...Psychology is wide broad discipline, with many possible career tracks to pick. The most usual specialization in the broad view of psychology comprises psychologist, counselor, social worker and therapist. Choosing a specialization can be formidable task on how long you will study is depending on the specialty that you choose. Below are the different specializations in the field of Psychology Addiction Psychology As the specialty name implies, this area of psychology uses psychological research and theories to counsel, diagnose and treat individuals with addictions. Addiction psychologists take various psychological approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, behaviorism and psychodynamics to treat and better understand addictions. Addiction Psychology uses a method which are psychological research and theories to treat, counsel, diagnose a...
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...MODELS OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOUR To read up on models of addictive behaviour, refer to pages 609–618 of Eysenck’s A2 Level Psychology. Ask yourself * Is there a biological basis to addictive behaviour? * Can somebody learn to be an addict? * How might explanations of addiction differ for different addictions? What you need to know MODELS OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOUR | EXPLANATIONS OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOUR | * Biological, behavioural (learning), and cognitive models of addictive behaviour | * Biological, behavioural (learning), and cognitive explanations for initiation, maintenance, and relapse * Specific explanations of particular addictions including smoking and gambling | MODELS OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOUR The models of addictive behaviour attempt to explain the causes and thereby offer insights into how an addiction develops. The assumptions as to the causes of addiction also affect the approach taken to treatment. Biological model of addictive behaviour According to this model, the main causes of addictive behaviour are biological factors within the individual, for example, a neurochemical imbalance or a genetic predisposition towards addictive behaviour. Thus, the vulnerability to develop an addiction may be inherited and family studies are used to support this explanation. Thus approach assumes that addiction has physical causes and can therefore only be cured through medicine. Behavioural (learning) model of addictive behaviour This model is...
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...Addictions and Phobias Phobias and addictions are difficult problems to deal with, and unfortunately many people are affected by them. While they are separate problems, many times you will find people who are suffering from both problems. This can happen because many times a person with an addiction issue may have a phobia that they are unaware of. In order to better understand why phobias and addictions develop, a better understanding of operant and classical conditioning is needed. When a person learns to react to the stimulus in their environment; that is classical conditioning. When a person has a reaction to either a reward or punishment; that is operant conditioning. The easiest way to distinguish the two types of conditioning is look at the nature of the response a person has towards a stimulus. This paper will examine how phobias develop as a result of classical conditioning, and how addictions develop as a result of operant conditioning. (Kowalski & Westen, 2009) An addiction is the repeated use of a substance or activity that becomes a compulsion and has a negative effect on a person’s ability to function normally. Many times a person knows that the behavior they are doing is very negative and is having an adverse effect on their life, but this will not stop them from engaging in the activity. Many addictions begin as a result of someone engaging in an activity like drinking, doing drugs or gambling. This activity may be enjoyable for the person and give them a...
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...Phobias & Addictions Jessica Riggs PSY/300 08/27/2014 Carl Grossen How and why do people develop phobias and addictions? Some people believe that these conditions come from a person’s environment and the way they were raised. There have been many studies to determine how people develop addictions through operant conditioning and how phobias develop through classical conditioning. To understand how these conditions develop one must first define and understand the differences between classical and operant conditioning. By learning how these conditions are created will in turn help achieve the process of extinction this is a technique to help overcome phobias and addictions. Classical and operant conditioning is two types of behaviors in psychology. These two processes are very different, but they both result in learning. Classical conditioning has an impact on behaviorism that is a school of thought in psychology. Behaviorism is a theory that is learned through experiences in the environment. Classical conditioning involves an environmental stimulus that automatically triggers a response. Phobias are created through classical conditioning. An example of this would be if a snake bit someone as a child they might form a phobia of snakes. Operant conditioning is a method of learning that happens through punishments or reinforcements to increase or decrease someone’s behavior. There are two types of reinforcements; one is positive reinforcements with this the behavior...
