©John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2007 Huffman: Psychology in Action (8e) Psychology in Action (8e) by Karen Huffman PowerPoint Lecture Notes Presentation Chapter

©John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2007 Huffman: Psychology in Action (8e)

Psychology in Action (8e)

by Karen Huffman

PowerPoint Lecture Notes Presentation

Chapter 5: States of Consciousness

Karen Huffman, Palomar College


Lecture Overview

Understanding Consciousness

Sleep and Dreams

Psychoactive Drugs

Healthier Ways to Alter Consciousness


Understanding Consciousness

Consciousness (an organism’s awareness of its own self and surroundings)


Understanding Consciousness Alternate States of

Consciousness (ASCs): mental states, other than ordinary waking consciousness, found during sleep, dreaming, psychoactive drug use, hypnosis, etc.


Sleep and Dreams: Circadian Rhythms

Circadian Rhythms (biological changes occurring on a 24-hour cycle) Our energy level, mood, learning, and

alertness all vary throughout the day. Sections of the hypothalamus called the

suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the pineal gland regulate these changes.


Sleep and Dreams: Circadian Rhythms (Continued)

Disrupted circadian rhythms, through shift work, jet lag, and sleep deprivation may cause mood alterations, reduced concentration and motivation, increased irritability, lapses in attention, and reduced motor skills.


Sleep and Dreams

What happens to humans and other animals while we sleep and dream?


Sleep and Dreams: Stages of Sleep NREM (Non-Rapid-Eye-Movement) Sleep:

Stage 1(lightest sleep) Stage 2 (deeper sleep) Stages 3 and 4 (deepest sleep)

REM (Rapid-Eye-Movement) Sleep: Light sleep--also called paradoxical

sleep


Sleep and Dreams: Stages of Sleep (Continued)

NREM (non-REM) sleep Includes Stages 1 through 4 Lower-frequency brain waves,

decreased pulse and breathing,and occasional, simple dreams

Serves a biological need (NREM needs met before REM needs)


Sleep and Dreams: Stages of Sleep (Continued)

REM (Rapid-Eye-Movement) sleep Also called paradoxical sleep High-frequency brain waves, increased

pulse and breathing, paralysis of the large muscles, and dreaming

Serves a biological need and may help with learning and consolidating new memories


Sleep and Dreams: Stages of Sleep in a Typical Night


Sleep and Dreams: Research

How scientists study sleep (note the EEG, EOG, and EMG measuring devices)


Sleep and Dreams: Stages of Sleep & Brain Waves


NREM and REM Sleep in Cats

Can you identify which photo was taken while this cat was in REM sleep?


Sleep and Dreams: Over the Life Span


Sleep and Dreams: Average Daily Hours of Sleep for Different Mammals


Sleep and Dreams: Why Do We Sleep?

Repair/restoration theory: sleep helps us recuperate from daily activities

Evolutionary/circadian theory: sleep evolved to conserve energy and as protection from predators

Cognitive theory: dreams are an important part of information processing of everyday experiences


Sleep and Dreams: Why Do We Dream? Psychoanalytic theory:

dreams are disguised symbols

(manifest versus latent content)

of repressed desires and anxieties Biological theory:

(activation-synthesis hypothesis) dreams are simple by-products of random stimulation of brain cells


Sleep and Dreams: Sleep DisordersTwo major categories:

1. Dyssomnias

(problems in amount, timing,

and quality of sleep)

2. Parasomnias

(abnormal disturbances during sleep)


Sleep and Dreams: Three Forms of Dyssomnias

Insomnia: persistent problems in falling asleep, staying asleep, or awakening too early

Sleep apnea: repeated interruption of breathing during sleep

Narcolepsy: sudden and irresistible onsets of sleep during normal waking hours


Sleep and Dreams: Narcolepsy in Dogs


Sleep and Dreams: Two Forms of Parasomnias

Nightmares:

anxiety-arousing dreams occurring near the end of sleep, during REM sleep

Night terrors:

abrupt awakenings from NREM sleep accompanied by intense physiological arousal and feelings of panic


Psychoactive Drugs: Important Terms

1. Psychoactive Drugs (chemicals that change conscious awareness, mood, or perception)

2. Drug Abuse (drug taking that causes emotional or physical harm to the individual or others)

3. Addiction (compulsion to use a specific drug or engage in a certain activity)

4. Psychological Dependence (desire or craving to achieve the effects produced by a drug)


Psychoactive Drugs: Important Terms (Continued)

5. Physical Dependence (bodily processes have been so modified by repeated drug use that continued use is required to prevent withdrawal symptoms)

6. Withdrawal (discomfort and distress experienced after stopping the use of addictive drugs)

7. Tolerance (decreased sensitivity to a

drug brought about by its continuous use)


Psychoactive Drugs: Four Categories 1. Depressants:

act on the CNS to suppress bodily processes (e.g., alcohol, valium)


Psychoactive Drugs: Four Categories (Continued)

Depressants--Alcohol’s Effects




2. Stimulants: act on the CNS to increase bodily processes (e.g., caffeine, nicotine, cocaine)


Psychoactive Drugs: Four Categories (Continued) A hidden danger of

stimulants. The key ingredient in methamphetamine destroys the teeth and gums of chronic users.



3. Opiates: act as an analgesic or pain reliever (e.g., morphine, heroin)



4. Hallucinogens:

produce sensory or perceptual distortions called hallucinations (e.g., LSD, marijuana)



Psychoactive Drugs: How They Work Step 1). Alter the production or synthesis of

neurotransmitters.

Step 2). Change the storage or release of neurotransmitters.

Step 3). Alter the reception of neurotransmitters.

Step 4). Change the deactivation (block the reuptake or break-down) of excess neurotransmitters.


How Psychoactive Drugs Work (Step 3: Agonists vs. Antagonists)




Meditation (group of techniques designed to refocus attention, block out all distractions, and produce an ASC)


Healthier Ways to Alter Consciousness Hypnosis

(trancelike state of heightened suggestibility, deep relaxation, and intense focus)


Healthier Ways to Alter Consciousness Therapeutic uses

of hypnosis:

treatment of chronic pain, severe burns, dentistry, childbirth, psychotherapy.


Hypnosis: Myths and Controversies

1. Forced hypnosis

2. Unethical behavior

3. Exceptional memory

4. Superhuman strength

5. Fakery



Psychology in Action (8e)

by Karen Huffman

PowerPoint Lecture Notes Presentation

End of Chapter 5: States of Consciousness

Karen Huffman, Palomar College

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©John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2007 Huffman: Psychology in Action (8e) Psychology in Action (8e) by Karen Huffman PowerPoint Lecture Notes Presentation Chapter