Positive/Health Psychology
The sympathetic nervous system is activated causing an increase in heart rate and breathing in this stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome
What is the Alarm Reaction Stage?
Jordan checks the locks on his doors exactly 20 times before leaving the house each morning. Even though he knows they’re locked, he feels overwhelming anxiety unless he performs this routine.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Sam often loses track of time and finds objects he doesn’t remember purchasing. He sometimes discovers that people are calling him by different names and claiming he acted very differently at another time.
What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
After other treatments fail, Nina undergoes a medical procedure where brief electrical currents are passed through her brain while she is under anesthesia, helping to reduce her severe depression.
What is Electroconvulsive Shock Therapy?
Every time the therapist brings up her father, Janelle suddenly changes the subject or “forgets” the question.
What is Resistance?
The process by which we perceive and respond to certain events that we appraise as threatening or challenging
What is Stress?
After returning from military service, Kelsey has frequent nightmares, is easily startled by loud noises, and avoids crowded places that remind her of combat.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Despite being underweight, Riley refuses to eat most foods and is obsessed with becoming thinner. She frequently exercises excessively and expresses a distorted view of her body image.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
To help her overcome her fear of flying, Ruby works with her therapist to gradually become more comfortable by first imagining a plane, then visiting an airport, and eventually boarding a flight.
What is Systematic Desensitization?
Maria takes medication to help with her depression. Her prescription increases the availability of serotonin in her brain by preventing it from being reabsorbed too quickly.
What are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
Attempting to alleviate stress directly-by changing the stressor the way we interact with that stressor; for example if you are struggling in math, you might attend Peer Tutoring for help
What is Problem-focused Coping?
Noah struggles to sit still, blurts out answers in class, and has difficulty focusing on assignments. His teachers report that he is often distracted and forgets to complete tasks.
What is Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Avery believes that the government is broadcasting messages directly into her brain and often talks to voices no one else can hear. She also struggles to stay organized and maintain focus in conversations.
What is Schizophrenia?
To help him quit smoking, Nick’s therapist pairs smoking with a bad taste in his mouth to create a negative association.
What is Aversive Conditioning?
At a treatment center, Mia earns small plastic chips every time she completes a chore or interacts positively with others. She can later trade these for privileges like TV time.
What is a Token Economy?
Negative or traumatic experiences that happen in childhood that can increase the risk of chronic disease and impact a person's psychological functioning
What are ACEs - Adverse Childhood Experiences?
Devon used to enjoy playing music and hanging out with friends, but lately, he feels hopeless, sleeps most of the day, and no longer finds joy in his usual activities. This has lasted several weeks.
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Whenever Harper has to speak in front of others or even eat in public, she becomes extremely anxious and fears being judged or humiliated. This fear often causes her to avoid social events altogether.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
No matter what Ethan shares during therapy, his counselor responds with acceptance and warmth, helping Ethan feel valued and supported.
What is Unconditional Positive Regard?
To stabilize his mood swings, Javier is prescribed a medication often used to treat bipolar disorder.
What is Lithium?
The character strength and virtue that is characterized by kindness, love, and social intelligence
What is Humanity?
Liam constantly worries about school, family, finances, and health—even when there’s no obvious reason to. His muscles are always tense, and he has trouble sleeping.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Elliot, a young child, shows little interest in playing with others, avoids eye contact, and becomes very upset when his routine is changed. He has strong interests in a few topics and often repeats certain phrases.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
When Carlos says, “I failed the test, so I’m a worthless person,” his therapist challenges this belief and helps him reframe his thinking into something more rational and less self-defeating.
What is Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)?
In her sessions, Dana begins to treat her therapist with the same distrust and anger she feels toward her mother.