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...Phobias and Addictions Camille Sere' PSY/300 October 2, 2012 Shari Tumlin Phobias and Addictions In this paper I will be discussing phobias and addictions in relation to classical and operant conditioning. I will research and explore how phobias can be developed through classical conditioning, and how addictions can be developed through operant conditioning. I will also explain what extinction means in psychology and how it is achieved in both classical and operant conditioning. The first thing you need to know is what exactly a phobia is. A phobia is an uncontrollable fear of an object or situation that is unreasonable and can develop in many ways; one of these ways is through conditioning. People have fears all the time, but a phobia affects a person’s daily life. Phobias for some people make it to where they become reclusive, or they cannot leave the comfort of their own homes, or their safe place. There are two main types or categories of phobias; they are specific phobias and social phobias. A specific phobia is an uncontrollable fear of a specific thing or a specific stimulus. There are animal phobias where a person is afraid of a certain animal or insect, for example the fear of spiders is called arachnophobia. There are environmental phobias like a fear of storms or heights. There are phobias of medical procedures as well as situational phobias like small spaces or flying. A social phobia is an uncontrollable fear of a particular situation such as giving...
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...advocate, a researcher, the owner of an expansive collection of dog-eared classics. I can cook minute rice in thirty seconds and spew countless statistics on the dangers of secondhand smoke. Yet, after all my tobacco control work, the field of science had thus far failed to satiate my intellectual voracity. That was, until the first semester of my senior year, as my psychology class tackled the Goliath that was the brain unit. As we pieced together the different segments of neural networks and glial cells, Mrs. Hobbs taught us how neurotransmitters bind to their receptor sites A miraculous journey dubbed the “synaptic kiss”. Something about that euphemism stimulated me, brought me to the forefront....
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...DRUG ADDICTION ERIN GETZ LYNN FUTRAL PSYCHOLOGY 1101 28 NOVEMBER 2014 Drug Addiction Most of us know of someone who has struggled with addiction. About 15 percent of the American population is addicted to alcohol or drugs or a combination of the two (Chapter 1: What is Addiction?). Drug addiction can tear families apart by changing the people we know into someone who lies, cheats, and steals to get their next fix. Drug addiction is a serious psychological and physical illness that has many factors such as social environment, home life/family history, physical and mental problems, and withdrawals; there are also a few ways to recover from drug addiction including Narcotics Anonymous, medical treatments, and therapy. But first, what is drug addiction? The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) website defines drug abuse as “a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her.” The most common drugs hardest to give up are cocaine, heroin, marijuana, alcohol, amphetamines (Interlandi and Kelley). Almost 22 million Americans are hooked on at least one of these drugs. Drug addictions don’t normally happen overnight, it is a process that happens over time. Usually a drug is taken for the first time in a social situation, with the person not realizing the consequences that could follow. The person enjoys that temporary high and begins to...
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...Psychology as a Career There are many career paths to choose from regarding psychology; the one I am most interested in is an LCADC. This stands for Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Many people who choose this area of psychology do not start off pursuing it. Schooling goes far beyond just a Bachelor’s degree; a Master’s degree is necessary (NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF ADDICTION SERVICES). The Master’s degree needs to be in counseling or addictions; an MA in Psychological Counseling—Addiction Studies Track. This also requires 33 credits in approved Masters Level courses. Along with a Master’s degree, one would need to complete 270 hours of approved coursework in alcohol and drug education classes from a State approved school or facility. There are strict rules which govern the coursework and all guidelines set forth by the State of New Jersey. Along with these courses, there are internship hours which must be fulfilled. All hours must be supervised by an LCADC who is approved by the state and consist of 3,000 general hours as well as 300 direct supervision hours. Lengthy applications must be sent to the state, showing all hours logged in and signed off by a licensed professional Another important part of obtaining an LCADC in the State of New Jersey is to attend 30 self-help meetings. These meetings must be 5 Narcotics Anonymous, 5 Alcoholics Anonymous, 5 Al-Anon Meetings and 5 other self-help meetings of your choosing. Attending...
