Psychological Health

Psychological Health Psychological health is the ability to deal effectively with psychological challenges of life. Becomes more positive or negative as one responds to a constantly changing environment

Psychological health is the ability to deal effectively with psychological challenges of life.

Becomes more positive or negative as one responds to a constantly changing environment

Characteristics of Psychologically Healthy People Psychologically healthy people: Accept themselves Have realistic/optimistic outlooks on life Function independently Form satisfying interpersonal relationships Cope effectively with change

Psychologically healthy people:

Accept themselves

Have realistic/optimistic outlooks on life

Function independently

Form satisfying interpersonal relationships

Cope effectively with change

Characteristics of Psychologically Healthy People (continued)‏ Resolve problems without resorting to substance abuse or violence Assert themselves appropriately in social situations

Resolve problems without resorting to substance abuse or violence

Assert themselves appropriately in social situations

The Nervous System Central nervous system (CNS)‏ Consists of the brain and spinal cord Peripheral nervous system (PNS)‏ Consists of nerves that relay information to and from CNS

Central nervous system (CNS)‏

Consists of the brain and spinal cord

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)‏

Consists of nerves that relay information to and from CNS

Major Functions of the Nervous System The nervous system Receives, sends, and interprets messages by means of electrical and chemical signals Produces thoughts, emotions, and physical responses Emotions are a way of communicating moods.

The nervous system

Receives, sends, and interprets messages by means of electrical and chemical signals

Produces thoughts, emotions, and physical responses

Emotions are a way of communicating moods.

The Mind Parts of the brain, collectively referred to as the mind , process information received from the rest of the body and the environment.

Parts of the brain, collectively referred to as the mind , process information received from the rest of the body and the environment.

The Mind (continued)‏ The mind: Thinks about what takes place Finds meaning in events Considers actions Makes decisions Directs responses Evaluates and remembers consequences Plans for the future

The mind:

Thinks about what takes place

Finds meaning in events

Considers actions

Makes decisions

Directs responses

Evaluates and remembers consequences

Plans for the future

Personality A set of distinct thoughts and behaviors, including emotional responses, that characterize how one responds to situations Many factors, such as biological, cultural, social, and psychological forces, influence personality.

A set of distinct thoughts and behaviors, including emotional responses, that characterize how one responds to situations

Many factors, such as biological, cultural, social, and psychological forces, influence personality.

Personality (continued)‏ Temperament is the predictable way a person responds to the environment Interactions with family members and learning from experiences also mold a person’s psychological development

Temperament is the predictable way a person responds to the environment

Interactions with family members and learning from experiences also mold a person’s psychological development

Theories of Personality Development Freud’s Framework of Personality Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs

Freud’s Framework of Personality

Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs

Freud’s Framework of Personality The unconscious mind influences behaviors. Defense mechanisms are ways of thinking and behaving that reduce or eliminate anxiety and guilt by altering a person’s perceptions of reality. Defense mechanisms protect the mind against psychological conflicts and threats.

The unconscious mind influences behaviors.

Defense mechanisms are ways of thinking and behaving that reduce or eliminate anxiety and guilt by altering a person’s perceptions of reality.

Defense mechanisms protect the mind against psychological conflicts and threats.

Common Defense Mechanisms Repression —blocking unpleasant thoughts or feelings Projection —attributing unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or urges to someone else Rationalization —making up false or self-serving excuses for unpleasant situations or behaviors

Repression —blocking unpleasant thoughts or feelings

Projection —attributing unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or urges to someone else

Rationalization —making up false or self-serving excuses for unpleasant situations or behaviors

Common Defense Mechanisms (continued)‏ Denial —refusing to acknowledge unpleasant situations or feelings Displacement —redirecting a feeling or response to a less threatening target Avoidance —taking action to prevent situations that produce powerful feelings Regression —reducing anxiety by acting immature to feel more secure

Denial —refusing to acknowledge unpleasant situations or feelings

Displacement —redirecting a feeling or response to a less threatening target

Avoidance —taking action to prevent situations that produce powerful feelings

Regression —reducing anxiety by acting immature to feel more secure

Erickson’s Psychosocial Stages of Personality Development Social influences shape personality. Individuals progress through eight psychosocial stages throughout their lifetimes. In order to achieve emotional well-being, one must resolve conflicts associated with each stage

Social influences shape personality.

