PSY-4600 2-1 DISCUSSION

INTRODUCTION TO PSY-4600 2-1 DISCUSSION

This Owlisdom PSY-4600 2-1 Discussion assignment involves exploring the different models that provide the basis for understanding mood and anxiety disorders. Students are expected to analyze why anxiety disorders align more with learning theories, while mood disorders involve a combination of biological and psychosocial factors. Additionally, students will discuss the influence of biological and psychosocial factors on anxiety disorders. The goal is to deepen understanding of these complex mental health issues through a comprehensive analysis.  In the next module of PSY-4600, we will explore the 2-2 Synopsis Of Articles On Phobias And Panic Disorder

Explain why anxiety disorders align more with learning theories such as classical and operant conditioning.

Explanation Of Anxiety Disorders And Learning Theories

• Explain how anxiety disorders can be understood through classical and operant conditioning. 
• Provide examples to illustrate these concepts.

Example

Anxiety disorders often align with learning theories such as classical and operant conditioning, primarily because these disorders can be understood through the frameworks of learned behaviors and responses. Classical conditioning suggests that anxiety can be learned when a neutral stimulus is paired with an aversive event, causing an individual to eventually elicit a fear response to the stimulus alone. Operant conditioning further explains how avoidance behaviors, which temporarily relieve anxiety, can be reinforced, making the anxiety response more persistent. The reinforcement solidifies the cycle of anxiety, where avoidance becomes a coping mechanism that prevents the individual from confronting the feared stimulus, thereby perpetuating the anxiety.

Explain why mood disorders seem to have a combination of biological and psychosocial factors.

Mood Disorders: Biological And Psychosocial Factors

• Describe the combination of biological and psychosocial factors that influence mood disorders. 
• Discuss genetic, neurobiological, psychological, and social aspects.

Example

Conversely, mood disorders such as depression are influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Biologically, there is evidence of genetic vulnerabilities and neurobiological imbalances, such as irregularities in neurotransmitter systems, which significantly affect mood regulation. Psychologically, theories like Beck’s cognitive theory of depression highlight how persistent negative thoughts and cognitive distortions can lead to and sustain depressive symptoms (Kürümlüoğlugil & Tanrıverdi, 2022). Socially, factors such as traumatic life events and chronic stress have been recognized as critical contributors that can trigger or exacerbate mood disorders.

Are there also biological and psychosocial factors that may influence anxiety disorders? Explain your views with supporting sources.

Biological And Psychosocial Factors Influencing Anxiety Disorders

• Discuss the role of biological and psychosocial factors in anxiety disorders. 
• Provide evidence and examples to support the explanation.

Example

While anxiety disorders align closely with learning theories, they are not exclusively bound by these mechanisms. Biological factors also play a substantial role, with certain genetic markers and brain structure differences, such as variations in the amygdala and hippocampus, being linked to heightened anxiety responses. Additionally, psychosocial factors are equally pivotal. Experiences of trauma, upbringing, and environmental stressors can profoundly influence the development and manifestation of anxiety disorders. These elements demonstrate that anxiety disorders, much like mood disorders, result from a complex interplay of learned behaviors, biological predispositions, and psychosocial influences, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive therapeutic approach that addresses these multifaceted origins.

REFERENCES

Kürümlüoğlugil, R., & Tanrıverdi, D. (2022). The effects of the psychoeducation on cognitive distortions, negative automatic thoughts and dysfunctional attitudes of patients diagnosed with depression. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 27(10), 2085–2095. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2021.1944654 

Respond to your classmates throughout the week. Justify your answers with examples, research, and reasoning.

Responses

• When responding to classmates, add new perspectives or expand on their points. 
• Justify your response with examples, research, and reasoning.

Example

Hello Rebecca,

You provided an insightful analysis of how classical and operant conditioning theories explain the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders. However, I wonder if we might expand on how these learning theories interact with biological predispositions. For instance, could genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible to learning anxiety responses compared to others? It would be interesting to discuss how predispositions might affect the threshold for what is considered an aversive event strong enough to trigger a learned anxiety response. Could this interaction suggest a more integrated approach to treatment that considers both learned behaviors and biological treatments?

Hello Chandler,

Your discussion on the psychosocial factors influencing mood disorders was compelling, especially your points on how societal and environmental stressors can exacerbate these conditions. I think it might also be beneficial to explore the role of resilience factors, such as social support and coping strategies, in mitigating the impact of these stressors. How do you think these resilience factors could alter the trajectory of mood disorders, and could they possibly be integrated into therapeutic approaches to enhance outcomes? Additionally, considering the role of socioeconomic status might provide further insights into how these stressors and resilience factors are distributed across different populations.