Theoretical Perspectives in Abnormal Psychology
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Questions and Answers

What does the humanistic-existential model emphasize in understanding human behavior?

  • Values and choices (correct)
  • Social and cultural influences
  • Unconscious conflicts and processes
  • Learning methods and behavior

Which aspect is primarily examined by the sociocultural model?

  • Individual brain chemistry
  • Neural connections within the brain
  • Psychotropic medication effects
  • Cultural and social forces (correct)

How do biological theorists view abnormal behavior?

  • As a consequence of learned behavior
  • As a result of social influences
  • As the outcome of unconscious conflicts
  • As an illness caused by physical malfunctioning (correct)

Which of the following treatments is considered part of drug therapy for mental disorders?

<p>Psychotropic drugs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key focus of the biological perspective in psychology?

<p>Physical processes affecting behavior (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of neurotransmitters in the context of neuron communication?

<p>To transmit chemical signals across the synapse (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structures are specifically linked to Huntington's disease?

<p>Basal ganglia and cortex (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The sequence of actions that occur when an electrical impulse is transmitted from one neuron to another includes which of the following?

<p>Impulse → Dendrites → Axon → Synapse (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving incoming impulses?

<p>Dendrites (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between specific brain structures and psychological disorders?

<p>Certain disorders have been linked to problems in specific brain structures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the brain primarily communicate information?

<p>By electrical impulses that travel between neurons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do glial cells play in the brain?

<p>They provide support and protection for neurons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What remains uncertain about the relationship between brain structural changes and disorders like Huntington's disease?

<p>Whether the disorder causes structural changes in the brain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which model in abnormal psychology emphasizes personal choices and values?

<p>Humanistic-Existential Model (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Sociocultural Model primarily highlight in the context of abnormal psychology?

<p>Social and cultural influences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is typically considered low in individuals with depression?

<p>Serotonin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Biological Perspective, what is regarded as a primary cause of abnormal behavior?

<p>Body dysfunctions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure in a neuron is responsible for transmitting impulses?

<p>Axon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a neurotransmitter mentioned in the context of disorders?

<p>Endorphins (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which model or perspective focuses on the interplay of family and social interactions?

<p>Family-Social Perspective (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prenatal exposure to viral infections may increase the risk of which of the following conditions?

<p>Schizophrenia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the current understanding of genetic factors in mood disorders?

<p>Multiple genes interact to influence mood disorders. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of neurotransmitters in the brain?

<p>They communicate information between neurons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element in the brain is primarily concerned with the reception of impulses?

<p>Dendrites (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with depressive disorders?

<p>Norepinephrine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do endocrine glands play during stress responses?

<p>They release hormones into the bloodstream. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are genes related to mental disorders according to studies?

<p>Multiple genes interact to influence behavior. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does GABA have on the nervous system?

<p>It inhibits neuronal activity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mental disorder is associated with dopamine imbalances?

<p>Schizophrenia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of cortisol in the body during stress?

<p>To assist in managing stress responses. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be a result of viral infections according to the biological perspective?

<p>Abnormal brain structure or dysfunction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily linked to anxiety disorders?

<p>GABA (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between neurotransmitters and mental disorders?

<p>Abnormal neurotransmitter activity can be associated with specific mental disorders. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Huntington's disease

A disorder linked to problems in brain structures, causing emotional outbursts, memory loss, suicidal thoughts, involuntary movements, and unusual beliefs.

Neurons

Nerve cells in the brain (100 billion in number).

Glial cells

Support cells in the brain (thousands of billions in number).

Brain structure

A distinct region within the brain formed by large groups of neurons.

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Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that carry signals between neurons.

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Synapse

The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

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Dendrites

Antenna-like extensions on a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

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Axon

A long fiber extending from a neuron's cell body, transmitting signals.

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Inhibitory neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that tell receiving neurons to stop firing.

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Endocrine glands

Organs in the body that release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate bodily activities.

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Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream to target organs.

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Cortisol

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps the body respond to stress.

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Mental disorders

Conditions that affect a person's mood, thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

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Genetic factors

Inheritance plays a part in mental health issues.

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Viral infections

Infections potentially linked to abnormal brain function.

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Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward.

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Serotonin and Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitters linked to mood regulation.

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Psychotropic Drugs

Medication used to reduce symptoms of mental illness.

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Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A treatment for severe depression using brief brain seizures induced by electrical currents.

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Biological Perspective

Views abnormal behavior as an illness caused by malfunctions in the body.

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Neurosurgery (mental health)

Rare surgical procedures to treat mental disorders.

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Models in Abnormal Psychology

Different perspectives (paradigms/theories) used to explain and treat abnormal behaviors.

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Biological Model

Explains abnormal behavior as resulting from physical body dysfunctions, like brain chemistry imbalances.

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Serotonin

A neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation, among other functions.

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GABA

A neurotransmitter primarily involved in reducing neuron excitability.

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Brain Anatomy

The structure and organization of the brain.

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Study Notes

Theoretical Perspectives in Abnormal Psychology

  • Models/theories explain behavior and guide investigations.
  • Major Models:
    • Biological: Focuses on physical processes (e.g., brain chemistry).
    • Psychodynamic: Emphasizes unconscious conflicts.
    • Cognitive-Behavioral: Studies learned behaviors and thought patterns.
    • Humanistic-Existential: Emphasizes personal values and choices.
    • Sociocultural: Highlights social and cultural influences, including,
      • Family-Social Perspective: Family and social interactions.
      • Multicultural Perspective: Cultural beliefs, values, and history.

Biological Perspective

  • Viewpoint: Abnormal behavior is an illness caused by body dysfunctions.
  • Brain Anatomy:
    • Composed of neurons and glia cells.
    • Disorders are linked to structural issues (e.g., Huntington's disease).
    • Unknown if structural issues cause disorders, or vice versa.

Brain Chemistry

  • Neuron Structure:
    • Dendrites: Receive impulses.
    • Axon: Transmits impulses.
    • Synapse: Space between neurons where impulses travel via neurotransmitters.
  • Neurotransmitter Message Flow:
    • Excite: Triggers neuron firing.
    • Inhibit: Stops neuron firing.

Neurotransmitters & Endocrine Glands

  • Neurotransmitters:
    • Examples: Serotonin, Dopamine, GABA
    • Specific disorders are linked to imbalances of these. (e.g., depression, anxiety, schizophrenia)
  • Endocrine System:
    • Releases hormones to regulate various bodily functions (e.g., stress, growth).
    • Imbalances are linked to some disorders (e.g., high cortisol in depression)

Viral Infections and Genetic Factors

  • Viral Infections:
    • Prenatal exposure may lead to disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, intellectual disabilities).
  • Genetic Factors:
    • Inheritance plays a role in disorders (e.g., mood disorders, Alzheimer's).
    • Often, multiple genes interact.

Biological Treatments

  • Drug Therapy: Psychotropic drugs reduce symptoms.
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Used for severe depression; involves brief brain seizures.
  • Neurosurgery: Rare; involves surgical intervention for mental disorders.

Introducing Perspectives

  • Models in science try to explain events/behaviors
  • Several models are used to understand and treat abnormal functioning.
  • Models are influenced by values and clinical research developments
  • This is illustrated by the spectrum of models that range from biology to sociocultural factors.
  • Different models focus on different aspects of human functioning to explain abnormal behavior.

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Lesson 5 Theoretical Perspectives PDF

Description

Explore the major theoretical models in abnormal psychology, including biological, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic-existential, and sociocultural perspectives. Understand how these models explain abnormal behavior and guide research and treatment approaches.

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