question

abnormal psychology

answer

The scientific study of abnormal behavior in an effort to describe, predict, explain, and change abnormal patterns of functioning.

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moral treatment

answer

A nineteenth-century approach to treating people with mental dysfunction that emphasized moral guidance and humane and respectful treatment.

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humors

answer

According to the Greeks and Romans, bodily chemicals that influence mental and physical functioning.

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norms

answer

A society's stated and unstated rules for proper conduct.

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culture

answer

A people's common history, values, institutions, habits, skills, technology, and arts.

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deinstitutionalization

answer

The practice, begun in the 1960s, of releasing hundreds of thousands of patients from public mental hospitals.

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asylum

answer

A type of institution that first became popular in the sixteenth century to provide care for persons with mental disorders. Most became virtual prisons.

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psychoanalysis

answer

Either the theory or the treatment of abnormal mental functioning that emphasizes unconscious psychological forces as the cause of psychopathology.

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private psychotherapy

answer

An arrangement in which a person directly pays a therapist for counseling services.

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positive psychology

answer

The study and enhancement of positive feelings, traits, and abilities.

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multicultural psychology

answer

The field of psychology that examines the impact of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, and similar factors on our behaviors and thoughts and focuses on how such factors may influence the origin, nature, and treatment of abnormal behavior.

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prevention

answer

Interventions aimed at deterring mental disorders before they can develop

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managed care program

answer

A system of health care coverage in which the insurance company largely controls the nature, scope, and cost of medical or psychological services.

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psychotropic medications

answer

Drugs that mainly affect the brain and reduce many symptoms of mental dysfunctioning.

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trephination

answer

An ancient operation in which a stone instrument was used to cut away a circular section of the skull, perhaps to treat abnormal behavior.

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somatogenic perspective

answer

The view that abnormal psychological functioning has physical causes.

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state hospitals

answer

State-run public mental institutions in the United States.

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psychogenic perspective

answer

The view that the chief causes of abnormal functioning are psychological.

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dependent variable

answer

The variable in an experiment that is expected to change as the independent variable is manipulated.

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confound

answer

In an experiment, a variable other than the independent variable that is also acting on the dependent variable.

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independent variable

answer

The variable in an experiment that is manipulated to determine whether it has an effect on another variable.

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external validity

answer

The degree to which the results of a study may be generalized beyond that study.

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scientific method

answer

The process of systematically gathering and evaluating information through careful observations to gain an understanding of a phenomenon.

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case study

answer

A detailed account of a person's life and psychological problems.

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correlation

answer

The degree to which events or characteristics vary along with each other.

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hypothesis

answer

A hunch or prediction that certain variables are related in certain ways.

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incidence

answer

The number of new cases of a disorder occurring in a population over a specific period of time.

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experiment

answer

A research procedure in which a variable is manipulated and the effect of the manipulation is observed.

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control group

answer

In an experiment, a group of participants who are not exposed to the independent variable.

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correlational method

answer

A research procedure used to determine how much events or characteristics vary along with each other.

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epidemiological study

answer

A study that measures the incidence and prevalence of a disorder in a given population.

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blind design

answer

An experiment in which participants do not know whether they are in the experimental or the control condition.

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double-blind design

answer

Experimental procedure in which neither the participant nor the experimenter knows whether the participant has received the experimental treatment or a placebo.

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experimental group

answer

In an experiment, the participants who are exposed to the independent variable under investigation.

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analogue experiment

answer

A research method in which the experimenter produces abnormal-like behavior in laboratory participants and then conducts experiments on the participants.

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nomothetic understanding

answer

A general understanding of the nature, causes, and treatments of abnormal psychological functioning in the form of laws or principles.

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prevalence

answer

The total number of cases of a disorder occurring in a population over a specific period of time.

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longitudinal study

answer

A study that observes the same participants on many occasions over a long period of time.

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internal validity

answer

The accuracy with which a study can pinpoint one of various possible factors as the cause of a phenomenon.

