The biological approach believes behavior to be as a consequence of our genetics and physiology. It is the only approach in psychology that examines thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a biological and thus physical point of view. Therefore, all that is psychological is first physiological.
What is a biological factor?
In humans, a biological factor can take the form of a physical, physiological, neurological, chemical or genetic condition and impacts the way an individual thinks or acts. The term is very broad and covers any biological condition that affects an organism’s physiology.
What are biological factors in mental illness?
Perhaps more commonly, biological factors come up in studies on mental illness. Environmental factors, such as trauma and stress, may contribute to the development of mental health issues, but biological factors often form the foundation.
Why are people biologically drawn to each other?
It can come down to a mixture of biological, psychological, and experience-based factors, and no two people are going to agree on what's attractive and what isn't. Here are some of the most common reasons people are biologically drawn to each other. 1. Smell
What is the connection between our biological and psychological health?
Over the past few decades, medical and scientific researchers have developed a better understanding of the connection between our biological health: the health of our brain, body, nervous system and organs; and our psychological health: our moods, thoughts, feelings and emotions.
What are some examples of biological factors?
Biological Factors Factors considered include genetics, based on the results of both twin and adoption studies, as well as traits such as birth weight, adult height, body mass index, and age at puberty.
What are biological reasons for behavior?
The biological approach believes behavior to be as a consequence of our genetics and physiology. It is the only approach in psychology that examines thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a biological and thus physical point of view. Therefore, all that is psychological is first physiological.
What does biological cause mean?
Anything which affects the function and behavior of a living organism. Internally, this factor can be a physical, physiological, chemical, neurological, or genetic condition which causes a psychological effect. Biological factors are seen as the primary determinants of human behavior.
What are the five biological factors?
Biological factors as a part of endogenic factors, in ease, divided into five major areas: genetic factors, brain and neurotransmitters, endocrine glands and hormones, physical health and typology and attractiveness.
What is the biological reason for stress?
Research1 has shown when an individual appraises a situation as being stressful, the adrenal medulla releases the hormone adrenaline, which prepares the body for a fight or flight response. This increases heart, sweating, blood pressure, and breathing rates.
What is an example of biological in psychology?
Biological Approach Examples An example of the biological approach to psychology would be the fear response. The fear response gives way to fight, flight, or freeze behaviors. Which course of action an individual takes in the presence of a stressor relies on their biological make-up.
What are 3 biological risk factors?
Biological risk factorsthe harmful properties of the microorganism.the quantity of microorganisms in the workplace.the spread of microorganisms in the workplace.how they enter the body.the individual employee's susceptibility to the microorganism.
What are physical and biological factors?
Physical factors are Soil, temperature, Water, air. Biological Factors are mostly Bacteria, fungi and nematodes etc. Chemical factors are mostly enzymes secreted by living organisms.
How do biological factors affect behavior?
Our social networks, personal interactions, and relationships are determined by both our genes and the world around us. Some behaviors may have a genetic basis, but genes do not actually control behavior. Rather, our genetic makeup influences how we interact with and respond to our surroundings.
What is the biological definition of behavior?
Behaviour is: the internally coordinated responses (actions or inactions) of whole living organisms (individuals or groups) to internal and/or external stimuli, excluding responses more easily understood as developmental changes.
How does biological factors influence human behaviour?
Our social networks, personal interactions, and relationships are determined by both our genes and the world around us. Some behaviors may have a genetic basis, but genes do not actually control behavior. Rather, our genetic makeup influences how we interact with and respond to our surroundings.
How does the biological area explain behaviour?
The biological area focuses on genetic, neurochemical and how the brain and nervous system work as explanations of behaviour and assumes the following: All that is psychological is first physiological: The mind resides in the brain and so all thoughts, feelings and behaviours have a biological cause.
What are the 8 biological factors that influence child development?
Factors Affecting The Growth And Development Of ChildrenHeredity : ... Environment : ... Gender : ... Hormones : ... Exercise : ... Nutrition :
What is the purpose of genetic recovery?
