PSYCH257 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Social Disorganization Theory, Mental Disorder, Operant Conditioning

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH257
• Professor: annapolotskaia

Document Summary

Psychopathology: the study of psychological and behavioral dysfunction occurring in mental disorder or in social disorganization. Psychological dysfunction: a breakdown in cognitive, emotional or behavioural functioning; personal distress and impairment. Weight of importance people place in events rather than events themselves. Mental illness as an imbalance of the body. 4 humours related to body fluids: sanguine (optimistic and social, choleric (short-tempered and irritable, melancholic (analytical and quiet, phlegmatic (relaxed and peaceful) Idea that humans have free will and responsibility for their actions. Dark era of middle ages mental illness as a religious and political tool (salem witch hunts) Mental illnesses defined as syndromes cluster of symptoms that go together and are caused by the illness. Defense mechanisms unconscious way of reducing anxiety causes by conflict. Reaction formation: converting of unwanted impulses into their opposites. Regression: the reversion to an earlier stage of development in the face of unacceptable thoughts or impulses.