1
Q
Explaining behavior in terms of a single cause.
A
One-dimensional Model
2
Q
Could mean a paradigm, school, or conceptual approach.
A
One-dimensional model
3
Q
Problem – other information is ignored.
A
One-dimensional model
4
Q
Interdisciplinary, eclectic, and integrative
A
Multidimensional Model
5
Q
“System” of influences that cause and maintain suffering.
A
Multidimensional Model
6
Q
Uses information from several sources.
A
Multidimensional Model
7
Q
Abnormal behavior as multiply determined
A
Multidimensional Model
8
Q
Understand what causes mental distress and maladaptive behavior to improve prevention, treatment, and diagnosis.
A
Risk Factors and Causes of Abnormal Behavior
9
Q
A variable (X) associated with an outcome (Y), but correlation does not imply causation.
A
Correlates
10
Q
X must precede Y in time to be considered a
A
Risk factor
11
Q
Can be changed (e.g., stress levels).
A
Variable risk factor
12
Q
Cannot be changed (e.g., history of childhood abuse).
A
Fixed marker
13
Q
If changing X changes Y → X is a
A
Causal Risk Factor
14
Q
Causality test: If changing X changes Y → X is a causal risk factor. If not: X is only ____________ not a cause.
A
a variable marker
15
Q
is a characteristic that must exist for a disorder (Y) to occur
A
Necessary cause
16
Q
is a condition that guarantees the occurrence of a disorder
A
Sufficient cause
17
Q
one that increases the probability of a disorder developing but is neither necessary nor sufficient for the disorder to occur.
A
Contributory cause
18
Q
Some causal factors occurring relatively early in life may not show their effects for many years (loss of parent early, abusive/neglectful parent).
A
Distal Risk Factor
19
Q
factors operate shortly before the occurrence of the symptoms of a disorder (disappointment in school, marital issues, damage in the brain).
A
Proximal Risk Factor
20
Q
cause is a condition that tends to maintain maladaptive behavior that is already occurring (depressed person’s behavior alienates friends and family, leading to a greater sense of rejection that reinforces the existing depression)
A
Reinforcing Contributory
21
Q
Are inherited from parents and ancestors
A
Genes
22
Q
Set bounderies, while environment determines outcomes within those limits
A
Genes
23
Q
unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring.
A
Gene
24
Q
Normal human cell
A
46 chromosomes (23 pairs)
25
First 22 pairs
autosomes → body & brain development.
26
23rd pair
sex chromosomes → determine biological sex.
27
only one needed to express a trait.
Dominant allele
28
must be paired with another recessive to show effect.
Recessive allele
29
Most traits (personality, intelligence, psychiatric disorders) are
Polygenic
30
influenced by many genes with small effects.
Polygenic
31
Human genome has
20,000+ genes
32
study dimensional traits
Quantitative genetics
33
study gene structure using advanced tools (e.g., DNA microarrays).
Molecular genetics
34
inherited vulnerability or predisposition to develop a disorder.
Diathesis
35
environmental trigger that activates the vulnerability.
Stress
36
develops only when both environment interact
Disorder
37
set the vulnerability, environment provides the trigger.
Genes
38
Without the stressor, vulnerability may remain hidden. The greater the vulnerability, the less stress needed to trigger the disorder.
Diathesis stress model
39
Genes and environment interact in a reciprocal way—genetic traits can influence the likelihood of experiencing certain environmental stressors.
Genetic endowment may increase exposure to risk: People with genetic vulnerabilities may create or select environments that trigger their disorders.
Gene-environment correlational model or Reciprocal Gene-environment model
40
Genes and environment interact in a reciprocal way—genetic traits can influence the likelihood of experiencing certain environmental stressors.
Gene–environment correlation model or Reciprocal Gene–environment model
41
may increase exposure to risk
Genetic endowment
42
may create or select environments that trigger their disorders.
People with genetic vulnerabilities
43
Processes all information from sense organs and reacts accordingly.
Central Nervous System
44
sort relevant vs. irrelevant info, check memory, implement appropriate reactions.
Central Nervous System
45
Major components of Central Nervous System
Brain and Spinal cord
46
Conscious thought processes, intellectual functions
Telencephalon (cerebrum)
47
Memory storage and processing
Telencephalon (cerebrum)
48
Conscious and subconscious regulation of skeletal muscle contractions
Telencephalon (Cerebrum)
49
Relay and processing centers for sensory information
Diencephalon (Thalamus)
50
Centers controlling emotions, autonomic functions, and hormone production
Hypothalamus
51
Processing of visual and auditory data
Mesencephalon
52
Coordinates complex somatic motor patterns
METENCEPHALON (CEREBELLUM)
53
Adjusts output of other somatic motor centers in brain and spinal cord
Metencephalon (cerebellum)
54
Relays sensory information to cerebellum and thalamus
METENCEPHALON (PONS)
55
Subconscious somatic and visceral motor centers
METENCEPHALON (PONS)
56
Relays sensory information to thalamus
MEDULLA OBLONGATA (MYELENCEPHALON)
57
Autonomic centers for regulation of visceral functions such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive activities
MEDULLA OBLONGATA (MYELENCEPHALON)
58
Coordinates with the brain stem to ensure proper body functioning.
