Characteristics of Phobias

This section delves into the behavioural, emotional, and cognitive characteristics of phobias, providing a comprehensive overview for A-Level Psychology students.

Behavioural Characteristics of Phobias:

1. Panic: Individuals may experience intense panic reactions when confronted with their phobic stimulus. This can manifest as crying, running, or screaming. In children, freezing or clinging behaviors may be observed.

Vocabulary: Sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system - The part of the nervous system responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which is often activated during phobic reactions.

2. Avoidance: People with phobias often make conscious efforts to avoid the phobic stimulus or situation. This avoidance behavior can significantly impact daily life, including academic or work performance.

3. Endurance: Some individuals may remain in the presence of the phobic stimulus but continue to experience high levels of anxiety, especially in unavoidable situations like flying.

Emotional Characteristics of Phobias:

1. Anxiety: Phobias are characterized by a state of high arousal that prevents sufferers from relaxing and experiencing positive emotions.

2. Fear: An immediate and extremely unpleasant emotional response when encountering or thinking about the phobic stimulus.

Definition: Phobia - An intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that leads to avoidance behaviors and significant distress.

These characteristics provide a foundation for understanding the complex nature of phobias and their impact on individuals' lives, which is crucial for A-Level Psychology students studying mental health disorders.

Characteristics of Depression

This page focuses on the behavioural and emotional characteristics of depression, a crucial topic for A-Level Psychology students.

Behavioural Characteristics of Depression:

1. Increased lethargy: Individuals with depression often experience a significant decrease in energy levels and motivation.

2. Withdrawal from activities: There is often a noticeable reduction in participation in previously enjoyed activities, including school, work, and hobbies.

3. Psychomotor changes: Some individuals may exhibit psychomotor agitation, causing restlessness and difficulty relaxing, while others may experience psychomotor retardation, leading to slowed movements and speech.

4. Sleep disturbances: Depression can significantly affect sleep patterns, resulting in either insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping).

5. Changes in eating habits: Appetite may be affected, leading to either increased or decreased food intake.

6. Aggression: Some individuals may become aggressive towards others or themselves, potentially leading to self-harm behaviors.

Highlight: These behavioural characteristics of depression Psychology a level students need to understand can significantly impact an individual's daily functioning and quality of life.

Emotional Characteristics of Depression:

1. Low self-esteem: Individuals with depression often experience intense feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing.

2. Anger: Depressed individuals may feel angry at themselves or others, which can sometimes manifest as aggressive behavior.

3. Lowered mood: A persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness is a hallmark of depression.

Example: A depressed student might describe themselves as "worthless" and withdraw from social activities they previously enjoyed, demonstrating both emotional and behavioral characteristics of the disorder.

Understanding these characteristics is essential for A-Level Psychology students, particularly when addressing exam questions such as "Outline two behavioural characteristics of depression 4 marks" or discussing the emotional characteristics of depression Psychology.