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...lead me into an education concentrating on Human Services, Psychology, and Criminal Justice. When I started attending school, I hadn’t narrowed down what field I really wanted to focus on. The following two tables will show what classes I have taken as required for core classes as well as major specific classes. I have highlighted, in yellow, the top five most influential classes that have inspired me in one way or another. CORE CLASSES Lecture Project Discussion Field Work Experimentation Research Senior Seminar x The Ancient World x Intro to Literature of the New Testament x Spanish I x Statistics for Social Sciences x Lifetime Fitness and Wellness x Music Appreciation x National Government x Survey of Math w/ Applications x Analysis of Text x New Student Seminar x Environmental Science x Development of Civilization x Intro to Speech Communication x Business Math x Composition I x MAJOR Lecture Project Discussion Field Work Experimentation Research Personality Theory and Assessment x Women and Crime x Intro to Philosophy x Techniques of Individual and Group Counseling x Psychology and Religion x Human Sexuality x Internship x Counseling Theories x Human Development x Addictive Behaviors x Abnormal Psychology x Intro to Human Services x Psychology Intro to Sociology x Gangs of America x ...
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...Application of Clinical Psychology: Betty Ford Courtney Bowers, Tina Colbert, Janell Thomas, Mervin Waldron PSY/480 March 30, 2015 Tara Thompson Application of Clinical Psychology: Betty Ford Substance abuse can stem from a variety of biological, psychological, and social factors. These factors may vary from addict to addict, and it is the role of clinical psychology to examine the roots of addiction, and what type of treatment, such as interventions, would apply to and possibly work best for each individual. Interventions have to be rational as they apply to a patient, and the clinical psychology professional would have to have a plan as to who is involved, where will it be, what should happen, and what specific areas the intervention will focus on. We will examine the case study of Betty Ford, and uncover the possible reason for addiction as well as what type of interventions may work best and why. The Case of Betty Ford Many have heard of the Betty Ford Clinic, but most think Betty Ford, former first lady opened the clinic up because she wanted to help substance abuse addicts. In fact, that is precisely what she wished to accomplish, but for reasons other than just helping. Betty Ford was an addict herself. In 1978, Ford admitted that she was an addict, and a week later went into a treatment program. Inspired by the ability to overcome drugs and alcohol through treatment, in 1982, the Betty Ford Clinic was opened. Substance abuse doesn't lend itself to...
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...hospitalizations and improved adherence to medical regimens, a psychiatry division comprised of five specialists specializing in substance abuse psychology, inpatient-only psychology, child psychology, adult psychology, and pain management has been developed with the responsibility of improving patient health through the use of psychological methods. The implementation of these methods are targeted to concentrate on the weaknesses and strengths of those needing psychological help in the hopes of improving the health and well-being of all those involved. Substance Abuse Counselor The substance abuse counselor is one, which helps individuals dealing and suffering from a variety of different addictions such as those of alcohol and drugs. The substance abuse counselor is to counsel individuals who are addicted to these substances, helping him or, she to identify and understand the behaviors and problems associated with his or, her addiction. Addiction can become a very debilitating disorder if not treated properly and for those seeking help and treatment for, one’s addiction by this type of method. Both the psychological and physical side of the individual needs to be addressed in order to benefit fully the chances of the patients overall success with the treatment (Substance use and Abuse, Week Four reading, aXcess, HCA250- The Psychology of Health course web site, 2007)....
