Psychology: Coping Strategies and Disorders

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Questions and Answers

When is problem-focused coping most likely to lead to a positive health outcome?

When feeling overwhelmed by stressors

When emotions are expressed outwardly

When cognitive reappraisal is avoided

When the situation is perceived as controllable (correct)

What is the primary aim of emotion-focused coping strategies?

To alter one’s emotional responses (correct)

To maintain a healthy diet

To solve the problems causing stress

To engage in physical activity

Which of the following emotions is NOT typically associated with stressors?

Anxiety

Guilt

Jealousy

Contentment (correct)

What does cognitive reappraisal involve?

Changing one’s interpretation of a stressful situation Signup and view all the answers

According to the Diathesis-Stress Model, disorders arise from:

Biological predispositions combined with stress Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is considered beneficial for mental health?

Maintaining a regular sleep schedule Signup and view all the answers

What does the Social Brain Hypothesis suggest about the evolution of human brains?

They grew larger to manage complex social networks Signup and view all the answers

Bandura’s concept of reciprocal determinism includes which of the following elements?

The interaction of cognitive factors, behavior, and environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a positive dissociative symptom?

Derealization Signup and view all the answers

What defines a manic episode in bipolar disorder?

Increased energy and activity Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT a positive dissociative symptom?

Impulsive behavior Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the negative symptoms of dissociative disorders?

Impairment in memory or mental functioning Signup and view all the answers

In bipolar disorder, what contrasts with a manic episode?

Depressive episode Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior might indicate a person is experiencing a manic episode?

Spending excessively on luxury items Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'bipolar'?

Two opposite mood extremes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about dissociative disorders?

They can include disruptions in identity and memory. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of self-efficacy in behavior and situation outcomes?

It affects one’s belief in success, impacting subsequent behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes repression as a defense mechanism?

Ignoring or trying to forget a threatening impulse. Signup and view all the answers

How does high self-efficacy influence one's approach to tasks?

It increases the likelihood of persistence and effort in tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of sublimation as a defense mechanism?

Channeling inappropriate impulses into socially acceptable actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between environment and behavior?

Behavior and environment influence each other in a reciprocal manner. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when someone with low self-efficacy approaches a task?

They are likely to avoid the task or give up easily. Signup and view all the answers

What does reaction formation involve regarding unacceptable desires?

Expressing the opposite of one's unconscious feelings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about self-efficacy is true?

Self-efficacy can vary significantly between different life domains. Signup and view all the answers

Which personality trait is characterized by being hardworking, reliable, and self-controlled?

Conscientiousness Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of people who score low in extraversion?

Reserved and quiet Signup and view all the answers

Individuals high in agreeableness are likely to be described as all of the following except:

Antagonistic Signup and view all the answers

People who demonstrate high levels of neuroticism are typically considered to be:

Worrisome and pessimistic Signup and view all the answers

According to Carl Rogers, what term describes the alignment between a therapist's words and body language?

Congruence Signup and view all the answers

Which type of locus of control is typically associated with learned helplessness?

External locus of control Signup and view all the answers

The study of psychological disorders is known as:

Abnormal psychology Signup and view all the answers

Which model of psychopathology integrates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects?

Biopsychosocial-spiritual model Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the Id operate on?

Pleasure principle Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the personality is considered the moral compass?

Superego Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Ego?

To wait for the appropriate time to act Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a component of the Big Five personality traits?

Knowledgeability Signup and view all the answers

What is Rationalization in psychological terms?

Creating acceptable explanations for unacceptable behavior Signup and view all the answers

What does the Projective hypothesis suggest?

A person's responses reflect their own internal experiences and needs Signup and view all the answers

Individuals high in Openness tend to exhibit which of the following traits?

Imaginative and curious Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes personality assessment techniques that involve standard, fixed-format questions?

Objective self-report techniques Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes hypomania in Bipolar II Disorder compared to mania?

Increased energy without impaired functioning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of impaired executive functioning in individuals with schizophrenia?

Confusion and poor decision making Signup and view all the answers

How are negative symptoms in schizophrenia generally described?

Behaviors not typically present in healthy individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia?

Sustained attention issues Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is characterized by strong beliefs not grounded in reality?

Delusions Signup and view all the answers

What is associated with avolition in individuals with schizophrenia?

Decreased motivation for activities Signup and view all the answers

What defines the heterogeneous nature of schizophrenia as a clinical syndrome?

Variation in symptom presentation among individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is the response of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) during stress?

Triggers the fight-or-flight response Signup and view all the answers

What increases in the body as part of the inflammatory response due to acute psychological stressors?

Cytokines Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes situations where resources exceed the demands placed on a person?

Challenges Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of problem-focused coping strategies?

