National 5 Psychology SQA

This subject is broken down into 26 topics in 2 modules:

  1. Individual Behaviour 17 topics
  2. Social Behaviour 9 topics
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  • 8,966
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Psychology

Individual Behaviour

REM and Non-REM Sleep

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REM and Non-REM Sleep

REM Sleep

  • REM, or Rapid Eye Movement, happens in cycles throughout the night and increases in length as the night progresses.
  • This stage of sleep is unique due to the fast and random movement of eyes, hence its name.
  • Dreams primarily occur during REM sleep.
  • The brain is highly active during this stage, with brain wave activity similar to that of being awake.
  • REM sleep aids in learning and memory; it plays a key role in brain development.

Non-REM Sleep

  • Non-REM sleep is the period of sleep not characterised by rapid eye movements.
  • It can be divided into three stages: N1, N2, and N3.

N1

  • This is the stage between consciousness and sleep, also known as somnolence or drowsy sleep.
  • You may experience sudden muscle contractions known as hypnic jerks.
  • Eye movement is slow and muscle activity decreases.

N2

  • This is the first stage of true sleep.
  • Heart rate slows down and body temperature decreases as the body prepares for deep sleep.
  • Eye movement stops during N2, and brain waves become slower.

N3

  • Known as deep sleep or slow-wave sleep, you are hardest to wake up during this stage.
  • There are extremely slow brain waves, known as delta waves, mixed with smaller, faster waves.
  • Deep sleep is important for feeling refreshed in the morning; it's during this stage that the body repairs muscles and tissue, stimulates growth and development, boosts immune function, and builds energy for the following day.

Course material for Psychology, module Individual Behaviour, topic REM and Non-REM Sleep

Psychology

Individual Behaviour

Therapies for Phobias

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Therapies for Phobias

Therapies for Phobias

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • This therapy is based on the idea that negative thoughts or beliefs (cognitions) can lead to fearful reactions and behaviour.
  • In CBT, therapists help individuals to challenge and change their negative cognitions.
  • This could involve identifying irrational, unhelpful fears and replacing them with more balanced views.
  • Techniques such as systematic desensitisation or exposure therapy can also be used.

Systematic Desensitisation

  • Systematic desensitisation is a technique that gradually exposes an individual to their fear in a controlled and safe environment.
  • This involves creating a hierarchy of fears, starting with the least frightening scenario and gradually working up to the most fear-inducing scenario.
  • This technique also may involve use of relaxation techniques like controlled breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
  • The aim is to extinguish the learned fearful response to the phobic stimulus.

Flooding

  • Flooding is a more direct form of exposure therapy where the individual is immediately exposed to their greatest fear.
  • Therapists may use in vivo (real-life exposure) or virtual reality technology for this exposure.
  • This technique is based on the premise that a person's flight-or-fight response can only be maintained for a limited time, after this the fear response should reduce.
  • This therapy could involve risk, such as high stress levels, and thus therapist's careful guidance and preparation is required.

Pharmacological Methods

  • These involve medication like beta-blockers and benzodiazepines.
  • Beta-blockers manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate.
  • Benzodiazepines are tranquilizers that can decrease anxiety and help calm an individual.
  • Medication can provide temporary relief but does not treat the underlying cause of the phobia.
  • Long-term use of medication may have side effects, and there can be potential for dependency.

Evaluation of Therapies

  • Effectiveness of a therapy depends on the character of the individual and the nature of the phobia.
  • Evidence suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapies are generally more effective in the long term than other methods.
  • While drug treatments can provide rapid relief, they may be less effective long term and carry risk of side-effects.
  • An ethical obligation exists for therapists to fully explain the pros and cons of each treatment, to ensure that the person can make an informed decision about their therapy.

Course material for Psychology, module Individual Behaviour, topic Therapies for Phobias

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