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natural experiment

answer

An experiment in which nature, rather than an experimenter, manipulates an independent variable.

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quasi-experiment

answer

An experiment in which investigators make use of control and experimental groups that already exist in the world at large. Also called a mixed design.

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random assignment

answer

A selection procedure that ensures that participants are randomly placed either in the control group or in the experimental group.

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placebo therapy

answer

A sham treatment that the participant in an experiment believes to be genuine.

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single-subject experimental design

answer

A research method in which a single participant is observed and measured both before and after the manipulation of an independent variable.

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antianxiety drugs

answer

Psychotropic drugs that help reduce tension and anxiety. Also called minor tranquilizers or anxiolytics, p.53

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couple therapy

answer

A therapy format in which the therapist works with two people who share a long-term relationship. Also called marital therapy, p.74

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antidepressant drugs

answer

Psychotropic drugs that improve the moods of people with depression, p.53

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culture-sensitive therapies

answer

Approaches that seek to address the unique issues faced by members of minority groups, p.77

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biopsychosocial theories

answer

Explanations that attribute the cause of abnormality to an interaction of genetic, biological, developmental, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, social, and societal influences, p.79

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dream

answer

A series of ideas and images that form during sleep, p.56

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classical conditioning

answer

A process of learning by temporal association in which two events that repeatedly occur close together in time become fused in a person's mind and produce the same response, p.58

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ego

answer

According to Freud, the psychological force that employs reason and operates in accordance with the reality principle, p.55

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cognitive-behavioral therapies

answer

Therapy- approaches that seek to help clients change both counterproductive behaviors and dysfunctional ways of thinking, p.63

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ego defense mechanisms

answer

According to psychoanalytic theory, strategies developed by the ego to control unacceptable id impulses and to avoid or reduce the anxiety they arouse, p.55

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community mental health treatment

answer

A treatment approach that emphasizes community care, p.74

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ego theory

answer

The psychodynamic theory that emphasizes the role of the ego and considers it an independent force, p.55

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antibipolar drugs

answer

Psychotropic drugs that help stabilize the moods of people suffering from a bipolar mood disorder. Also called mood stabilizers, p.53

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electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

answer

A form of biological treatment, used primarily on depressed patients, in which a brain seizure is triggered as an electric current passes through electrodes attached to the patient's forehead, p.53

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catharsis

answer

The reliving of past repressed feelings in order to settle internal conflicts and overcome problems, p.56

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existential therapy

answer

A therapy that encourages clients to accept responsibility for their lives and to live with greater meaning and value, p.68

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antipsychotic drugs

answer

Psychotropic drugs that help correct the confusion, hallucinations, and delusions found in psychotic disorders, p.53

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client-centered therapy

answer

The humanistic therapy developed by Carl Rogers in which clinicians try to help clients by conveying acceptance, accurate empathy, and genuineness, p.65

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cognitive therapy

answer

A therapy developed by Aaron Beck that helps people recognize and change their faulty thinking processes, p.63

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conditioning

answer

A simple form of learning, p.58

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family systems theory

answer

A theory that views the family as a system of interacting parts whose interactions exhibit consistent patterns and unstated rules, p.72

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family therapy

answer

A therapy format in which the therapist meets with all members of a family and helps them to change in therapeutic ways, p.72

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fixation

answer

According to Freud, a condition in which the id, ego, and superego do not mature properly and are frozen at an early stage of development, p.55

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free association

answer

A psychodynamic technique in which the patient describes any thought, feeling, or image that comes to mind, even if it seems unimportant, p.55

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working through

answer

The psychoanalytic process of facing conflicts, reinterpreting feelings, and overcoming one's problems, p.56

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The psychoanalytic process of facing conflicts, reinterpreting feelings, and overcoming one's problems, p.56

answer

Approaches geared to the pressures of being a woman in Western society. Also called feminist therapies, p.77

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psychosurgery

answer

Brain surgery for mental disorders. Also called neurosurgery, p.53

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gestalt therapy

answer

The humanistic therapy developed by Fritz Perls in which clinicians actively move clients toward self-recognition and self-acceptance by using techniques such as role playing and self-discovery exercises, p.67