Individuals progress through eight psychosocial stages throughout their lifetimes.

In order to achieve emotional well-being, one must resolve conflicts associated with each stage

Erickson’s Psychosocial Stages of Personality Development (continued)‏ Trust vs. mistrust Autonomy vs. doubt/shame Initiative vs. guilt Industry vs. inferiority Identity vs. identity confusion Birth to 1 year 1 to 3 years 3 to 6 years 6 to12 years 12 to 18 years

Trust vs. mistrust

Autonomy vs. doubt/shame

Initiative vs. guilt

Industry vs. inferiority

Identity vs. identity confusion

Birth to 1 year

1 to 3 years

3 to 6 years

6 to12 years

12 to 18 years

Erickson’s Psychosocial Stages of Personality Development (continued)‏ Intimacy vs. isolation Young adulthood Generativity vs.stagnation Middle age Integrity vs. despair Old age

Intimacy vs. isolation

Young adulthood

Generativity vs.stagnation

Middle age

Integrity vs. despair

Old age

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs Individuals behave in response to their values rather than unconscious drives. Human needs include basic biological needs and more complex psychological needs. Personality development is driven by the need to achieve psychological fulfillment or self-actualization .

Individuals behave in response to their values rather than unconscious drives.

Human needs include basic biological needs and more complex psychological needs.

Personality development is driven by the need to achieve psychological fulfillment or self-actualization .

Psychological Adjustment and Growth Adjustment occurs when a person learns that certain coping responses meet the demands of life more effectively than others. Growth occurs when a person learns that certain adjustment strategies enhance his or her sense of freedom and control over self and the environment.

Adjustment occurs when a person learns that certain coping responses meet the demands of life more effectively than others.

Growth occurs when a person learns that certain adjustment strategies enhance his or her sense of freedom and control over self and the environment.

Psychological Adjustment and Growth (continued)‏ Interpersonal conflicts can hinder psychological adjustment and growth. Aggressive reactions often injure others physically or emotionally. Assertive reactions maintain one’s rights without interfering with the rights of others or harming them. Psychological growth fosters the development of autonomy (self-control), which is associated with self-esteem.

Interpersonal conflicts can hinder psychological adjustment and growth.

Aggressive reactions often injure others physically or emotionally.

Assertive reactions maintain one’s rights without interfering with the rights of others or harming them.

Psychological growth fosters the development of autonomy (self-control), which is associated with self-esteem.

Self-Esteem Self-esteem is a key component of personality. Influences one’s thoughts, actions, and feelings Begins to develop early in childhood Remains fairly constant over time

Self-esteem is a key component of personality.

Influences one’s thoughts, actions, and feelings

Begins to develop early in childhood

Remains fairly constant over time

People with Positive Self-Esteem Have a high degree of autonomy Are self-confident and have self-respect Are satisfied with themselves Accept challenges Work well with others Seek supportive and loving relationships Adjust easily to change Accept responsibility for their actions

Have a high degree of autonomy

Are self-confident and have self-respect

Are satisfied with themselves

Accept challenges

Work well with others

Seek supportive and loving relationships

Adjust easily to change

Accept responsibility for their actions

People with Low Self-Esteem Have difficulty making decisions Resist changing behavior Resent any form of criticism Put down others to make themselves look or feel better

Have difficulty making decisions

Resist changing behavior

Resent any form of criticism

Put down others to make themselves look or feel better

Improving Self-Esteem and Psychological Health Make positive lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, obtaining adequate sleep, and eating a nutritious diet. Improve intellectual health and attend to spiritual needs. Foster social contacts. Protect the quality of your environment.

Make positive lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, obtaining adequate sleep, and eating a nutritious diet.

