Psychological Health and Wellbeing Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is the definition of mental health? (based on the World Health Organisation)
A state of wellbeing in which an individual realises their abilities, can cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community.
What does the Biopsychosocial Model propose about mental health?
That mental health is influenced by the interaction between biological, psychological and sociocultural factors.
Name two examples of biological factors that may influence mental health.
Genetics and neurochemistry (neurotransmitters).
What is the difference between a risk factor and a protective factor?
Risk factors negatively impact mental health; protective factors strengthen it and help individuals cope with challenges.
How can culture affect the diagnosis of mental disorders?
Cultural bias may lead to misdiagnosis if behaviours outside Western norms are seen as abnormal.
What is cultural relativism in psychology?
The idea that behaviours and beliefs must be understood within their cultural context, not judged by another culture’s standards.
How can racism affect mental health?
It can lead to trauma, mistrust in healthcare, and worsening psychological outcomes, particularly for groups like Aboriginals and refugees.
Name two positive and two negative effects of social media on mental health.
Positive: Building social connections, access to support. Negative: Cyberbullying, comparison-driven anxiety.
What is digital addiction?
A behavioural addiction where individuals cannot stop using technology/social media despite negative effects.
What does the DSM-5 say about behavioural addictions?
They are defined similarly to substance addictions, with traits like compulsive use, craving and interference in daily life.
What is behaviour modification?
A psychological technique to change problematic behaviours through learned associations.
Why might behaviour modification be ethically questioned?
If it manipulates individuals without consent or fails to consider cultural/social influences.
What is the bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health?
Poor sleep can worsen mental health, and mental health issues can negatively impact sleep.
What does the Repair and Restoration Theory propose?
Sleep restores the body (NREM) and mind (REM), increase alertness, boosts mood, and supports growth.
What does the Information Consolidation Theory suggest?
Sleep helps process and store memories by consolidating them during REM and deep sleep.
What is the Clean Up Theory of sleep?
Sleep helps flush toxins from the brain through the glymphatic system, potentially preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Define stress.
A normal psychological and physiological response to perceived challenges or threats.
What is the difference between eustress and distress?
Eustress is positive and motivating; distress is negative and overwhelming.
What are acute and chronic stress?
Acute stress is short-term; chronic stress is long-term and can lead to health problems.
What is the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response?
A biological stress reaction preparing the body to confront, escape or shut down in response to a threat.
What is CBT?
An abbreviation for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and a treatment that helps individuals challenge and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
What is systematic desensitisation used for?
A behavioural therapy used to treat phobias through gradual exposure and relaxation.
What ethical considerations apply when treating anxiety and depression?
Informed consent, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and avoiding harm.
What is resilience in mental health?
The ability to recover quickly from adversity or setbacks.