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hormones

answer

The chemicals released by endocrine glands into the bloodstream, p.50

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receptor

answer

A site on a neuron that receives a neurotransmitter, p.48

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model

answer

A set of assumptions and concepts that help scientists explain and interpret observations. Also called a paradigm, p.48

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relational psychoanalytic therapy

answer

A form of psychodynamic therapy that considers therapists to be active participants in the formation of patients' feelings and reactions, and therefore calls for therapists to disclose their own experiences and feelings in discussions with patients, p.58

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multicultural perspective

answer

The view that each culture within a larger society has a particular set of values and beliefs, as well as special external pressures, that help account for the behavior and functioning of its members. Also called culturally diverse perspective, p.77

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resistance

answer

An unconscious refusal to participate fully in therapy, p.56

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neurotransmitter

answer

A chemical that, released by one neuron, crosses the synaptic space to be received at receptors on the dendrites of neighboring neurons, p.48

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self-actualization

answer

The humanistic process by which people fulfill their potential for goodness and growth, p.65

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operant conditioning

answer

A process of learning in which behavior that leads to satisfying consequences is likely to be repeated, p.58

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self-efficacy

answer

The belief that one can master and perform needed behaviors whenever necessary, p.61

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group therapy

answer

A therapy format in which a group of people with similar problems meet together with a therapist to work on those problems, p.72

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self-help group

answer

A group made up of people with similar problems who help and support one another without the direct leadership of a clinician. Also called a mutual help group, p.72

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self theory

answer

The psychodynamic theory that emphasizes the role of the self our unified personality, p.55

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gene

answer

Chromosome segments that control the characteristics and traits we inherit, p.50

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id

answer

According to Freud, the psychological force that produces instinctual needs, drives, and impulses, p.53

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modeling

answer

A process of learning in which an individual acquires responses by observing and imitating others, p.58

question

neuron

answer

A nerve cell, p.48

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object relations theory

answer

The psychodynamic theory that views the desire for relationships as the key motivating force in human behavior, p.55

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superego

answer

According to Freud, the psychological force that represents a person's values and ideals, p.55

question

synapse

answer

The tiny space between the nerve ending of one neuron and the dendrite of another, p.48

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systematic desensitization

answer

A behavioral treatment in which clients with phobias learn to react calmly instead of with intense fear to the objects or situations they dread, p.61

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transference

answer

According to psychodynamic theorists, the redirection toward the psychotherapist of feelings associated with important figures in a patient's life, now or in the past, p.56

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idiographic understanding

answer

An understanding of the behavior of a particular individual.

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neurological test

answer

A test that directly measures brain structure or activity.

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diagnosis

answer

A determination that a person's problems reflect a particular disorder.

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intelligence quotient (IQ)

answer

An overall score derived from intelligence tests.

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reliability

answer

A measure of the consistency of test or research results.

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neuropsychological test

answer

A test that detects brain impairment by measuring a person's cognitive, perceptual, and motor performances.

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assessment

answer

The process of collecting and interpreting relevant information about a client or research participant.

question

mental status exam

answer

A set of interview questions and observations designed to reveal the degree and nature of a client's abnormal functioning.

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psychophysiological test

answer

A test that measures physical responses (such as heart rate and muscle tension) as possible indicators of psychological problems.

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neuroimaging techniques

answer

Neurological tests that provide images of brain structure or activity, such as CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs. Also called brain scans.

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projective test

answer

A test consisting of ambiguous material that people interpret or respond to.

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response inventories

answer

Tests designed to measure a person's responses in one specific area of functioning, such as affect, social skills, or cognitive processes.

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intelligence test

answer

A test designed to measure a person's intellectual ability.

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personality inventory

answer

A test designed to measure broad personality characteristics, consisting of statements about behaviors, beliefs, and feelings that people evaluate as either characteristic or uncharacteristic of them.

