Biopsychology: A Science-Based Approach
Biopsychology
Biopsychology is a science-based approach, addressing the physiological functions of the brain and nervous system, evolution and genes. The brain comprises four lobes, and activity in specific areas can be observed using brain imaging equipment. The amygdala and regions of the prefrontal cortex have several roles, including the rapid evaluation of new stimuli. Imaging carried out on animals has shown that stimulation of the amygdala provokes fear and anxiety, (Drevets 2001). Exposing people suffering from social anxiety to social stimuli such as speech anticipation (Lorberbaum et al. 2004) and receiving criticism (Blair et al. 2008) showed abnormal amygdalar activity. Jim exhibits anxiety in both these situations (Case study …show more content…
‘Intellectualisation’ is one ego defence whereby the individual removes himself emotionally from a stressful situation (Davison, 1998). Jim has rescinded all social responsibilities to his wife, to the point where he cannot go shopping or visit the library, while his unavoidable work duty leaves him ‘fatigued, tired and defeated’. His statement that ‘he ‘beats himself up’ and asks himself what is wrong with him’ (CSN, 2014) suggests his superego is ‘punishing’ his ego for not meeting the vision of his ‘ideal …show more content…
It comprises three theories, classical and operant conditioning, and social learning. Pavlov developed the first of these, conditioning dogs to respond to a bell by utilising their natural responses (Jarvis, 2009). Jim responds to the prospect of a telephone call, which in the past has resulted in him feeling: ‘great humiliation and embarrassment’ (CSN, 2014), with symptoms of extreme anxiety. Each time he responds in this way, the stronger the conditioning becomes.
Operant conditioning, developed by Skinner, includes the theory that one learns that there will be either a positive or negative reinforcement (reward) for behaviour. The former is the addition of a reward, the latter the removal of an unfavourable thing or event. Jim’s wife, by enabling him ‘not to have to deal with any social situations’ (CSN, 2014) is providing him with negative reinforcement by removing his need to socialise. Both methods of reinforcement strengthen the exhibited behaviour, and Jim’s symptoms are showing no sign of
Biopsychology is a science-based approach, addressing the physiological functions of the brain and nervous system, evolution and genes. The brain comprises four lobes, and activity in specific areas can be observed using brain imaging equipment. The amygdala and regions of the prefrontal cortex have several roles, including the rapid evaluation of new stimuli. Imaging carried out on animals has shown that stimulation of the amygdala provokes fear and anxiety, (Drevets 2001). Exposing people suffering from social anxiety to social stimuli such as speech anticipation (Lorberbaum et al. 2004) and receiving criticism (Blair et al. 2008) showed abnormal amygdalar activity. Jim exhibits anxiety in both these situations (Case study …show more content…
‘Intellectualisation’ is one ego defence whereby the individual removes himself emotionally from a stressful situation (Davison, 1998). Jim has rescinded all social responsibilities to his wife, to the point where he cannot go shopping or visit the library, while his unavoidable work duty leaves him ‘fatigued, tired and defeated’. His statement that ‘he ‘beats himself up’ and asks himself what is wrong with him’ (CSN, 2014) suggests his superego is ‘punishing’ his ego for not meeting the vision of his ‘ideal …show more content…
It comprises three theories, classical and operant conditioning, and social learning. Pavlov developed the first of these, conditioning dogs to respond to a bell by utilising their natural responses (Jarvis, 2009). Jim responds to the prospect of a telephone call, which in the past has resulted in him feeling: ‘great humiliation and embarrassment’ (CSN, 2014), with symptoms of extreme anxiety. Each time he responds in this way, the stronger the conditioning becomes.
Operant conditioning, developed by Skinner, includes the theory that one learns that there will be either a positive or negative reinforcement (reward) for behaviour. The former is the addition of a reward, the latter the removal of an unfavourable thing or event. Jim’s wife, by enabling him ‘not to have to deal with any social situations’ (CSN, 2014) is providing him with negative reinforcement by removing his need to socialise. Both methods of reinforcement strengthen the exhibited behaviour, and Jim’s symptoms are showing no sign of