Recovery consists of recognizing and understanding one's genetic vulnerability. Once this vulnerability is identified it becomes necessary to abstain (or at least moderate) from addictive substances and activities. Treatment provides education that helps people to understand and accept their genetic predisposition.
Why do people become addicted to drugs?
Some people may enjoy a substance or activity so much that it becomes very tempting and difficult to resist. Another person would not experience this difficulty because they do not experience a similar enjoyment. Likewise, the ability to temper impulsive desires with rational thought is a brain function that varies among different people. Some people may have a deficiency in their capacity to resist certain types of impulses. Thus, these folks would be at greater risk for developing an addiction because of their genetic vulnerability.
What are biological models of addiction?
Biological models of addiction emphasize the importance of genetics and the biological forces of nature. These theories suggest that brain chemistry, brain structure, and genetic abnormalities cause human behavior. Many of these models have not been tested or applied to every specific type of addiction.
Can addiction models be applied to other addictions?
Many of these models have not been tested or applied to every specific type of addiction. Nevertheless, scientists and practitioners assume it is reasonable to apply these models to other addictions. As research in this area continues, we may learn that some models are more applicable to specific addictions.
What is panda in medical terms?
One such condition is pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder, or PANDA. PANDA is linked to the streptococcus bacteria and has been found to cause obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as other mental ailments in children. *Brain injuries or defects—Injury to or defects in specific areas of the brain have been found to cause certain ...
How is mental illness passed on?
It is believed that the susceptibility to contract mental illness is passed on through the genes. Experts hypothesize that many mental illnesses can be linked to multiple genetic abnormalities.
What is the chemical imbalance in the brain?
Chemical Imbalance. Certain mental illnesses are linked to an imbalance of the chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters serve as a communications system between nerve cells in the brain.
What are the biological factors that contribute to mental illness?
Other biological factors which may contribute to the development of mental illness include: *Infections— A link has been found between certain infections to brain damage and the subsequent development of mental illness or the worsening ...
What happens if chemicals are out of whack?
If these chemicals are out of whack, or working in a substandard manner, there will be an interruption in the brain as it attempts to process incoming messages. The result is a display of the symptoms of mental illness. There are also certain defects or brain injuries that have been linked to some mental illnesses.
What causes mental illness?
Still, research is turning up new discoveries in this field all the time and it's becoming clear that mental illnesses are caused by a combination of psychological, biological, and environmental factors. In this article, we look at the biological ...
Can lead poisoning cause mental illness?
Lead poisoning is one condition that can lead to mental illness and B12 deficiency is another. *Heredity—Long considered controversial, it has now been seen that many mental illnesses do run in families. That means that if you have a family member with a mental illness, you have a greater risk of developing a mental condition.
Why Are We So Focused on Biology?
If biology only accounts for a small portion of depression causes, why are we so interested in the biological causes of depression? There are four reasons for this.
How do scientists measure depression?
Scientists can use large data sets of fraternal and identical twins and measure how frequently both twins experience depression. If genetics had no influence on depression, then the identical twins would be no more likely to both be depressed than the fraternal twins. But if there are more sets of identical twins with depression than sets of fraternal twins, that points to at least some genetic component to the disease. By measuring the difference between depression rates in both types of twins, scientists can calculate just how big a role genetics play in depression. This isn’t a perfect method (since even twins can have different life events that can trigger depression differently in each person), but it gives a reliable best estimate for how much your genes contribute to depression.
How does the brain change?
It does this by adding and subtracting synapses, which are connections between brain cells. When you learn new information or practice a skill, new synapses form; if you don’t use that skill for decades afterward, the brain prunes those synapses to save energy to power the skills you do use.
How does depression affect the brain?
Social, psychological, and environmental disconnections deprive the emotion centers of the brain of the happy experiences they need in order to stay in good working order. If those disconnections persist, that unhappiness grows into depression, which makes it even more difficult to establish those connections and ultimately results in further changes in the emotion centers of the brain.
What are the causes of depression?
The two primary biological causes of depression are genetics and neuroplasticity . People with the 5-HTT gene are vulnerable to depression, while neuroplasticity describes the changes that occur in your brain when depression is triggered by psychological and social factors. Biology helps explain depression that cannot be attributed to unfavorable environmental factors.