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empirically supported treatment

answer

A movement in the clinical field that seeks to identify which therapies have received clear research support for each disorder, to develop corresponding treatment guidelines, and to spread such information to clinicians. Also known as evidence-based treatment.

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rapprochement movement

answer

An effort to identify a set of common strategies that run through the work of all effective therapists.

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classification system

answer

A list of disorders, along with descriptions of symptoms and guidelines for making appropriate diagnoses.

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psychopharmacologist

answer

A psychiatrist who primarily prescribes medications.

question

validity

answer

The accuracy of a test's or study's results; that is, the extent to which the test or study actually measures or shows what it claims.

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standardization

answer

The process in which a test is administered to a large group of people whose performance then serves as a standard or norm against which any individual's score can be measured.

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test

answer

A device for gathering information about a few aspects of a person's psychological functioning from which broader information about the person can be inferred.

question

syndrome

answer

A cluster of symptoms that usually occur together.

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agoraphobia

answer

An anxiety disorder in which a person is afraid to be in places or situations from which escape might be difficult (or embarrassing) or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms were to occur.

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fear

answer

The central nervous system's physiological and emotional response to a serious threat to one's well-being.

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anxiety

answer

The central nervous system's physiological and emotional response to a vague sense of threat or danger.

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amygdala

answer

A structure in the brain that plays a key role in emotion and memory.

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social phobia

answer

A severe and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which embarrassment may occur. Also known as social anxiety disorder.

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generalized anxiety disorder

answer

A disorder marked by persistent and excessive feelings of anxiety and worry about numerous events and activities.

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panic attacks

answer

Periodic, short bouts of panic that occur suddenly, reach a peak within minutes, and gradually pass.

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norepinephrine

answer

A neurotransmitter whose abnormal activity is linked to depression and panic disorder.

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locus ceruleus

answer

A small area of the brain that seems to be active in the regulation of emotions. Many of its neurons use norepinephrine.

question

exposure treatments

answer

Behavioral treatments in which persons are exposed to the objects or situations they dread.

question

electromyograph (EMG)

answer

A device that provides feedback about the level of muscular tension in the body.

question

biofeedback

answer

A technique in which a client is given information about physiological reactions as they occur and learns to control the reactions voluntarily.

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family pedigree study

answer

A research design in which investigators determine how many and which relatives of a person with a disorder have the same disorder

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GABA

answer

The neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, whose low activity has been linked to generalized anxiety disorder.

question

flooding

answer

A treatment for phobias in which clients are exposed repeatedly and intensively to a feared object and made to see that it is actually harmless.

question

benzodiazepines

answer

The most common group of antianxiety drugs, which includes Valium and Xanax.

question

obsession

answer

A persistent thought, idea, impulse, or image that is experienced repeatedly, feels intrusive, and causes anxiety.

question

compulsion

answer

A repetitive and rigid behavior or mental act that persons feel they must perform in order to prevent or reduce anxiety. (p.140)

question

obsessive-compulsive disorder

answer

A disorder characterized by recurrent and unwanted thoughts and/or a need to perform rigidly repetitive physical or mental actions.

question

orbitofrontal cortex

answer

A region of the brain in which impulses involving excretion, sexuality, violence, and other primitive activities normally arise.

question

biological challenge test

answer

A procedure used to produce panic in subjects or clients by having them exercise vigorously or perform other tasks in the presence of a researcher or therapist.

question

neutralizing

answer

Attempting to eliminate thoughts that one finds unacceptable by thinking or behaving in ways that make up for those thoughts and so put matters right internally

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exposure and response prevention

answer

A behavioral treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder that exposes a client to anxiety-arousing thoughts or situations and then prevents the client from performing his or her compulsive acts. Also called exposure and ritual prevention.

question

isolation

answer

An ego defense mechanism in which people unconsciously isolate and disown undesirable and unwanted thoughts, experiencing them as foreign intrusions.

question

anxiety sensitivity

answer

A tendency of certain persons to focus on their bodily sensations, assess them illogically, and interpret them as harmful.