Changing the perceived stressor Signup and view all the answers

What internal factor can influence a person's secondary appraisal of a stressor?

Personal abilities Signup and view all the answers

Which cytokine is associated with promoting inflammation during stress responses?

C-reactive protein Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can characterize a perceived threat?

High demands exceeding resources Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of problem-focused coping?

Misdiagnosing the problem Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction of hypomania in Bipolar II Disorder compared to mania?

It presents with less intense experiences of increased energy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

Avolition Signup and view all the answers

What are hallucinations in the context of schizophrenia?

Sensory experiences that lack an external source. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes executive functioning?

The skills used to plan, make decisions, and focus attention. Signup and view all the answers

What is characterized as a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Delusions Signup and view all the answers

What typically characterizes a cognitive symptom in schizophrenia?

Confused thought patterns and decision-making difficulties. Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom may indicate diminished emotional expression in individuals with schizophrenia?

Lack of facial expression or emotional range. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of schizophrenia illustrates its heterogeneous nature?

The variation in symptoms among individuals diagnosed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of acute stressors?

Short-term circumstances lasting minutes to hours Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome indicates ongoing stress requiring adaptation and coping?

Resistance stage Signup and view all the answers

What term describes stress responses that are beneficial?

Eustress Signup and view all the answers

What can result from prolonged exposure to stressors according to Hans Selye's research?

Exhaustion leading to susceptibility to diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes traumatic stressors?

Most severe stressors threatening life or integrity Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to occur in the exhaustion stage of stress response?

Significant drops in energy and strength Signup and view all the answers

How are chronic stressors characterized?

Enduring circumstances lasting weeks to years Signup and view all the answers

What impact do Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have on individuals?

A range of harmful outcomes throughout life Signup and view all the answers

What are re-experiencing symptoms of PTSD?

Flashbacks and nightmares Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cognitive symptom of PTSD?

Inability to remember important features of the traumatic event Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Major Depressive Disorder?

Sad mood or loss of interest in activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Excessive fear and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is a common physical symptom of Major Depressive Disorder?

Frequent headaches Signup and view all the answers

PTSD symptoms typically set in after exposure to a traumatic event within what time frame?

Three months Signup and view all the answers

Avoidance symptoms of PTSD can manifest as what behavior?

Staying away from reminders of the trauma Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable emotional symptom of Major Depressive Disorder?

Persistent feelings of guilt or shame Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of Humanistic Therapy?

To help clients develop a stronger, healthier sense of identity Signup and view all the answers

Which technique involves gradually replacing an anxious response with a relaxation response?

Systematic Desensitization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a psychiatrist compared to a psychologist?

They are trained to prescribe medications Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the practice of Active Listening in therapy?

Engaging with the client to understand their feelings and concerns Signup and view all the answers

Who typically focuses on treating individuals with more severe mental health concerns?

Clinical psychologists Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes flooding as a therapeutic approach?

It entails prolonged exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli without escape Signup and view all the answers

Which quality is emphasized in Unconditional Positive Regard from a therapist?

Acceptance and respect for the client regardless of their actions Signup and view all the answers

What usually characterizes Counseling Psychologists in their practice?

They provide therapy for clients dealing with everyday stresses. Signup and view all the answers

What level of education is required for psychiatric nurse practitioners to prescribe and manage psychiatric medication?

Master’s degree or doctorate Signup and view all the answers

Which professional is primarily focused on addressing social issues that affect mental health care access?

Clinical social worker Signup and view all the answers

What academic degree do mental health counselors typically complete?

Master of Arts or Master of Science Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a therapist in the context of mental health?

To assess and treat psychological disorders at various settings Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is used to aid patients in identifying and disputing cognitive distortions?

Thought record Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Health and Stress

Stress encompasses external stimuli and internal bodily responses.
Stressors are perceived potential harms, losses, or deviations from a balanced state.
Stress responses are internal, integrated cognitive and biological reactions to restore balance.
Stressors can be categorized by duration (acute, chronic, traumatic) and severity.
Acute stressors last minutes to hours, chronic stressors last weeks to years, while traumatic stressors pose a threat to life.
Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome describes the body's natural stress response:
- Alarm reaction is the initial response to a stressor.
- Resistance is the sustained coping mechanism during prolonged stress.
- Exhaustion occurs when coping mechanisms fail, leading to stress-related illnesses and potentially death.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Exposure to adversity in childhood, especially lack of protective factors, can have lifelong negative consequences.
- Includes maltreatment, household challenges, neglect.

High ACE? Now What?