Peripheral Nervous System
59
Controls voluntary muscles. Damage impairs voluntary movement
Somatic nervous system
60
Regulates cardiovascular system (heart, blood vessels).
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
61
Regulates endocrine system (pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, gonadal glands). Aids digestion and regulates body temperature.
Autonomic Nervous System
62
Works differently: glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Endocrine system
63
epinephrine (adrenaline), stress response, self-regulation
Adrenal glands
64
thyroxine, regulates metabolism & growth.
Thyroid
65
“master gland,” controls other glands, produces regulatory hormones.
Pituitary gland
66
sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone)
Gonadal Glands
67
Closely tied to the immune system. Implicated in depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and stress-related disorders
Endocrine system
68
Mobilizes body in stress/danger ("fight-or-flight").
Sympathetic Nervous System
69
Increases heart rate, respiration, and stimulates adrenal glands. Responsible for emergency/alarm reaction.
Sympathetic nervous system
70
Restores normal arousal levels, promotes digestion, conserves energy. Balances the sympathetic system
Parasympathetic Nervous System
71
HPA AXIS
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenocortical Axis
72
Produces cortisol (stress hormone) and epinephrine. Prepares the body for threats and challenges (arousal, energy, readiness).
HPA AXIS
73
linked to depression and other psychological disorders
Dysregulation
74
Dysregulation linked to depression and other psychological disorders
HPA Axis
75
Biochemical messengers that carry signals from one neuron to another.
Neurotransmitters
76
Neurons are sensitive to specific neurotransmitters form ______________ across the brain
Pathways
77
may overlap or diverge; thousands exist, many still being mapped.
Pathways
78
Several neural pathways are linked to
Psychological Disorders
79
Increase activity
Agonist
80
block or decrease neurotransmitter activity.
Antoganist
81
produce opposite effects of the neurotransmitter.
Inverse agonists
82
Drugs influence neurotransmitters by:
Increasing or blocking production.
Releasing competing biochemicals.
Blocking receptors.
Preventing reuptake (leads to prolonged stimulation).
83
neurotransmitter is broken down and reabsorbed into the same neuron.
Reuptake Process
84
Keeps actions brief → allows quick adjustments to environment. Problems may arise from too much or too little neurotransmitter in the synaptic gap.
Reuptake Process
85
Norepinephrine (noradrenaline), serotonin, dopamine binding.
Monoamines
86
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate
Amino Acid
87
Both are amino acid and neurotransmitters
GABA and Glutamate
88
Called “Chemical Brothers” because they work together to balance brain functioning.
GABA and Glutamate
89
excitatory (turns on neurons, leads to action).
Glutamate
90
Inhibitory (regulates/inhibits information transmission and action potentials).
GABA
91
Balance between the two determines whether a neuron fires or not. Both are fast acting, allowing rapid responses to environmental demands. Overactivity or underactivity of either can cause psychological problems.
GABA and Glutamate
92
reduces postsynaptic activity → inhibits behaviors and emotions.
GABA
93
Known for its anxiety-reducing effect
GABA
94
enhance GABA’s effect by making it easier to bind to receptors → calming effect
Benzodiazepines (minor tranquilizers)
95
Addictive properties, so alternatives are being explored (e.g., natural brain steroids).
Benzodiazepines
96
reduces overall arousal and tempers emotional responses.
GABA
97
reduces anxiety, has anticonvulsant properties, relaxes muscles, helps with insomnia. Also reduces anger, hostility, aggression, and even some positive emotions like anticipation and pleasure.
GABA
98
Considered a generalized inhibiting neurotransmitter
GABA
99
generalized excitatory neurotransmitter → promotes neuron firing and action.
Glutamate
100
Plays a role in anxiety disorders
Glutamate
101
5-hydroxytryptamine
Serotonin
102
Belongs to the monoamine neurotransmitter category (along with norepinephrine and dopamine).
Serotonin
103
Six major circuits spread from the midbrain to various brain regions, including the cortex.
Serotonin
104
Widespread influence on behavior, mood, and information processing.
Serotonin
105
Regulates behavior, moods, and thought processes.
Serotonin
106
Low serotonin activity linked to:
Less inhibition.
Instability, impulsivity, overreaction.
Aggression, suicide, impulsive overeating, excessive sexual behavior.
107
it increases vulnerability, with other brain, psychological, and social factors also playing a role.
Low serotonin
108
indirectly affect serotonin.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
109
directly target serotonin; used for anxiety, mood, and eating disorders.