What are the two most important biological factors that influence depression?
The two most important biological factors that influence depression are neuroplasticity and genetics .
Why do people get depressed?
The most important of the two biological causes of depression is genetics. There is no single “depression gene,” but there is a particular variant of a gene called 5-HTT that significantly increases your vulnerability to depression. However, just having that gene alone is not enough to make you depressed—it has to be switched on by the environment. A baby born and raised in a perfect environment (with no trauma and all the right connections) wouldn’t spontaneously become depressed, no matter what their genetic makeup. But if a baby with the 5-HTT gene variant and a baby without it are exposed to the same trauma, the former is much more likely to develop depression as a result.
Why is it harder to respond to experiences without stress and anxiety?
With less of the calming neurotransmitters and more of the brain chemicals and hormones meant to gear us up for fight or flight – it becomes harder to respond to experiences without stress and anxiety.
What causes neurotransmitters to become depleted?
Any factors that cause repeated stress responses can cause neurotransmitters to become depleted. Other common factors include our diets and health-related issues. One way or another, all biological causes of anxiety have a direct effect on brain chemicals and stress hormones.
What is the most popular theory behind the biological cause of anxiety?
By far the most popular theory behind the biological cause of anxiety ( and depression for that matter ), is the chemical imbalance theory.
What is the chemical imbalance theory?
The chemical imbalance theory has also led to pharmaceutical companies spending millions of dollars in advertising to promote their medications. Simply take a pill and all will be right with the world.
Why are Omega 3 fatty acids important?
Omega 3 Fatty Acids: important for normal brain functioning, and lowering inflammation, typically found to be lower in those with anxiety; low levels can cause ADHD, poor mental abilities, anxiety and depression.
What are some examples of biological issues?
For example; being excessive or deficient in one or more brain chemicals, vitamins, minerals, or hormones. Moderate to severe anxiety can also occur as a result of disease, injury or illness.
What is the mind caught in?
The mind can become “trapped” in a loop of negativity, hyper-alertness, fear and anxiety.
Why are opposites attracting?
There may be some biological basis to opposites attracting, too. When it comes to reproduction, a bit of variety works in your favour . For instance, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a part of the immune system that helps cells recognise foreign molecules. When the MHC is vastly different from your mate's, this decreases the danger of mating with someone you're related to, and increases the genetic variability of any offspring you have — meaning they're more likely to be healthier with a better immune system.
What does the letter P look like?
The letter "P" styled to look like a thumbtack pin. Pinterest
What is the biological basis for opposites attracting?
There may be some biological basis to opposites attracting, too. When it comes to reproduction, a bit of variety works in your favour. For instance, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a part of the immune system that helps cells recognise foreign molecules.
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Why are we attracted to people who are similar to us?
This could be because we see them as our first caregiver, and associate positive feelings with their features.
Why do women prefer low voices?
There could be something inherently biological in this, as deeper voices have been linked to producing healthier children, and in the wild, lower pitch is associated with being bigger.
What does an envelope mean in email?
An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email.
What was the plan of the Eugenics movement?
The plan of the eugenics movement was that, since most crimes are committing among and by the poor, the poor definitely inherited these genes for feeblemindedness, that’s what led them to misery, vice, crime, etc. According to Francis F., the obvious solution to American social problems was to sterilize those with these types of genes and restrict the immigration of more poor and their repopulation in the country (Gillham Nicolas W., 2001). The Eugenics movement was way too radical and it failed to bring any durable solution to the biological cause of crime.
Why can't we categorize a whole group of people as being responsible for crimes and any other antisocial?
The reason is simple, we can’t possibly categorize a whole group of people as being responsible for crimes and any other antisocial behaviors simply because of their social status. Of course, there are more crimes among the poor and there will always be more crimes among them because they lack financial and social resources.
Why are environmental factors important?
Many experts believe that both environmental factors, as well as genetic factors, play an important role in a person criminal and antisocial behaviors. Such argument, of course, revives the old debate of nature versus nurture that’s been around for decades. Many among those experts argue that there is evidence that proves a person’s genetic makeup ...