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...What causes addiction, and what is the best approach to counteract it? One contemporary view on the main causes of addiction is positive reinforcement. While there are many factors that contribute to both chemical and physical addiction, including psychosis, a disruptive childhood, or cognitive impairment, positive reinforcement is the major underlying characteristic that envelops an individual’s substance addiction (Osher, 1989). Though the reasons for compulsive drug self-administration varies widely, most, if not all users of drugs do so to avoid negative feelings including anxiety, depression, angst and fear (Goldsmith, Holzer & Manderscheid, 1998). Positive reinforcement is a concept first described by psychologist B. F. Skinner in his theory of operant conditioning. Skinner introduced reinforcement to the law of effect (Thorndike, 1905) in psychology, stating that behaviour that is reinforced is likely to be repeated and strengthened, while behaviour that is not reinforced will likely be extinguished (McLeod, 2007). Positive reinforcement refers to the rewarding and confident emotions that drug users experience when self-administering drugs or other substances. This theory highlights that the common denominator of a wide range of addictive substances is their ability to cause psychomotor activation (Wise & Bozarth, 1987). This view is related to the belief that all positive reinforcers activate a common biological mechanism, with one of the most common components...
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...Foundations of Psychology PSY/300 Nov. 2, 2015 University of Phoenix Foundations of Psychology What is psychology? Simply speaking it is the study of behavior and mind. Psychology is the exploration into the understanding of behaviors, thoughts and emotions. The word psychology is of Greek origin meaning ‘psyche’, or “the soul, mind, or personality of a person or group” ("Psyche." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2015). Psychology has many different fields of study that include social behavior, human development, and cognitive procedures, just to name a few. One name that often comes to mind when the word psychology is mentioned is Sigmund Freud. Freud is often thought of as the most influential, as well as controversial, figure in the study of psychology. His theories and views set the standard for the understanding of the human mind and its functions. There are six major schools of thoughts in psychology; functionalism, psychoanalysis, behaviorism, humanistic psychology, cognitivism and Gestalt psychology. This paper will identify three of those schools and examine the basis of each. Functionalism The first psychological school of thought I want to explore is Functionalism. Functionalism is “a late 19th century to early 20th century American school of psychology concerned especially with how the mind functions to adapt the individual to the environment” ("Functionalism." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 27 Oct...
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...Comparison of theory Krystal Williams Grand Canyon University February 25, 2015 It is important to get a full understanding on biopsychosocial model of addiction. Within the biopsychosocial model, there psychological theories and biological theories. In this paper there will be a summary that will describe a psychological theory of addiction and a biological theory of addiction. It will also discuss whether or not these theories will be used in the future practice and why. Neurobehavioral theory Neurobehavioral theory is a biological theory that overlaps with biological determinists and is the Neurobehavioral School of thoughts. What that means is, neurobehavioral theory has an attraction through the individual neurological pathways and the environment. The neurons of the body must work together to reinforce the neuro-chemical bonds and the neurons so they will function. As stated in the book, “Concepts of Chemical Dependency” “If the neurons fire in sequence in response to the same stimuli a neural network is formed. For instance, if you smoke a cigarette and each time the smoke is inhaled the neural connection between smoking and stress relief will be reinforced. When the neurons do not function right it is because the brain is not functioning though to the chemicals that is being intake, like the nicotine from the inhale of smoke. It will then cause the brain to over learn. When repeating the activation of the reward cascade, the over learning process is intended. When...
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...Phobias and Addictions PSY/300 July 29, 2013 Abstract Week Two of PSY/300, which is the General Psychology class, has an assignment of writing a paper regarding phobias and addictions. It includes the meanings and the differences between classical conditioning and operant conditioning. The paper explains what phobias are as compared to addictions and how each of them affects behavior in individuals. It also explains what classical conditioning means to phobias as well as what operant conditioning means to addictions. Phobias and Addictions Every person is in one way or another, conditioned by either operant or classical conditioning. Phobias develop through classical conditioning, whereas addictions develop through operant conditioning. The classical conditioning theory involves learning a new behavior via the process of association, (McLeod, 2012). Operant conditioning is the other type of conditioning whereas an individual learns through a reward system. It is more or less association made between behavior and consequence of that behavior. Phobias and addictions develop through these two types of conditioning. Phobias develop through classical conditioning and addictions through operant conditioning. Through the past decades, psychologists studied these two relationships to develop a more understanding of these emotional disorders. Phobias and addictions are negative behaviors and usually come from classical conditioning or operant conditioning. Phobias happen...
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