1 Chapter 3 Biological and Environmental Contexts of PsychopathologyBilge Yağmurlu PSYC 330 Developmental Psychopathology

2 Nervous System Developmental process StructureDevelopment begins shortly after conception Interaction of biological programming and experience Structure Central Nervous System (CNS) - Brain and Spinal Cord Peripheral Nervous System - messages between CNS and other areas Autonomic Nervous System - arousal and emotions Sympathetic - increase arousal Parasympathetic - decrease arousal Endocrine System - glands and hormones

3 Nervous System Structure Brain Hindbrain MidbrainConnects hindbrain to higher structures Reticular activating system Forebrain 2 hemispheres connected by corpus callosum Cerebral cortex 4 lobes

4 Nervous System Structure Subcortical - below cerebral hemispheresThalamus - relay station Hypothalamus - urges Limbic system - emotional center

5 Brain Structure

6 Neurotransmission Neurons Neurotransmitters Cell body Dendrites AxonCommunicate via synapse between neurons Electrical messages via neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters Serve to inhibit or excite neurons Serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate, GABA

7 Risk Prenatal Poor maternal diet and stress TeratogensDrugs and alcohol Medications Radiation and environmental contaminants Disease Timing and severity of exposure

8 Risk Perinatal Medications given to mother during childbirthDelivery problems Anoxia - lack of oxygen Prematurity 12% of infants in US born prematurely Low birth weight 7.5% of infants in US weigh less than 5.5 lbs. at birth

9 Risk Postnatal Accidents Illness Malnutrition Accidental poisoningBrain injury concepts Plasticity Timing Extent Area Support

10 Genetic Context Genetic material in all cellsChromosomes contain DNA - segments called genes Chromosomal errors Behavioral genetics - the study of gene environment interactions DNA and RNA Genotype - actual gene makeup Phenotype - expression of genetic makeup

11 Genetic Context Single gene inheritance Multiple gene inheritanceHeritability Family, Twin, Adoption Studies Shared and nonshared environmental influence Molecular genetics Linkage analysis Association analysis

12 Genetic Context Gene-environment interactionGene-environment correlation Passive Reactive Active

13 Learning & Cognition Classical conditioning PavlovUnconditioned stimulus Unconditioned response Conditioned stimulus Conditioned response Albert

14 Learning & Cognition Operant conditioning Positive reinforcementNegative reinforcement Extinction Punishment Generalization Discrimination Shaping

15 Learning & Cognition Observational learning Cognitive processesBandura Cognitive processes Cognitive behavioral perspective Maladaptive thoughts lead to maladaptive behavior Structures/schema Cognitive content - self-talk Cognitive process - perceptions, interpretations Cognitive products - attributions Deficiencies - absence Distortions - inaccuracies

16 Sociocultural ContextEcological models Includes family, community, and culture Interactive

17 Family Context Parent-child relationships Styles Effective parentingRoles

18 Family Context Maltreatment In 2005, 12/1000 US children were victims14% experienced more than one form of maltreatment Definition Physical abuse Sexual abuse Neglect Emotional abuse

19 Family Context Maltreatment Sexual abuse is 9% of substantiated casesPhysical abuse Wide range of severity Often related to poor discipline practices Neglect most common form Physical Educational Emotional Sexual abuse is 9% of substantiated cases Girls most often victims Effects vary Age of onset Identity of the perpetrator Number of perpetrators Severity of the abuse Use of violence or threats Emotional abuse Hard to define

20 Family Context Characteristics of parents who abuse:Young Poor skills Negative attitudes Poor knowledge Inappropriate expectations Low tolerance Poor emotional and impulse control Isolation Substance abuse Intergenerational transmission can occur Children with behavioral problems at higher risk Lower SES at higher risk

21 Family Context Consequences Social and emotional problemsDysregulation of stress systems In addition to above noted factors, PTSD and male gender can increase likelihood of problems De Bellis (2001) Developmental Traumatology Model

22 Developmental Traumatology Model De Bellis (2001)

23 Family Context Divorce 28% of all families single parent homesHigher rates in ethnic minority groups Kids from divorced homes at higher risk of: Academic, social and emotional problems Teens have higher rates of: drop out, pregnancy, sexual activity, delinquency, substance abuse Divorce not always a bad thing

24 Family Context Divorce Predictors of adjustmentOngoing relationship with both parents Degree of discord between parents Number of transitions Temperament of child Gender Financial situation

25 Predictors of adjustment

26 Peer Influence Attachment and parenting styles impact peer relationships Peers impact: Social behaviors Intimacy Empathy development Morality Cooperation Reciprocity Negotiation skill development Conflict management Sexuality Gender roles Friendships can be protective or damaging

27 Community and Societal ContextsSchool Teacher support important to self esteem Dropout rate associated with: Low SES Academic failure Behavioral disorders Lack of family support Motivation Self-concept Cognitions about learning

28 Community and Societal ContextsSocial class and poverty 17.6% of people under the age of 18 live in poverty (as of 2005) Ethnic minorities at higher risk Poverty puts children at risk for many problems Family context Different expectations Harsher parenting More health problems in parents More marital conflict

29 Community and Societal ContextsSocial class and poverty Timing and severity of poverty Early years worse than later years Cumulative risk (multiple risk factors) worse for children in poverty

30 Community and Societal Contexts

31 Community and Societal ContextsNeighborhoods More ethnic minorities in poor neighborhoods Affluent neighborhoods associated with school readiness and achievement Aggressive behavior linked to lower SES Higher rates of sexual activity associated with lower SES Factors that mediate the impact of a poor neighborhood Leventhal & Brooks-Gunn (2000) Community resources Relationships Community norms and efforts to maintain norms

32 Factors that mediate the impact of a poor neighborhood Leventhal & Brooks-Gunn (2000)