How do genetic codes work?
1) First, researches prove that genes are ruled by the environment rather than the environment being ruled by genes. This means; a person’s environment can either mute or aggravate violent impulse. A person's genetic code is what makes him/her who he/she is and it is also what makes him/her very unique from others.
What triggers criminal behavior?
What exactly triggers criminal behaviors? Is it genes, brain structures, neurotransmitters, hormones, etc.? Studies show that people who consistently show both irresponsible and criminal behaviors often have both neurological and biological abnormalities that contribute to these types of behaviors (Allen Garland E., 2001).
Which theory failed to solve crime?
Francis Galton’s theory , which is the eugenics system failed to solve or reduce crime or modify any form of antisocial behavior. So my conclusion is that there’s no relationship whatsoever between the biological cause of crime, its solution, and the eugenics movement.
Can genes predict antisocial behavior?
Their finding is that there is indeed an interaction between genes and the environment that can predict both criminal and antisocial behaviors of an individual. In other words; biological forces can act upon psychosocial factors and generate a certain type of behavior, such as criminal or antisocial ones. With that says, biological causes can be ...
What is the relationship between antisocial behavior and gene-environment interactions?
Longitudinal studies and meta-analyses have documented the moderating effect of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene on the relationship between maltreatment and antisocial behaviors, with the maltreatment-antisocial behavior relationship being stronger for individuals with low MAOA than high MAOA (Byrd & Manuck, 2014; Caspi et al., 2002; Fergusson, Boden, & Horwood, 2011; Kim-Cohen et al.,2006). Similarly, in a large study of African-American females, having the A1 allele of the DRD2 gene or a criminal father did not individually predict antisocial outcomes, but having both factors increased risk for serious delinquency, violent delinquency, and police contacts (Delisi, Beaver, Vaughn, & Wright, 2009). This type of G x E interaction reflects how genotypes can influence individuals’ sensitivity to environmental stressors. However, there may be important subgroup differences to consider when examining genetic risk for criminal behavior. For example, low-MAOA has been associated with higher risk for violent crime in incarcerated Caucasian offenders but not incarcerated non-Caucasian offenders (Stetler et al., 2014). Additionally, high-MAOA may protect abused and neglected Caucasians from increased risk of becoming violent or antisocial, but this buffering effect was not found for abused and neglected non-Caucasians (Widom & Brzustowicz, 2006). Thus, while the MAOA gene has been associated with antisocial/criminal behavior, there are still nuances of this relationship that should be considered (Goldman & Rosser, 2014).
What are the brain regions associated with antisocial behavior?
Abnormalities in brain regions other than the PFC, amygdala, and striatum are also associated with antisocial behavior. The neuromoral theory of antisocial behavior, first proposed by Raine and Yang (2006), argued that the diverse brain regions impaired in offenders overlap significantly with brain regions involved in moral decision-making. A recent update of this theory (Raine, 2018b) argues that key areas implicated in both moral decision-making and the spectrum of antisocial behaviors include frontopolar, medial, and ventral PFC regions, and the anterior cingulate, amygdala, insula, superior temporal gyrus, and angular gyrus/temporoparietal junction. It was further hypothesized that different manifestations of antisocial behavior exist on a spectrum of neuromoral dysfunction, with primary psychopathy, proactive aggression, and life-course persistent offending being more affected, and secondary psychopathy, reactive aggression, and crimes involving drugs relatively less affected. Whether the striatum is part of the neural circuit involved in moral decision-making is currently unclear, making its inclusion in the neuromoral model debatable. Despite limitations, the neuromoral model provides a way of understanding how impairments to different brain regions can converge on one concept – impaired morality – that is a common core to many different forms of antisocial behaviors.
How are antisocial and criminal behavior related?
