Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to Psychology of 97 meta-analyses found consistent relationships between the Big Five personality factors and important criterion variables. 10.2 Disorders Disorders- At various times in history, deviant behavior has been attributed to supernatural sources, biological causes, and psychodynamic factors. The vulnerability-stress model is currently a popular way to understand the interacting personal, biological, and environmental causes of behavior. Anxiety Anxiety- We all experience anxiety, the states of tension and apprehension that is a natural response to perceived threat. In anxiety disorders, the frequency and intensity of anxiety responses are out of proportion to the situations that trigger them, and the anxiety interferes with daily life. Anxiety responses have four components: a subjective-emotional component, including feelings of tension and apprehension; a cognitive component, including worrisome thoughts and a sense of inability to cope; physiological responses, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, muscle tension, and rapid breathing; and behavioral responses, such as avoidance of certain situations and impaired task performance. Generalized Anxiety Disorder- A chronic (ongoing) state of diffuse, or free-floating, anxiety that is not attached to specific situations or objects. This anxiety may last for months with the signs almost continually present. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- A severe anxiety disorder that can occur in people who have been exposed to traumatic life events. Panic Disorder- Panic attacks occur suddenly and unpredictably, and are very intense. Phobias- Strong and irrational fears of certain objects or situations. Among the most common phobias in Western society are agoraphobia, a fear of open or public places from which escape would be difficult; social phobias, excessive fear of situations in which the person might be evaluated and possibly embarrassed; and specific phobias such as fear of dogs, snakes, spiders, airplanes, etc. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder- Such disorders usually consist of two components-one cognitive, the other behavioral-although either can occur alone. Obsessions are repetitive and unwelcome thoughts, images, or impulses that invade consciousness, are often abhorrent to the person, and are very difficult to dismiss or control. Compulsions are repetitive behavioral responses that can be resisted only with great difficulty. Compulsions are often responses that function to reduce the anxiety associated with the intrusive thoughts. © 2015 Achieve Page 76