Psychology on Genetic and Environmental Influences

One-Dimensional vs. Multidimensional Models

• One-dimensional models simplify behavior to a single cause, often neglecting other influencing factors.
• Example: Viewing obsessive-compulsive disorder solely through the lens of family history.
• Multidimensional models adopt an interdisciplinary, integrative perspective, recognizing multiple influences on behavior.

Genetic Contributions to Psychopathology

• Mental disorders exhibit significant genetic influence but are not solely determined by genetics.
• Genetic factors related to temperament can manifest early in life, influencing behavior.
• Dominant genes affect traits directly, while recessive genes require pairing to influence traits.

New Developments in Gene and Behavior Studies

• Study by McClearn et al. found heritability for cognitive abilities in elderly twins ranging from 32% to 62%.

Gene-Environment Interaction

• Learning can alter genetic structures; inactive genes may become active through environmental interaction.
• Genetic vulnerability can increase the likelihood of experiencing stressful life events, exemplified by blood-injury phobia linked to impulsive behaviors.

Neuroscience Contributions to Psychopathology

• Central Nervous System processes information from sensory organs and coordinates responses.
• Spinal cord facilitates communication between the brain and body.

Brain Structure Overview

• The brain consists of the Brain Stem and Forebrain.
• Brain Stem manages automatic functions like breathing and sleeping.
• Thalamus relays sensory information (except smell), and the Hypothalamus regulates vital bodily functions.
• Corpus Callosum connects brain hemispheres, while the Limbic system is involved in emotion and memory.

Peripheral Nervous System

• Comprises the Somatic Nervous System for voluntary muscle control, and the Autonomic Nervous System for involuntary body functions.
• Sympathetic Nervous System activates the body during stress and danger.

Neurotransmitters and Psychopathology

• Glutamate and GABA are key amino acids involved in neural signaling.
• Serotonin (5-HT) regulates mood and behavior; low levels linked to aggression and impulsivity.
• Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) modulates behavioral tendencies without direct involvement in specific behaviors.
• Dopamine is implicated in addiction and mood disorders, notably schizophrenia.

Behavioral and Cognitive Science

• Cognitive science studies information processing and memory acquisition.
• Learned Helplessness describes animals that cease to try to escape unpleasant conditions when they feel that their actions have no effect.
• Learned Optimism suggests that maintaining an optimistic outlook in the face of adversity leads to better psychological and physical outcomes.

Social Learning and Prepared Learning

• Albert Bandura’s observational learning theory indicates that learning can occur indirectly by watching others.
• Prepared learning emphasizes innate predispositions for certain learning due to evolutionary significance.

Memory Types

• Implicit memory involves actions based on past experiences without conscious recall.
• Explicit memory refers to the conscious recollection of events.

Emotions and Psychopathology

• Biological and evolutionary aspects of emotions, including the fight or flight response, play a significant role in psychological health.
• Emotions involve behaviors, physiological responses, and cognitive interpretations that inform emotional experiences.
• Suppressing emotions may raise sympathetic nervous system activity, contributing to psychological disorders.

Cultural and Social Factors

• Fright Disorder involves exaggerated startle responses tied to cultural contexts.
• Susto is a Latin American syndrome indicating anxiety and somatic symptoms believed to result from supernatural causes.
• Voodoo Death exemplifies how social support negation can lead to severe psychological distress and physiological reactions due to cultural beliefs.

This quiz explores the differences between one-dimensional and multidimensional models in psychology, as well as the genetic contributions to mental disorders. It highlights the interplay between genes and environment, examining how they shape behavior and cognitive abilities. Test your understanding of these essential psychological concepts!