Importantly, biological correlates of antisocial and criminal behavior are inextricably linked in dynamical systems, in which certain processes influence others through feedback loops. While a detailed summary is beyond the scope of this review, some interactions between biological mechanisms are briefly illustrated here. Within the brain, the PFC and amygdala have reciprocal connections, with the PFC often conceptualized as monitoring and regulating amygdala activity (Gillespie, Brzozowski, & Mitchell, 2018). Disruption of PFC-amygdala connectivity has been linked to increased antisocial/criminal behavior, typically thought to be due to the impaired top-down regulation of amygdala functioning by the PFC. Similarly, the brain and autonomic functioning are linked (Critchley, 2005; Wager et al., 2009); output from the brain can generate changes in autonomic functioning by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, but autonomic functions also provide input to the brain that is essential for influencing behavioral judgments and maintaining coordinated regulation of bodily functions (Critchley, 2005). While not comprehensive, these examples illustrate that biological systems work together to produce behavior.
What are the two measures of antisocial behavior?
Two common psychophysiological measures are heart rate and skin conductance (i.e. sweat rate).
How does blunted autonomic functioning increase antisociality?
The fearlessness hypothesis suggests that antisocial individuals , due to their blunted autonomic functioning, are not deterred from criminal behavior because they do not experience appropriate physiological responses to risky or stressful situations nor potential aversive consequences (Portnoy et al., 2014; Raine, 2002). Alternatively, the sensation-seeking hypothesis suggests that blunted psychophysiology is an uncomfortable state of being, and in order to achieve homeostasis, individuals engage in antisocial behavior to raise their arousal levels (Portnoy et al., 2014; Raine, 2002).
What are the biological factors that influence antisocial behavior?
This paper provides a selective review of three specific biological factors – psychophysiology (with the focus on blunted heart rate and skin conductance), brain mechanisms (with a focus on structural and functional aberrations of the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and striatum), and genetics ( with an emphasis on gene-environment and gene-gene interactions). Overall, understanding the role of biology in antisocial and criminal behavior may help increase the explanatory power of current research and theories, as well as inform policy and treatment options.
What is transcranial magnetic stimulation?
In recent years, non-invasive neural interventions such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial electric stimulation have been used to manipulate activity within the brain to provide more direct causal evidence of the functions of specific brain regions with regard to behavior. These techniques involve subthreshold modulation of neuronal resting membrane potential (Nitsche & Paulus, 2000; Woods et al., 2016). Using transcranial electric stimulation, upregulation of the PFC has been found to decrease criminal intentions and increase perceptions of moral wrongfulness of aggressive acts (Choy, Raine, & Hamilton, 2018), providing support for the causal influence of the PFC on criminal behavior.
What is the mood of a bipolar person?
The mood episodes you experience and their intensity can vary depending on which type of bipolar disorder you have. For example, you may experience mania, which is often described as an elevated, happy, and energized state. You may also experience depression that leaves you drained and disinterested in daily life.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a condition that involves extreme shifts in mood. Its causes may be complex, but bipolar disorder is very treatable. Bipolar disorder has three main types: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder (also called cyclothymia). The mood episodes you experience and their intensity can vary depending on which type ...
What are the factors that influence your likelihood of developing bipolar disorder?
Related factors that influence your likelihood of developing bipolar disorder include: family history of depression. family history of schizophrenia ( research points to some genetic overlap between these two conditions) the number of family members with bipolar disorder or other mood disorders.
What happens when cells don't produce energy?
When cells don’t produce or metabolize energy as they typically would, the resulting imbalances in brain energy could lead to the changes in mood and behavior often seen with bipolar disorder.
What are the three main neurotransmitters that cause bipolar disorder?
Older research links three main neurotransmitters to bipolar disorder: serotonin. dopamine. norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline) Imbalances of these brain chemicals may prompt manic, depressive, or hypomanic mood episodes. This is particularly the case when environmental triggers or other factors come into play.
How many times can you develop bipolar?
According to the recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), if you have an adult relative with either bipolar I or bipolar II disorder, you have an average of 10 times the chance of developing the condition yourself.
Does bipolar affect the hippocampus?
Research has also linked the hippocampus, a part of the brain implicated for learning, memory, mood, and impulse control, to mood disorders. If you have bipolar disorder, your hippocampus may have a lower total volume or a slightly altered shape. These brain differences may not necessarily cause bipolar disorder though.
