Physiological / Biological
body when taken in relatively low
Psychology
(Lesson 1)
Overview of Physiological and Biological Psychology
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL
PSYCHOLOGY
● Biological psychology, also called
physiological psychology
○ study of the biology of behavior
○ focuses on the nervous system,
hormones and genetics
○ examines the relationship between
mind and body, neural mechanisms,
and the influence of heredity on
behavior
● Physiological psychology
○ a subdivision of behavioral
neuroscience (biological
psychology) that studies the neural
mechanisms of perception and
behavior through direct
manipulation of the brains of
nonhuman animal subjects in
controlled experiments
FIELDS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL-BIOLOGICAL
PSYCHOLOGY
1. Psychopharmacology
a. the study of the effects of drugs on
the nervous system and behavior
b. responsible for the development of
psychotherapeutic drugs, which are
used to treat psychological and
behavioral disorders.
c. provided tools that have enabled
other investigators to study the
functions of cells of the nervous
system and the behaviors controlled
by particular neural circuits
● Drugs refers to a medication that
we would obtain from a pharmacist
– a chemical that has a therapeutic
effect on a disease or its symptoms.
But a chemical that people are likely
to abuse such as heroin or cocaine.
● An exogenous chemical not
necessary for normal cellular
functioning that significantly alters
the functions of certain cells of the
doses.
● Exogenous – Produced from
outside the body, so it rules out
chemical messengers produced by
the body, such as neurotransmitters,
neuromodulators or hormones
● Chemical messengers produced by
the body are not drugs.
● Drug Effects – are the changes we
can observe in an individual’s
physiological processes and
behavior.
2. Neuropsychology
a. study of behavior, the mind, and
their relationship with the central
nervous system, particularly the two
cerebral hemispheres and related
subcortical structures.
b. defined as concerning the
relationships between “cerebral
structures” and “higher mental
functions”, the “neural mechanisms
underlying human behavior”, “the
interrelations of the brain with
mentation and behavior”, “the
relationships between brain, mind,
and behavior”
c. placed at the intersection between
the neurosciences (neurology,
neuroanatomy, neurophysiology,
neurochemistry, neuroimaging), and
the behavioral sciences
(psychology, linguistics), including
cognitive and
emotional-motivational processes
3. Cognitive Neuroscience
a. study of how the brain enables the
mind
b. uses the experimental methods of
cognitive psychology and artificial
intelligence to create and test
models of higher-level cognition
such as thought and language.
c. Brain science explores how
individual neurons operate and
communicate to form complex
neuronal architectures that
comprise the human brain; seeks to
 discover the biological foundations 6. Hormones
of the human mind. a. chemicals that coordinate different
4. Behavioral Neuroscience functions in your body by carrying
a. study of the biological basis of messages through your blood to
behavior in humans and animals. your organs, skin, muscles and
b. examines the brain’s other tissues.
neurotransmissions and the b. 50 hormones in the human body so
psychological events associated far
with biological activity c. Hormones and most of the tissues
5. Nervous System (mainly glands) that create and
a. body’s command center release them make up your
b. Originating from your brain, it endocrine system. Hormones
controls your movements, thoughts control many different bodily
and automatic responses to the processes, including:
world around you. i. Metabolism.
c. also controls other body systems ii. Homeostasis (constant
and processes, such as digestion, internal balance), such as
breathing and sexual development blood pressure and blood
(puberty) sugar regulation, fluid (water)
d. Diseases, accidents, toxins and the and electrolyte balance and
natural aging process can damage body temperature.
your nervous system iii. Growth and development.
e. The nervous system has two main iv. Sexual function.
parts: v. Reproduction.
i. The central nervous system vi. Sleep-wake cycle.
is made up of the brain and vii. Mood.
spinal cord. 7. Genetics
ii. The peripheral nervous a. study of how genes bring about
system is made up of nerves characteristics, or traits, in living
that branch off from the things and how those characteristics
spinal cord and extend to all are inherited.
parts of the body. b. It involves understanding the
1. Somatic and inheritance of genes from parents to
Autonomic. offspring and gene processes that
2. Moreover, the may have impacts on human
autonomic nervous development.
system, made up of c. Genetics provides specific and
Parasympathetic, basic blueprint that determines child
controls organs when development
the body is at rest, and 8. Neural Mechanisms
the Sympathetic a. structures such as neurons, neural
nervous system circuits and regions of the brain.
controls organs in b. They are also substances such as
times of stress. neurotransmitters and hormones.
f. Brain lateralization, our left brain is Neural mechanisms regulate
more concerned with logical aggression and examples, including
reasoning, analyzing, technicality, the limbic system, serotonin and
problemsolving, and planning. And testosterone.
our right brain handles our artistic
side, imagination, musical, and
emotional.