Improve intellectual health and attend to spiritual needs.

Foster social contacts.

Protect the quality of your environment.

Psychological (Mental) Illness Most Americans have one or more family member who suffers from a psychological illness. Psychological illnesses are prevalent throughout the world, although these problems are often not treated adequately. Mental illnesses takes a toll on those affected and their families and society.

Most Americans have one or more family member who suffers from a psychological illness.

Psychological illnesses are prevalent throughout the world, although these problems are often not treated adequately.

Mental illnesses takes a toll on those affected and their families and society.

Defining Psychological (Mental) Illness Having disturbing thoughts, unpleasant feelings, or inappropriate behaviors that: Persist and are extreme Interfere with daily life Hinder psychological adjustment and growth Two key features distinguish normal from abnormal emotional responses: Intensity Duration

Having disturbing thoughts, unpleasant feelings, or inappropriate behaviors that:

Persist and are extreme

Interfere with daily life

Hinder psychological adjustment and growth

Two key features distinguish normal from abnormal emotional responses:

Intensity

Duration

Causes of Psychological Disorders Alterations of the normal chemical environment of the brain (may be genetic)‏ Brain damage from injuries, tumors, or infections Drugs such as cocaine Extremely stressful experiences, particularly in childhood Pollutants such as pesticides and toxic minerals (e.g., lead, mercury, and arsenic)‏

Alterations of the normal chemical environment of the brain (may be genetic)‏

Brain damage from injuries, tumors, or infections

Drugs such as cocaine

Extremely stressful experiences, particularly in childhood

Pollutants such as pesticides and toxic minerals (e.g., lead, mercury, and arsenic)‏

Treating Psychological Disorders Treatment for psychological problems generally involves a combination of: Counseling Cognitive behavioral therapy Group therapy Support groups Medications

Treatment for psychological problems generally involves a combination of:

Counseling

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Group therapy

Support groups

Medications

Common Psychological Disorders Anxiety Disorders Generalized Anxiety Disorder —uncontrollable chronic worrying and nervousness Phobias —intense and irrational fear of objects or situation Panic Disorder —panic attacks, unpredictable episodes of extreme fear and loss of emotional control Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder —persistent anxiety and reexperiencing of traumatic events

Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder —uncontrollable chronic worrying and nervousness

Phobias —intense and irrational fear of objects or situation

Panic Disorder —panic attacks, unpredictable episodes of extreme fear and loss of emotional control

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder —persistent anxiety and reexperiencing of traumatic events

Common Psychological Disorders (continued)‏ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder —repetitive thoughts that produce anxiety and obsessive behaviors that follow in order to reduce anxiety Impulse Control Disorders Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder —short attention span and/or hyperactivity that results in serious social impairment Problem Gambling —compulsive and excessive gambling that disrupts personal, family, or vocational pursuits

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder —repetitive thoughts that produce anxiety and obsessive behaviors that follow in order to reduce anxiety

Impulse Control Disorders

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder —short attention span and/or hyperactivity that results in serious social impairment

Problem Gambling —compulsive and excessive gambling that disrupts personal, family, or vocational pursuits

Common Psychological Disorders (continued)‏ Mood Disorders Major Depressive Disorder Persistent and profound feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness Loss of interest in usual activities Lack of energy Insomnia Inability to concentrate Appetite disturbances

Mood Disorders

Major Depressive Disorder

Persistent and profound feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness

Loss of interest in usual activities

Lack of energy

Insomnia

Inability to concentrate

Appetite disturbances

Common Psychological Disorders (continued)‏ – Bipolar Disorder —episodes of depression followed by episodes or elevated mood (mania)‏ – Seasonal Affective Disorder — depression that is a result of lack of exposure to bright light (e.g., sunlight)‏

– Bipolar Disorder —episodes of depression followed by episodes or elevated mood (mania)‏

– Seasonal Affective Disorder — depression that is a result of lack of exposure to bright light (e.g., sunlight)‏

