What is the ICF definition of mental functions?
The psycho-physiological functions that encompass thought, intellect, information processing, emotions, and behaviors critical to daily functioning.
This definition is from Vroman & Arthanat, 2012.
What are the two categories of mental functions according to the ICF?
- Global mental functions
- Specific mental functions
Define embodied cognition.
The construct that active movement and physical ‘doing’ influences cognition, just as the mind influences bodily actions.
What are global mental functions?
Underlying, largely unconscious functions that regulate arousal and mental state.
List examples of global mental functions.
- Consciousness
- Orientation
- Intellectual functions
- Global psychosocial functions
- Temperament and personality
- Energy and drive functions
- Sleep functions
What is consciousness?
A state of awareness and alertness that includes the ability to sustain a wakeful state.
What do orientation functions reflect?
An awareness of one’s relation to self, to others, to time, and to place.
At what age do most children develop time orientation?
By age 6.
Define intellectual functions.
Skills required to understand and constructively integrate information from all types of mental function.
What is the difference between intelligence and intellectual functions?
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a numerical score from tests, while intellectual functions encompass a broader range of mental capabilities.
What are the two types of intelligence as per psychological approaches?
- Fluid intelligence
- Crystallized intelligence
What is fluid intelligence?
The ability to think and reason abstractly, solve novel problems, and identify patterns.
What is crystallized intelligence?
The ability to utilize accumulated information, skills, knowledge, and experience.
What is use-dependent brain plasticity?
The capacity of the brain to remodel itself based on activity patterns and environmental demands.
What do social approaches to intelligence argue?
They reject IQ as a sole measure of intelligence and advocate for multiple intelligences.
What type of learner is characterized by a preference for reading and storytelling?
Linguistic Learner.
Define interpersonal learner.
Likes to talk to people and join groups; good at understanding and communicating with others.
What are the categories of temperament according to Chess and Thomas?
- Activity Level
- Rhythmicity
- Approach/Withdrawal
- Adaptability
- Intensity
- Mood
- Persistence/Attention Span
- Distractibility
- Sensory Threshold
What is dementia?
A disease state characterized by the deterioration of memory and cognitive abilities over time.
What are vulnerable abilities in the context of aging?
Abilities that are most likely to decrease with advancing age, such as spatial reasoning and short-term memory.
Define global psychosocial functions.
Essential mental abilities that allow integration of social experience, personality, and emotions.
What is the definition of sleep functions?
Periods of mental disengagement from the environment accompanied by characteristic physiological changes.
What are specific mental functions?
Thoughts and intentional acts of reasoning and planning, often referred to as executive functions in literature.
What is attention?
The specific mental function involving focusing on a stimulus or internal experience for a required period of time.