Influence of Heredity on Behavior
● The genes can make the behavior
hereditary. The two most fundamental
factors which affect the heritability of
behavior are genes (they catch the
evolutionary responses of earlier
populations to selection on conduct) and
the environment (they offer organisms the
chance to adjust to changes during their
lifetime)
● Heredity of the genetic basis is a very
important determinant of personality
because the principal raw material of
personality such as physique, intelligence
and temperament are to a large extent
dependent on the genetic endowment of a
person. Environment is also a very
important determinant of personality
development.
Physiological / Biological
Psychology
Spectrum of Physio-bio of Psychology
(Lesson 2)
● Neurobiology is a scientific field in which
researchers study the nervous system and
brain function.
● The full vertebrate nervous system includes
both the central and peripheral nervous system
● Basic neurobiology at the tissue level is
composed of neurons, glial cells, and the
extracellular matrix.
● Neurons are the nervous system’s cells that
process information.
● Glial cells provide nourishment, protection, and
structural support to neurons.
How Does Neurobiology Affect Behavior?
Neuroscientific studies have identified the role of the
. cerebrum is divided into four lobe
- The frontal lobe has motor controls (premotor
cortex), problem-solving (prefrontal area), and
speech production (Broca's area.)
- The parietal lobe has touch perception
(somatosensory cortex), body orientation, and
sensory discrimination.
- The occipital lobe controls our sight (visual
cortex), visual reception, and visual
interpretation.
- The temporal lobe handles our auditory
processing (hearing), language
comprehension (Wernicke's area),
-
Why is neurobiology important for psychologists?
- First, neuroscience helps us understand the
physical structures and processes of the brain
and how they interact with our thoughts and
emotions. This helps us better understand our
counseling clients' behavior and mental health
challenges, and to tailor treatment plans to
individual needs.
Types of Neurobiology Research
A. Behavioral Neurobiology is an interdisciplinary
field of behavioral neuroscience. Also called
biopsychology, psychobiology, or
neuroethology. This research examines how
the CNS converts biological stimuli into natural
behavior. Specialists study how neurobiology
controls behavior including learning and
memory
B. Developmental neurobiology is a neuroscience
specialty. Researchers in this field study brain
development and function. A few specialized
embryonic cells become the nervous system.
Specialties study how cells move and convert
to build a functional neural system. This study
helps us comprehend neurological illnesses.
C. Molecular neurobiology is a special part of
studying the brain. It looks at tiny things in the
brain and how they work, like genes and
signals. Scientists in this field also learn about
how the brain can change, what happens in
brain diseases, and how genes affect the brain
as it grows. This field is new and exciting.
D. The neurobiology of addiction is when
scientists study how the brain is involved in
addiction. They look at tiny parts of the brain
and molecules that are connected to addiction.
They also use brain pictures to understand
how addiction changes the brain
E. The neurobiology of aging is like a special part
of studying the brain. Scientists in this field
look at how the brain changes as people get
older. They compare how the brain ages
normally to when it has problems like
Alzheimer's or memory issues. They pay
attention to things like how brain cells die,
connections between brain cells, and changes
in the brain's chemicals.
F. The neurobiology of anxiety is like a special
area of studying the brain. Scientists in this
field look at how the brain works differently in
people with anxiety and depression. They try
to figure out which parts of the brain change
 the most. This helps us learn how to treat
anxiety better.
G. In the study of neurobiology of autism, special
scientists look at how the brain develops and
works in people with autism. They focus on
things like genes, how the brain grows, and its
complicated connections. They also try to
figure out which parts of the brain are linked to
autism.
H. The neurobiology of psychiatric disorders is a
special part of studying the brain and mental
problems. Scientists in this field want to
understand how chemicals in the brain called
neurotransmitters work in conditions like
depression or schizophrenia. They also look at
genes to see how they affect these conditions.
But it's hard for them to find people who don't
take medication for their mental health
because they need them as comparison
groups for their research.
I. The neurobiology of bipolar disorder is a
special part of studying the brain and mental
health. It's tricky because bipolar disorder
makes people switch between being very
happy and very sad, and it's hard to figure out
why. Scientists in this field look at how different
parts of the brain and chemicals in the brain
work together when someone has bipolar
disorder. They want to understand how these
things cause the ups and downs in mood.
J. The neurobiology of trauma is a special part of
studying the brain. Scientists in this area look
at how different parts of the brain, as well as
hormones and chemicals, work together when
someone goes through a traumatic
experience. They want to understand how this
affects the brain in the short term and the long
term, looking at tiny parts of cells and how
people behave. This field also connects with
another area of study that looks at how
childhood trauma or bad experiences when
young can impact the brain.