Common Psychological Disorders (continued)‏ Eating and Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa —disorder in which individuals refuse to eat enough food to maintain a healthy weight Bulimia Nervosa —disorder characterized by a craving for food that is difficult to satisfy; often involves eating excessive amounts of food followed by purging (vomiting)‏

Eating and Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa —disorder in which individuals refuse to eat enough food to maintain a healthy weight

Bulimia Nervosa —disorder characterized by a craving for food that is difficult to satisfy; often involves eating excessive amounts of food followed by purging (vomiting)‏

Common Psychological Disorders (continued)‏ Binge Eating Disorder —pattern of excessive eating, without purging or exercise, in response to emotional distress Female Athlete Triad —disordered eating affecting female athletes characterized by absence of menstruation and osteoporosis Muscle Dysmorphia —condition that affects weightlifters/bodybuilders; characterized by dissatisfaction with body, disordered eating, excessive exercise, and abuse of steroids

Binge Eating Disorder —pattern of excessive eating, without purging or exercise, in response to emotional distress

Female Athlete Triad —disordered eating affecting female athletes characterized by absence of menstruation and osteoporosis

Muscle Dysmorphia —condition that affects weightlifters/bodybuilders; characterized by dissatisfaction with body, disordered eating, excessive exercise, and abuse of steroids

Common Psychological Disorders (continued)‏ Psychotic Disorders Schizophrenia —mental disorder characterized by disorganized thoughts, hallucinations and delusions, strange behaviors, inappropriate emotions and disjointed speech

Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia —mental disorder characterized by disorganized thoughts, hallucinations and delusions, strange behaviors, inappropriate emotions and disjointed speech

Suicide Although suicide is not a psychological disorder, it is usually preceded by other psychological problems such as depression. Often, those who commit suicide: Feel overwhelmed by the demands of life Are unable to solve their problems or adapt to their situation Abuse alcohol

Although suicide is not a psychological disorder, it is usually preceded by other psychological problems such as depression.

Often, those who commit suicide:

Feel overwhelmed by the demands of life

Are unable to solve their problems or adapt to their situation

Abuse alcohol

Suicide (continued)‏ Consider a person at high suicide risk when he or she: Is preoccupied with thoughts of death Communicates the intent to commit suicide to others Has a history of suicide attempts Has a family history of suicide Grieves excessively over the death of a loved one Has marital or financial problems Has schizophrenia, an eating disorder, or a terminal illness Take ALL signs of impending suicide seriously and immediately seek help for the suicidal person.

Consider a person at high suicide risk when he or she:

Is preoccupied with thoughts of death

Communicates the intent to commit suicide to others

Has a history of suicide attempts

Has a family history of suicide

Grieves excessively over the death of a loved one

Has marital or financial problems

Has schizophrenia, an eating disorder, or a terminal illness

Take ALL signs of impending suicide seriously and immediately seek help for the suicidal person.

Across the Life Span ADHD is a common childhood behavioral disorder. Affects more boys than girls Characteristics: Inability to focus or maintain attention to tasks such as homework Short attention spans, difficulty following simple instructions Impulsive behaviors such as interrupting conversations, talking when it’s inappropriate, and acting without thinking about consequences

ADHD is a common childhood behavioral disorder.

Affects more boys than girls

Characteristics:

Inability to focus or maintain attention to tasks such as homework

Short attention spans, difficulty following simple instructions

Impulsive behaviors such as interrupting conversations, talking when it’s inappropriate, and acting without thinking about consequences

Across the Life Span (continued)‏ Excessive levels of physical activity or restlessness Some children with ADHD are aggressive, argumentative, and defiant Affected children frequently suffer from low self-esteem and have conflicts with family members Treatment involves certain stimulant medications, behavioral and family counseling ADHD can persist into adulthood

Excessive levels of physical activity or restlessness

Some children with ADHD are aggressive, argumentative, and defiant

Affected children frequently suffer from low self-esteem and have conflicts with family members

Treatment involves certain stimulant medications, behavioral and family counseling

ADHD can persist into adulthood