Early identification and intervention are crucial in addressing ACEs.
Increase safe, stable, and nurturing relationships (Oxytocin hormones).
Exercise helps the stress response to recalibrate
- Also helps with mood and immune system
Mindfulness helps the parasympathetic nervous system to relax and conserve energy.
Oxytocin (natural hormones released during bonding, such as breastfeeding, or nurturing a child)

Neurobiological Response

The earliest stress responses occur in the amygdala.
The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex also play crucial roles in learning, memory, and higher-order processing.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are rapidly activated in response to stressors.
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) triggers the fight-or-flight response, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) regulates return to homeostasis.
Brain activity can be measured through EEG or fMRI for studying reactions.

Stress Appraisals and Coping

Primary appraisals: Based on perception of stressor characteristics and relevance.
Secondary appraisals: Based on perceived available coping resources.
Challenge: resources exceed demands.
Threat: demands exceed resources.
Coping Strategies:
- Problem-focused: Controlling or altering the environment.
- Emotion-focused: Regulating emotional responses.

Diathesis-Stress Model

Explains conditions developing from a predisposition (diathesis) combined with stressful conditions.

Healthy Behaviors

Physical activity, healthy sleep, and nutrition are good for mental and physical health.
Social connections are important for maintaining well-being.

Coping Strategies

Behavioral coping: actions. relaxation techniques, and other strategies.
Cognitive coping: thoughts and beliefs. Cognitive reappraisals, and positive thinking.

Mental and Functional Fixedness

Mental sets: Relying on past experiences rather than using new strategies to solve problems. Leads to limitations in approach.
Functional fixedness: An object being viewed with only a singular function, limiting its creative use.

Comparing Three Types of Conflicts

Approach-Approach: choosing between two desirable options.
Approach-Avoidance: drawn to an option but also repelled by its drawbacks.
Avoidance-Avoidance: choosing between two undesirable options.

Theories of Emotion

Biological Theories: focus on innate and evolutionary origins of emotions.
Social Theories: highlight the influence of culture and social context on emotions.
Learned Theories: emphasize the learned aspects of emotions through experience and conditioning.

Personality

Bandura's Reciprocal Determinism: Behavior, environment, and thoughts influence each other. Self-system evaluates external stimuli and helps regulate behavior.

Self-efficacy

Expectation of success in each situation; important for goal achievement.
High self-efficacy=more likely to succeed.
Low self-efficacy=less likely to succeed.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious strategies for managing internal conflicts and stress. Examples include repression (ignoring the threat), sublimation (re-channeling threatening impulses), reaction formation, displacement, rationalization. These mechanisms are used to mask threats and anxiety.

Eating Disorders

Binge eating disorder: recurrent episodes of uncontrollable food consumption.
Other serious eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa which can cause death.

Psychopathology

Medical Model: Focuses on physical and biological causes and treatment (medications).
Bio-psycho-social Model: Examines factors from life experiences, and biological aspects.

Dissociative Disorders

Characterized by disruptions in memory, identity, perception, and/or behavior. Involves dissociative amnesia and dissociative identity disorder. These disorders are marked by a disruption in a person’s memory, identity, emotion, perception, or behavior. Positive dissociative symptoms include depersonalization and derealization, as well as identity fragmentation, while negative symptoms include memory loss or impaired mental functioning.

Fear of being judged or humiliated in social situations.
Common triggers include public speaking or meeting new people.
Avoidance of social situations or feeling significant distress.

Bipolar Disorder

Alternating periods of mood elevation (mania) and depression.
Bipolar I: manic episodes, Bipolar II: hypomanic episodes.

Schizophrenia

Characterized by positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking) and negative symptoms (flat affect, alogia, avolition).
Heterogeneous disorder with a diverse set of symptoms.

Anxiety Disorders

Phobias - marked fear of specific objects or situations.
Agoraphobia- fear of open or crowded spaces.
Social Anxiety Disorder- fear of embarrassing oneself in social situations.
Panic Disorder - repeated panic attacks.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder- excessive worry about various aspects of life and has symptoms that last for at least six months.

Major Depressive Disorder

Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms that impair daily functioning.

Stress Disorders/PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Results from exposure to a traumatic event. Re-experiencing symptoms through flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli.
Arousal and reactivity symptoms, including hypervigilance, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

Somatic Symptom Disorders

Marked by physical symptoms without an apparent medical explanation.
Symptoms may be related to psychological distress or trauma.

Factitious Disorder

Deliberate faking of physical symptoms or illnesses.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Characterized by obsessions (unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors).

Hoarding Disorder

Inability to discard possessions, leading to excessive accumulation of items.

Conversion Disorder (or Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder)

Psychological stress causing physical symptoms with no medical explanation.

Additional note:

Information on treatment options and therapeutic approaches such as Gestalt Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is provided in separate sections.

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Test your understanding of coping strategies and psychological disorders in this quiz. Explore concepts like problem-focused coping, emotion-focused strategies, and bipolar disorder symptoms. Ideal for psychology students and enthusiasts.