K. The neurobiology of sleep is when scientists
from different fields study things about sleep,
like the parts of our brain that make us sleep
and wake up, how our genes and actions
affect our sleep, and why some people have
trouble sleeping. They do this to learn more
about sleep problems and help find better
ways to treat them
9. Psychoneuroimmunology
● study of how your immune system and your
central nervous system interact. Psychological
stress makes you more susceptible to
everything from the common cold to flare-ups
of autoimmune diseases.
● Robert Adler, father of
psychoneuroimmunology, first discovered this
when he was working on different experiments
using Pavlonian conditioning where he
involved rats
Physiological / Biological
Psychology
Spectrum of Physio-bio of Psychology
(Lesson 3)
Environmental psychology
a. branch of psychology that explores the
relationship between humans and the external
world.
b. examines the way in which the natural
environment and our built environments shape
us as individuals.
c. emphasizes how humans change the
environment and how the environment
changes humans' experiences and behaviors.
Environmental Psychology concepts
1. Biodiversity is a term used to describe the
enormous variety of life on Earth.
- It can be used more specifically to refer to all
of the species in one region or ecosystem.
Biodiversity refers to every living thing,
including plants, bacteria, animals, and
humans.
a. eco-anxiety
i. According to the American
Psychology Association (APA),
is when people feel really
scared and worried about the
big and permanent damage that
climate change is causing to the
environment. This fear is not
just for themselves but also for
their children and grandchildren.
People might get anxious about
the environment because
they've lived through extreme
weather events like hurricanes
or wildfires, or because they're
afraid that these things might
happen to them or their loved
ones in the future
b. Place identity
i. Ascribed by people to a place is
constructed to differentiate one
place from others
 ii. For example, when people
travel from one country to
another, or from their homeland
to another country. Often people
become aware of their own
sense of place and identity and
begin to realize that atmosphere
is different and do not feel “at
home”
c. Sustainable behavior
i. changing the way we think and
act to help our planet. It's about
developing good habits and
building strong connections with
others to take care of the Earth.
To be sustainable, we need to
change the way we do things,
like how organizations work,
how we involve people in
decision-making, how we use
resources responsibly, and how
we address problems like too
many people and unfairness. It
also means having values and
beliefs that support taking care
of our planet
d. Climate justice
i. reducing emissions and
providing fair financial support
to the most vulnerable
countries. It's about
acknowledging that climate
change is hurting the most
disadvantaged communities
who didn't cause the problem.
In short, it's making existing
inequalities worse. We all have
basic human rights, and climate
change is a big threat to those
rights. People who face
discrimination are often hit the
hardest by climate change
e. Environmental attitudes
i. help us simplify and understand
the world around us. Positive
attitudes support environmental
preservation and make things
better. Negative attitudes
Epigenetics explores how your
actions and surroundings can
lead to changes in how your
genes operate. These changes,
unlike genetic mutations, are
reversible and don't alter your
DNA sequence. However, they
can influence how your body
interprets and uses your DNA.
Epigenetics
- transgenerational inheritance in behavior
happens when similar behaviors are seen in
both parents and their offspring for multiple
generations without direct exposure to the
same environment. For instance, identical
twins who start with the same genes and
similar epigenetic patterns can become more
different as they age. This can result in
variations in their behavior, personality,
physical traits, and even the risk of serious
illnesses. Understanding the structure of
nucleosomes, which package DNA, is crucial
for precisely controlling how genes are turned
on or off. This knowledge helps bridge the gap
between genes and changes in cell activity
caused by the environment, providing insights
into how our genes respond to the world
around us harm the environment
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
- how our brains work when we learn and
remember things. Neurons, which are special
cells in our nervous system, play a big role in
this. Memory storage is like saving information
in our brain for later use. It's super important
for our survival, learning new stuff, solving
problems, and knowing who we are. Different
parts of our brain store memories. This field of
study looks at how neurons and brain systems
change when we learn and remember things. It
helps us understand how our brain processes
information
Biological factors
- encompass genetic factors, brain chemistry,
hormone levels, nutrition, and gender. This
summary will focus on how nutrition and
gender impact development. Nutrition plays a
critical role in physical and cognitive growth,
with proper nutrition supporting optimal
development and deficiencies potentially
leading to health issues. Gender-related
biological differences can influence growth
patterns and susceptibility to certain health
conditions, while societal expectations and
cultural norms related to gender can also
shape a person's development. Understanding
these factors is essential for promoting healthy
development and well-being.
1. Self-preservation: This biological factor centers
on recognizing the importance of maintaining
your physical, emotional, and psychological
well-being to lead a satisfying life. It involves
actions related to self-care and self-protection.
Self-preservation entails setting boundaries
 and intentions to ensure the safeguarding of
your physical, mental, and spiritual health. In
essence, it's about taking steps to ensure your
own safety and well-being
2. Reproduction: Reproduction is the process by
which plants and animals create offspring. It
can occur through sexual or asexual methods,
involving the separation of a part of the
parent's body, which then grows and
transforms into a new individual. Reproduction
is a fundamental biological factor responsible
for the continuation of a species. It ensures the
survival of genetic information and the
perpetuation of life.