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caudate nuclei

answer

Structures in the brain, within the region known as the basal ganglia, that help convert sensory information into thoughts and actions.

question

rational-emotive therapy

answer

A cognitive therapy developed by Albert Ellis that helps clients identify and change the irrational assumptions and thinking that help cause their psychological disorder.

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relaxation training

answer

A treatment procedure that teaches clients to relax at will so they can calm themselves in stressful situations.

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specific phobia

answer

A severe and persistent fear of a specific object or situation (other than agoraphobia and social phobia).

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panic disorder

answer

An anxiety disorder marked by recurrent and unpredictable panic attacks.

question

phobia

answer

A persistent and unreasonable fear of a particular object, activity, or situation.

question

preparedness

answer

A predisposition to develop certain fears.

question

social skills training

answer

A therapy approach that helps people learn or improve social skills and assertiveness through role playing and rehearsing of desirable behaviors.

question

stimulus generalization

answer

A phenomenon in which responses to one stimulus are also produced by similar stimuli.

question

serotonin

answer

A neurotransmitter whose abnormal activity is linked to depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders.

question

sedative-hypnotic drugs

answer

Drugs that calm people at lower doses and help them to fall asleep at higher doses.

question

basic irrational assumptions

answer

The inaccurate and inappropriate beliefs held by people with various psychological problems, according to Albert Ellis.

question

reaction formation

answer

An ego defense mechanism whereby one counters an unacceptable desire by taking on a lifestyle that directly opposes the unwanted impulse.

question

undoing

answer

An ego defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously cancels out an unacceptable desire or act by performing another act.

question

stress management program

answer

An approach to treating generalized and other anxiety disorders that teaches people techniques for reducing and controlling stress.

question

corticosteroids

answer

A group of hormones, including cortisol, released by the adrenal glands at times of stress.

question

immune system

answer

The body's network of activities and cells that identify and destroy antigens and cancer cells.

question

autonomic nervous system (ANS)

answer

The network of nerve fibers that connect the central nervous system to all the other organs of the body.

question

lymphocytes

answer

White blood cells that circulate through the lymph system and bloodstream, helping the body identify and destroy antigens and cancer cells.

question

sympathetic nervous system

answer

The nerve fibers of the autonomic nervous system that quicken the heartbeat and produce other changes experienced as arousal and fear.

question

hypertension

answer

Chronic high blood pressure.

question

acute stress disorder

answer

An anxiety disorder in which fear and related symptoms are experienced soon after a traumatic event and last less than a month.

question

psychophysiological disorders

answer

Illnesses that result from an interaction of psychosocial and organic factors. Also known as psychosomatic disorders.

question

hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) pathway

answer

One route by which the brain and body produce arousal and fear.

question

torture

answer

The use of brutal, degrading, and disorienting strategies to reduce victims to a state of utter helplessness.

question

endocrine system

answer

The system of glands located throughout the body that help control important activities such as growth and sexual activity.

question

eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

answer

An exposure treatment in which clients move their eyes in a rhythmic manner from side to side while flooding their minds with images of objects and situations they ordinarily avoid.

question

rap group

answer

A group that meets to talk about and explore members' problems in an atmosphere of mutual support.

question

rape

answer

Forced sexual intercourse or another sexual act committed against a nonconsenting person or intercourse with an underage person.

question

parasympathetic nervous system

answer

The nerve fibers of the autonomic nervous system that help return bodily processes to normal.

question

antigen

answer

A foreign invader of the body, such as a bacterium or virus.

question

insomnia

answer

Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

question

muscle contraction headache

answer

A headache caused by a narrowing of muscles surrounding the skull. Also known as tension headache.

question

psychoneuroimmunology

answer

The study of the connections between stress, the body's immune system, and illness.

question

Type B personality style

answer

A personality pattern in which persons are more relaxed, less aggressive, and less concerned about time.

question

posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

answer

An anxiety disorder in which fear and related symptoms continue to be experienced long after a traumatic event.

