BSC NURSING SEM 1 APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY UNIT 2 Biological basis of behaviour-Introduction
Body mind relationship
Body-Mind Relationship
The body-mind relationship refers to the connection between physical health and mental well-being. It highlights how psychological factors (thoughts, emotions, stress) affect physical health and how bodily conditions influence mental states. This concept is fundamental in psychology, medicine, and holistic health care.
1. Theories of Body-Mind Relationship
A. Psychosomatic Theory
The mind and body are interconnected, and mental stress can lead to physical illnesses.
Example: Chronic stress can cause headaches, high blood pressure, or digestive issues.
B. Biopsychosocial Model (George Engel)
Health is influenced by biological (body), psychological (mind), and social (environmental) factors.
Example: A patient with diabetes may have emotional stress affecting blood sugar control.
C. Holistic Health Model
Emphasizes treating both mind and body rather than just symptoms.
Used in yoga, meditation, and alternative medicine.
2. Effects of the Mind on the Body
A. Stress and Physical Health
Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, leading to heart disease, obesity, and weakened immunity.
Example: Exam stress can cause stomach aches and high blood pressure.
B. Depression and Immunity
Depression weakens the immune system, making the body prone to infections.
Example: People with depression may experience frequent colds or fatigue.
C. Placebo Effect
Positive thinking can trick the brain into healing the body.
Example: A sugar pill (placebo) can relieve pain if a person believes it’s real medicine.
3. Effects of the Body on the Mind
A. Exercise and Mental Health
Physical activity releases endorphins, reducing anxiety and depression.
Example: Running or yoga improves mood and reduces stress.
B. Nutrition and Brain Function
A balanced diet affects mental clarity and emotional stability.
Example: Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish) improve cognitive function.
C. Sleep and Mental Well-being
Poor sleep leads to irritability, mood swings, and reduced concentration.
Example: Sleep deprivation increases the risk of anxiety disorders.
4. Practical Applications of the Body-Mind Connection
A. Mindfulness and Meditation
Helps reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being.
B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps change negative thoughts that affect physical health.
Example: CBT is used to manage chronic pain.
C. Yoga and Deep Breathing
Combines physical movement and mental relaxation, improving overall health.
D. Psychotherapy for Chronic Illness
Helps patients cope with the psychological effects of diseases like cancer or diabetes.
Genetics and behaviour
Genetics and Behavior: Understanding the Connection
Genetics and behavior are closely linked, as genes influence various aspects of human behavior, personality, intelligence, and mental health. While genetics provides the biological blueprint, environmental factors shape how these traits are expressed.
1. Role of Genetics in Behavior
Genetics plays a crucial role in behavior through:
A. Heredity and Behavior
Heredity is the transmission of genetic traits from parents to offspring.
Genes control brain function, neurotransmitter activity, and hormonal balance, influencing behavior.
Example: Aggressiveness and impulsivity have genetic components.
B. Influence of Genes on the Brain and Nervous System
Genes regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine (pleasure), serotonin (mood), and norepinephrine (stress).
Mutations or variations in genes affect behavior and mental health.
Example: Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and anxiety.
C. Twin and Adoption Studies
Identical twins (same DNA) raised apart show similarities, proving the genetic basis of behavior.
Adoption studies differentiate genetic vs. environmental effects.
Example: If adopted children resemble biological parents in intelligence, genetics plays a key role.
2. Genetic Factors Affecting Behavior
A. Intelligence
Heritability of intelligence is estimated at 50-80%.
Twin studies suggest genetic factors influence IQ, but environment and education also play a role.
Example: Children of highly intelligent parents are more likely to have high IQs.
B. Personality Traits
Traits like extroversion, introversion, neuroticism, and openness have genetic links.
The Five-Factor Model (Big Five Personality Traits) has genetic influences.
Example: A person may inherit an extroverted personality from their parents.
C. Mental Health Disorders
Many psychiatric disorders have genetic components.
Example:
Schizophrenia (80% genetic risk) – Linked to multiple gene mutations.
Depression and Bipolar Disorder – Family history increases risk.
Gene Therapy: Could be misused for behavior modification.
nheritance of behaviour
Inheritance of Behavior
The inheritance of behavior refers to how genetic factors influence behavioral traits across generations. While behavior is shaped by both genes (nature) and environment (nurture), some behavioral tendencies are passed down through DNA.
1. Mechanisms of Behavioral Inheritance
A. Genetic Basis of Behavior
Genes encode proteins that affect brain function, neurotransmitters, and hormones, influencing behavior.
Certain genes are linked to intelligence, aggression, and mental health disorders.
Example: The MAOA gene (“warrior gene”) is linked to aggression.
Genetic variations in neurotransmitter-related genes can increase or decrease behavioral tendencies.
Example: Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and impulsivity.
C. Twin and Family Studies
Identical twins (same DNA) raised apart show similarities in intelligence and personality, proving genetic influence.
Adoption studies separate genetic and environmental effects.
Example: If adopted children resemble their biological parents in personality, the trait is likely inherited.
D. Epigenetics: Genes + Environment Interaction
Epigenetics refers to how environment “switches on or off” certain genes affecting behavior.
Stress, trauma, and lifestyle can modify gene expression and pass changes to future generations.
Example: Children of Holocaust survivors show stress-related gene alterations.
2. Heritability of Behavioral Traits
A. Intelligence
50-80% of intelligence is inherited, based on twin studies.