3. Survival: Survival refers to the act or fact of
living longer than something else or continuing
to exist. It encompasses the continuation of life
or existence, even in challenging conditions.
Survival is about overcoming obstacles and
enduring in adverse environments or
circumstances. It's the fundamental drive to
stay alive and persist in the face of threats or
challenges, ensuring the species' continuation
● A circadian cycle, also referred to as the
sleep-wake cycle, pertains to any biological
and behavioral alterations in functioning that
occur within a 24-hour timeframe. Circadian
rhythm is controlled by the suprachiasmatic
nucleus (SCN) above the optic chiasm in the
middle hypothalamus. The SCN releases
hormones to set the circadian cycle length.
The SCN blocks pineal gland melatonin
release when triggered. Melatonin causes
quick, mild sleepiness. People with seasonal
affective disorder have higher melatonin levels
due to decreased SCN activity. Thus, SAD
disrupts circadian rhythms. Every cell has a
biological clock synchronized by the
suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the
hypothalamus. Genes create proteins that
constantly increase during sleep and decrease
during the day. These changes trigger
sleep-wake cycles. All in all, Getting enough
sleep is essential for overall health and
well-being because it plays a crucial role in
various aspects of our physical, mental, and
emotional health.
● Sleep and Consciousness on the other
hand, sleep is a unique state of
consciousness since your brain is still
operating but you are less aware. This activity
is shown by your brain's ability to cycle
through REM and non-REM sleep. When the
sleep cycle is broken, it can affect a person's
body clock and level of awareness while they
are sleeping and when they are awake.
Common sleep problems can make you feel
tired, irritable, and foggy-headed. Preoptic
pituitary neurons reduce waking up from
sleep. The firing patterns of the arousal
systems are backwards in these preoptic
neurons, which are very active during sleep.
● REM sleep is when our eyes move around.
This is also the time when we're most likely to
have dreams. When we are in this stage of
sleep, our eyes move because our brains are
doing certain things. Research shows that we
may be able to change scenes in our dreams
by moving our eyes. Rapid eye movement
sleep speeds up the brain, respiration, heart
rate, and blood pressure, and the eyes move
swiftly while closed. For a brief while, muscles
can't move arms and legs. Rapid eye
movement sleep may aid memory and
learning.
● Let's discuss insomnia. The homeostatic
drive, circadian clock, and environmental risk
response system influence sleep. Process A
causes insomnia, which is trouble falling or
staying asleep. Process A is activated when
concern makes you feel in danger, making
sleep difficult. Sleeplessness can be treated
using cognitive behavioral therapy. Experts
 know that sleep deprivation is unpleasant and and the psychological problems that can arise
prevents you from performing at your best. I for individuals, couples, and families as a
also learned from our discussion that there are result of different life processes and events.
many different types of sleep characteristics
Early birds/early risers, Night owls/late risers,
Short-sleepers, Learned sleep differences,
and Natural changes in sleep need. With this,
it gives another type of insomnias, Initial
(sleep onset) insomnia, Middle (maintenance)
insomnia, and Late (early waking) insomnia.
● In connection to insomnia, which can affect
our well-being, let us now proceed to the
biology of emotions. The hypothalamus,
thalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus are all
parts of the limbic system, part of the brain
that deals with emotions and memories. The
hypothalamus helps turn on the sympathetic
nerve system, which is part of every emotional
response. Emotions are primarily identified by
the core limbic system of the brain. Increased
metabolism in the limbic system can cause
depression. Research indicates that brain
chemicals impact both positive and negative
moods in various ways.
● An organism ingests a material. Human
ingestion occurs when food is ingested,
masticated, and processed. Single-celled
creatures absorb chemicals through cell
membranes. Food digestion includes
mechanical digestion in the mouth and
chemical digestion in the gastrointestinal tract,
where digestive enzymes break down food
into small molecules.
● Moving forward to the senses of biology. Sight
(vision), hearing (audition), taste (gustation),
smell (olfaction), and touch (somato
sensation) are the five traditionally recognized
senses. We can detect senses such as touch,
pain, vision, and body movement and
placement through sensation. In perception,
the brain processes and sends these senses
to the body. Individuals may struggle to
identify sensation due to skin integrity or
anatomical issues.
● Reproductive behavior is the orderly series of
behaviors that are linked to reproduction. It
includes courtship, mating, building a nest,
laying eggs, caring for the young, and caring
for the parents. Reproduction ensures the
continuity of the species and keeps it from
becoming extinct. It plays a role in evolution
as it creates variations via genetic
recombinations. It helps to increase the
number of species in the ecosystem.
Reproductive health looks at the
psychological aspects of reproductive issues