question

coronary heart disease

answer

Illness of the heart caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries.

question

Type A personality style

answer

A personality pattern characterized by hostility, cynicism, drivenness, impatience, competitiveness, and ambition.

question

psychological debriefing

answer

A form of crisis intervention in which victims are helped to talk about their feelings and reactions to traumatic incidents. Also called critical incident stress debriefing.

question

asthma

answer

A medical problem marked by narrowing of the trachea and bronchi, which results in shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and a choking sensation.

question

migraine headache

answer

A very severe headache that occurs on one side of the head, often preceded by a warning sensation and sometimes accompanied by dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.

question

behavioral medicine

answer

A field that combines psychological and physical interventions to treat or prevent medical problems.

question

ulcer

answer

A lesion that forms in the wall of the stomach or of the duodenum.

question

placebo

answer

A sham treatment that a patient believes to be genuine.

question

factitious disorder

answer

An illness with no identifiable physical cause, in which the patient is believed to be intentionally producing or faking symptoms in order to assume a sick role.

question

hysterical somatoform disorders

answer

Somatoform disorders in which people suffer actual changes in their physical functioning.

question

body dysmorphic disorder

answer

A disorder marked by excessive worry that some aspect of one's physical appearance is defective. Also known as dysmorphophobia.

question

conversion disorder

answer

A somatoform disorder in which a psychosocial need or conflict is converted into dramatic physical symptoms that affect voluntary motor or sensory function.

question

hypochondriasis

answer

A disorder in which people mistakenly fear that minor changes in their physical functioning indicate a serious disease.

question

dissociative fugue

answer

A dissociative disorder in which a person travels to a new location and may assume a new identity, simultaneously forgetting his or her past.

question

dissociative amnesia

answer

A dissociative disorder marked by an inability to recall important personal events and information.

question

dissociative identity disorder

answer

A dissociative disorder in which a person develops two or more distinct personalities. Also known as multiple personality disorder.

question

memory

answer

The faculty for recalling past events and past learning.

question

fusion

answer

The final merging of two or more subpersonalities in multiple personality disorder.

question

dissociative disorders

answer

Disorders marked by major changes in memory that do not have clear physical causes.

question

hypnotic therapy

answer

A treatment in which the patient undergoes hypnosis and is then guided to recall forgotten events or perform other therapeutic activities. Also known as hypnotherapy.

question

depersonalization disorder

answer

A disorder marked by a persistent and recurrent feeling of being detached from one's own mental processes or body.

question

secondary gain

answer

In psychodynamic theory, the gain achieved when hysterical symptoms elicit kindness from others or provide an excuse to avoid unpleasant activities.

question

somatoform disorder

answer

A physical illness or ailment that is explained largely by psychosocial causes, in which the patient experiences no sense of wanting or guiding the symptoms.

question

Munchausen syndrome by proxy

answer

A factitious disorder in which parents make up or produce illnesses in their children. Also known as factitious disorder by proxy.

question

Munchausen syndrome

answer

The extreme and chronic form of factitious disorder.

question

pain disorder associated with psycho-logical factors

answer

A somatoform disorder marked by pain, with psychosocial factors playing a central role in the onset, severity, or continuation of the pain.

question

somatization disorder

answer

A somatoform disorder marked by numerous recurring physical ailments without an organic basis. Also known as Briquet's syndrome.

question

preoccupation somatoform disorders

answer

Disorders in which people misinterpret and overreact to minor, even normal, bodily symptoms or features.

question

primary gain

answer

In psychodynamic theory, the gain achieved when hysterical symptoms keep internal conflicts out of awareness.

question

state-dependent learning

answer

Learning that becomes associated with the conditions under which it occurred, so that it is best remembered under the same conditions.

question

self-hypnosis

answer

The process of hypnotizing oneself, sometimes for the purpose of forgetting unpleasant events.

question

subpersonalities

answer

The two or more distinct personalities found in individuals suffering with dissociative identity disorder. Also known as alternate personalities.

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