Abnormal Psychology Questions
Q1. According to your text please describe how negative reinforcement increases the avoidance behaviors often associated with anxiety.
Negative reinforcement refers to the withdrawal of an unpleasant stimulus to reward behavior. Using operant conditioning in a laboratory experiment, this might be accomplished by the withdrawal of an unpleasant sound when the desired behavior is completed. However, in the real world, for someone experiencing anxiety, the usual way in which someone suffering from this psychological disorder deals with the unpleasant feelings of anxiety (pounding heart, sweating, and racing thoughts) is to withdraw from the situation and avoid the triggering stimulus. Although this, on the surface, might seem to be sensible on the one hand, on the other hand it can result in the anxious individual becoming socially withdrawn or avoiding positive life experiences because of the fear. For fears of very common things—such as driving—it can significantly impair the individual’s ability to engage in normal social behavior.
Q2. What percentage of individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder have another disorder or depression?
An estimated 60% of people with a diagnosed anxiety disorder also suffer from depression (Cameron, 2007).
Q3. What is the average age of onset for anxiety disorders?
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (2020), 31 is the average age of onset of anxiety disorders.
Q4. Fear and anxiety disorders are more often reported by girls and women than men and boys. However, when placed in anxiety-producing situations, both sexes show equal physiological reactions. Discuss several societal factors which might explain this difference.
Although women make up the majority of the population, they are still a historically discriminated-against group, which can contribute to the stress and anxiety they feel as part of daily living. Women may also be more inclined to report depression than men because men may feel more pressured to hide their feelings, in deference to the stereotype of the strong, powerful male. Still, both men and women will feel the same physical sensations.
Q5. The relaxation site entitled “Progressive Muscle Relaxation” (http://youtu.be/HFwCKKa--18) was extremely helpful for me. I often found that I was unware of exactly how tense I was before completing the exercise. I also was unware of how much tension I stored in small “trigger areas” like my jaw and neck. Tensing and relaxing my muscles enabled me to pinpoint the areas of greatest tension, exercise mindful relaxation over problem areas, and gave me a time to focus on myself and cultivating a positive mindset.
Q6. Provide one hallmark symptom of the following disorders:
a. Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A sense of extreme self-consciousness, usually accompanied by low self-esteem, about one’s physical appearance.
b. Hoarding Disorder: Keeping objects that have no obvious purpose or use, and in such a manner that they make the acts of daily life and social relationships difficult.
c. Trichotillomania: Pulling hair in a manner which is obsessive, compulsive, and harmful to the…
Sample Source(s) Used
References
Cameron, O.G. (2007). Understanding comorbid depression and anxiety, 24 (14). Retrieved from: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/anxiety/understanding-comorbid-depression-and- anxiety
Facts and Statistics. (2020). Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Retrieved from: https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
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