative information. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Judy's Case

Judy, a 16-year-old, experienced fainting episodes after witnessing a graphic frog dissection in biology class.
She developed a fear of blood and injury, avoiding situations where she might encounter it.
This fear escalated, causing her to faint multiple times a week, leading to school suspension despite her academic excellence.
Judy's condition was diagnosed as blood-injection-injury phobia, characterized by intense fear of blood, injections, or injuries.
This phobia can be disabling, potentially impacting career choices and health due to avoidance of medical procedures.

Models of Psychopathology

One-dimensional models focus on a single paradigm or conceptual approach, limiting the understanding of complex issues.
Multidimensional models are interdisciplinary and integrative, considering a system of influences that contribute to and maintain suffering.
This model views abnormal behavior as a result of multiple factors.

Multidimensional Factors

Biological influences include genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter imbalances, brain structure and function, and neuroendocrine system activity.
Behavioral influences involve learning processes, such as classical and operant conditioning, and observational learning.
Emotional influences consider the role of emotions, such as fear, anxiety, and depression, in psychopathology.
Social influences encompass factors like interpersonal relationships, social support, and cultural norms.
Developmental influences highlight the impact of life stages and experiences on mental health.

Genetic Contributions

Heredity plays a significant role in most behaviors, with genes carrying genetic information (DNA).
Environmental factors such as stress, relationships, and culture influence gene expression.
The relationship between genes and environment is bidirectional, with nature impacting nurture and vice versa.

The Diathesis-Stress Model

Integrates multiple causal factors including genetic, neurobiological, psychological, and environmental influences.
Diathesis refers to an underlying predisposition, biological or psychological, that increases vulnerability to developing a disorder.
Stress encompasses environmental events that can trigger the development of a disorder.
This model emphasizes that psychopathology is unlikely to result from a single factor.

Neuroscience and Psychopathology

The field of neuroscience investigates the role of the nervous system in disease and behavior.
The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and sending signals.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the CNS to the rest of the body, consisting of somatic and autonomic branches.

Key Components of Neuroscience

Neurons and neurotransmitters: Neurons communicate using neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA.
Brain structure and function: Different brain regions, like the frontal lobe for reasoning and the amygdala for emotional processing, are linked to specific disorders.
Neuroendocrine system: The HPA axis, including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex, is involved in stress response.

Brain Structures

Cerebrum: Divided into two hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum, further divided into lobes: frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal.
Subcortical structures: The limbic system, including the amygdala, plays a crucial role in emotional processing.

Emotions and Psychopathology

Emotions play a significant role in developing and maintaining psychopathology.
Fear is a key emotion in the development of anxiety disorders, characterized by a subjective feeling of terror, behavioral responses (escaping or fighting), and physiological arousal.
Sociocultural factors like gender, race, culture, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influence vulnerability to mental disorders.

Interpersonal Factors

Object relations theory highlights the importance of long-standing patterns of relating to others in shaping mental health.
Attachment theory emphasizes the impact of early childhood attachment experiences on later psychological functioning.
Relational self theory explains that individuals describe themselves differently depending on the close relationship they are thinking about.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on addressing the impact of current relationships on psychopathology, such as unresolved grief, role transitions, and social deficits.

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Description

Explore Judy's case of blood-injection-injury phobia, detailing her experiences and challenges in managing her fear. The chapter contrasts one-dimensional and multidimensional models of psychopathology to provide a comprehensive understanding of mental health issues. Delve into how these models influence treatment approaches.