What is the general nature of theories in psychology?
No one factor provides a complete explanation for disorders. Theories generate research that increases knowledge.
When should theories be abandoned?
Theories should only be abandoned when there is a better theory available.
How should past theories be judged?
Past theories should be judged by how much new information they generated, not by their alignment with current information.
What are the two main streams of thought regarding mental disorders?
- Biological aspect
- Environmental influences
Which theories tend to downplay the influence of biology?
Some behavioral theories, such as those proposed by Skinner.
What do biological and psychodynamic theories suggest about dysfunctional behavior?
They view dysfunctional behavior as being due to forces beyond one’s control.
What do humanistic and existential theories attribute dysfunctional behavior to?
Choices and actions of the individual.
What do behavioral and cognitive theories imply about the causes of dysfunctional behavior?
A mixture of external and internal factors.
What does the perspective chosen to examine psychopathology influence?
- Directs research
- Guides diagnostic criteria
- Defines treatment responses
What is a single factor explanation in mental disorders?
It states that a generic defect or one traumatic event causes a mental disorder.
What do interactionist explanations view behavior as?
The product of an interaction of multiple factors.
What are the general aims of theories about mental disorders?
- Explain the etiology of the problem behavior
- Identify factors that maintain the behavior
- Predict the course of the disorder
- Design effective treatments
What are biological theories primarily focused on?
The impact of dysfunctions in the brain, peripheral nervous system, or endocrine system.
What role do neurotransmitters play in psychopathology?
Disturbances in neurotransmitter systems can lead to psychopathology.
What is brain plasticity?
The capability of the brain to reorganize its circuitry.
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
- Sympathetic: readies the body for action
- Parasympathetic: calms the body down after stress
Who studied responses to stress and established stress physiology?
Dr. Hans Selye.
What does the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis relate to?
Anxiety and depression.
What does the theory of biological determinism suggest?
Human behavior is inherited.
What is the significance of gene-environmental interaction?
Genes may influence behaviors that contribute to environmental stressors increasing the risk of psychopathology.
What do psychodynamic theories posit about behavior?
Behavior is motivated by unconscious processes.
Who is the founder of the psychodynamic school of thought?
Sigmund Freud.
What did Freud believe about repressed memories?
They influence current functioning.
What are the three structures of personality according to Freud?
- Id
- Ego
- Superego
