Chapter 2 Multidimensional Integrative Approach

Biological dimension: genetics and neuroscience. Psychological dimension: behavioural and cognitive processes. Emotional influences and developmental influences

M

Individuals inherit tendencies to express certain traits or behaviours which may then be activated under conditions of stress

Knowing how the nervous system and especially how the brain works is central to any understanding of our behaviour, emotions and cognitive processes

Nerve cells in the brain that control our thoughts and actions and transmit information throughout the nervous system

Within each neuron, information is transmitted through electrical impulses called action potentials, traveling along the axon of a neuron.

The end of an axon of a neuron

The space between the terminal button of one neuron and the dendrite of another. Biochemicals released from axon, transfer impulse to dendrite receptors of next neuron

Chemicals stored in vesicles in terminal buttons used to transfer messages between neurons

Increase likelihood that the connecting neuron will fire. Excesses or insufficiencies in some neurotransmitters are associated with different groups of psychological disorders.

Decrease likelihood that the connecting neuron will fire. Excesses or insufficiencies in some neurotransmitters are associated with different groups of psychological disorders.

Chemical messenger produced by each endocrine gland eg. Epinephrine (aka adrenaline) and thyroxine

Paths for neurotransmitters

Substances that increase activity of a neurotransmitter by mimicking its effects

Substance that decreases or blocks a neurotransmitter

Substance that produces opposite effect of a neurotransmitter

After a neurotransmitter is released it is quickly broken down and brought back from the synaptic cleft into the same neuron that released it.

Excitatory transmitter that turns on many different neuron's leading to action

Amino acid inhibitory neurotransmitter, inhibits or regulates transmission of information and action potentials

Monoamine neurotransmitter, associated with inhibition and restraint, regulates behaviour, moods and thought processes.

Neurotransmitter, mobilise the brain and body for action

Neurotransmitter, associated with exploratory, outgoing, pleasure-seeking behaviours

When an animal learns their behaviour has no effect on their environment they give up any attempts to cope with difficult situations

Organisms don't have to experience certain events in their environment to learn effectively. They can learn just as much by observing what happens to someone else in a given situation

We have become highly prepared for learning about certain types of objects or situations over the course of evolution because this knowledge contributes to the survival of the species

When someone clearly acts on the basis of things that have happened in the past but can't remember the events

The alarm reaction that activates during potentially life-threatening emergencies

Usually short lived temporary states lasting several minutes to hours, occurring in response to an external event. Linked to action tendencies, a tendency to behave in a certain way elicited by an external event and a feeling and accompanied by a characteristic physiological response. Associated with approach and avoidance tendencies.

Persistent period of affect or emotionality.

Valence dimension of an emotion (pleasant vs unpleasant). Eg. Positive affect is experienced during joy.

Used in developmental Psychopathology to indicate that we must consider a number of paths to a given outcome. One symptom may have a number of causes.