Environment (education, nutrition) also affects IQ development.
Example: Children of highly intelligent parents are more likely to have high IQs.
B. Personality Traits
The Big Five Personality Traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism) have 40-60% genetic influence.
Example: A child may inherit extroversion or introversion from their parents.
C. Aggression and Impulsivity
Linked to MAOA gene and testosterone levels.
Twin studies show 40-50% genetic influence on aggressive behavior.
Example: Some violent criminals have genetic mutations affecting impulse control.
D. Mental Health Disorders
Schizophrenia (80%), Bipolar disorder (70%), Depression (40%) have genetic links.
Family history increases the risk but environmental triggers (stress, trauma) also play a role.
E. Addiction and Risk-Taking Behavior
Genetic variations in dopamine receptors (DRD2 gene) influence addiction risks.
Children of alcoholics are more likely to develop substance abuse issues.
3. Nature vs. Nurture Debate
Factor
Nature (Genetics)
Nurture (Environment)
Intelligence
Inherited IQ potential
Education, nutrition, stimulation
Personality
Genetic predisposition
Social interactions, upbringing
Aggression
MAOA gene
Family violence, peer influence
Mental Health
Family history
Stress, trauma, lifestyle
Nature (Genetics): Provides the biological foundation for behavior.
Nurture (Environment): Shapes and modifies behavior through experiences.
4. Ethical Considerations in Behavioral Genetics
Genetic Testing for Behavior: Can it predict criminal tendencies?
Genetic Discrimination: Should employers or insurance companies access behavioral genetics?
Gene Editing: Should we modify behavioral traits?
Brain and behaviour
Brain and Behavior: The Connection
The brain is the central organ that controls all human behavior, including emotions, thoughts, and actions. Understanding the relationship between the brain and behavior helps explain personality, mental disorders, memory, and decision-making.
1. How the Brain Influences Behavior
A. Brain Structure and Behavior
Brain Part
Function
Impact on Behavior
Cerebrum
Controls thinking, memory, and voluntary actions
Decision-making, intelligence, personality
Limbic System
Regulates emotions and memory
Affects mood, motivation, and social interactions
Prefrontal Cortex
Controls judgment, impulse control, and planning
Regulates self-control, reasoning, and problem-solving
Amygdala
Processes emotions like fear and aggression
Influences fear responses and emotional reactions
Hippocampus
Stores long-term memory
Helps in learning and recalling past experiences
Hypothalamus
Regulates hormones and body functions
Controls hunger, thirst, stress, and sexual behavior
B. Neurotransmitters and Behavior
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between brain cells, affecting behavior.
Neurotransmitter
Function
Behavioral Effect
Dopamine
Reward and pleasure
Motivation, addiction, and learning
Serotonin
Mood regulation
Happiness, depression, and sleep cycles
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
Inhibitory function
Reduces anxiety and stress
Norepinephrine
Fight-or-flight response
Alertness, focus, and stress response
Endorphins
Pain relief and pleasure
Reduces pain and enhances well-being
2. How Behavior Affects the Brain
A. Stress and Brain Function
Chronic stress increases cortisol, damaging the hippocampus (memory loss).
Long-term stress shrinks the prefrontal cortex, reducing decision-making abilities.
Mindfulness and meditation help in reducing stress and improving focus.
B. Learning and Brain Plasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and change with learning.
New experiences strengthen neural connections, improving memory and problem-solving skills.
Example: Practicing a musical instrument rewires the brain, enhancing motor skills.
C. Addiction and Brain Changes
Substances like alcohol, nicotine, and drugs alter dopamine levels, making addiction harder to control.
The brain adapts to repeated drug use, reducing natural dopamine production.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help retrain the brain to overcome addiction.
3. Brain Disorders and Their Effect on Behavior
Disorder
Affected Brain Area
Behavioral Symptoms
Depression
Low serotonin, smaller hippocampus
Persistent sadness, fatigue, lack of motivation
Schizophrenia
Dopamine imbalance, enlarged ventricles
Hallucinations, disorganized thinking, paranoia
Alzheimer’s Disease
Degeneration of the hippocampus
Memory loss, confusion, personality changes
Parkinson’s Disease
Loss of dopamine-producing cells
Tremors, slow movements, mood disturbances
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Dysfunction in prefrontal cortex
Impulsivity, hyperactivity, difficulty focusing
4. Practical Applications of Brain-Behavior Research
A. Improving Mental Health
Therapies like CBT and mindfulness help rewire the brain to reduce stress and anxiety.
Antidepressants regulate serotonin levels to treat mood disorders.
B. Enhancing Learning and Memory
Practicing new skills strengthens brain connections.
Healthy sleep and nutrition improve brain function.
C. Managing Aggressive and Impulsive Behavior
Anger management programs can help regulate emotional responses.
Neuroscientific research aids in treating impulse-control disorders.
Psychology and sensation- sensory process -normal and abnormal
Psychology and Sensation: Sensory Process (Normal and Abnormal)
Sensation is the process of detecting environmental stimuli through sensory organs (eyes, ears, skin, tongue, and nose). The brain then processes these sensory signals to create perception, helping individuals interact with their surroundings.
1. Relationship Between Psychology and Sensation
Sensation is the biological basis of perception, which affects human behavior, emotions, and cognition.
Psychologists study sensory processes to understand how humans experience reality.
Abnormal sensory processing can lead to mental health disorders and difficulties in daily life.