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
110
Herbal remedy affects Serotonin
St. John’s Wort
111
influence serotonin and other neurotransmitters
Psychedelics & Hallucinogens
112
Psychedelics & hallucinogens
LSD, Mescaline, Psilocybin/Magic mushroom, MDMA, Ecstasy
113
Cause unusual emotional & cognitive experiences.
Show potential in reducing severe depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms.
Psychedelics & Hallucinogens
114
primarily influences glutamate, not serotonin.
Ketamine (special-k)
115
Belongs to the monoamine neurotransmitter class (like serotonin and dopamine).
Noradrenaline
116
Also part of the endocrine system (catecholamine family, along with epinephrine).
Noradrenaline
117
Acts on alpha-adrenergic and beta-adrenergic receptors.
Receptors & Drugs
118
used for hypertension & heart rate regulation
Beta-blockers
119
Reduces norepinephrine’s effects
Beta-blockers
120
Associated with panic and alarm states, but not directly causing them.
Noradrenaline
121
Likely functions as a general regulator/modulator of behavioral tendencies.
Noradrenaline
122
Not tied to specific disorders, but influences stress and arousal responses.
Noradrenaline
123
Monoamine neurotransmitter (same class as serotonin & norepinephrine
Dopamine
124
chemically similar to epinephrine & norepinephrine.
Catecholamine
125
Dopamine circuits may be overactive. It may cause?
Schizophrenia
126
reduce psychotic symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors.
Antipsychotic drugs
127
Excessive dopamine activity = linked to
Psychosis
128
exploratory, outgoing, pleasure-seeking behaviors.
Dopamine
129
inhibition & constraint.
Serotonin
130
Dopamine Agonist
L-dopa
131
increases dopamine levels.
L-dopa
132
Effective in Parkinson’s disease, where this deficiency causes motor impairments (tremors, rigidity, poor coordination).
dopamine deficiency
133
block dopamine activity to reduce schizophrenia symptoms.
Antipsychotics
134
showed that pairing two events (e.g., meat powder + metronome) is not enough—cognitive processes and judgments also influence learning.
Robert Rescorla
135
help organisms learn relationships among events in the environment.
Classical and operant Conditioning
136
Even animals use complex cognitive and emotional processing in this, not just automatic associations.
conditioning
137
Occurs when animals face conditions they cannot control.
Learned Helplessness
138
People may become depressed when they believe they cannot control stressors in their lives.
Learned Helplessness
139
people may “decide” or “think” they have no control, even if options exist. This depends on
Attributional Style
140
Demonstrates how cognitive processing of events influences psychopathology.
Learned Helplessness
141
Opposite of helplessness: people who face stress but maintain an optimistic, upbeat attitude tend to function better.
Learned optimism
142
linked to better psychological and physical health.
Optimism
143
According to him learning can occur without direct experience
Albert Bandura
144
Organisms can learn by observing others (modeling / observational learning)
Social Learning
145
involves symbolic integration: linking others’ experiences to one’s own potential outcomes.
Learning
146
emphasizes the role of social context → much learning comes from interactions with others.
Social Learning
147
developed a framework where behavior, cognitive factors, and environmental influences interact.
Bandura (social learning)
148
This interplay explains the complexity of human behavior.
Social Learning
149
Humans are biologically/genetically predisposed to learn certain fears more easily than others.
Prepared Learning
150
We selectively learn fears and phobias that have evolutionary survival value.
Prepared Learning
151
People are more likely to fear snakes or spiders than harmless objects (rocks, flowers). Less likely to fear modern dangers (guns, cars, electrical outlets) despite being deadlier.
Prepared Learning
152
Ancestors who avoided snakes/spiders survived and passed on their genes. Suggests survival-driven called
Evolutionary preparedness
153
A single behavior/disorder can arise from multiple causes (many paths → one outcome).
Equifinality
154
may come from schizophrenia or amphetamine abuse.
Delusional syndrome
155
can result from post-surgery effects, thiamine deficiency, or kidney disease.
Delirium
156
Linked to maternal rubella during pregnancy or complications during labor.
Autism
157
Genes and environment interact in a reciprocal way , this can influence the likelihood of experiencing certain environmental stressors.
genetic traits
158
: People with genetic vulnerabilities may create or select environments that trigger their disorders.
Genetic endowment may increase exposure to risk
AbPsych
flashcards
Decks in class (13)
# Cards
-
L172
-
L2158
-
L3237
-
L4137
-
L5111
-
Eating & Sleeping Disorder161
-
Sexual Dysfunction & Paraphilic Disorders189
-
Substance-Related, Addictive, and Impulse-Control Disorders181
-
Inhalant Use Diorder Onwards (DSM 5)29
-
Personality Disorder61
-
Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders93
-
Neurodevelopmental Disorder122
-
Neurocognitive Disorders37
