Psychology of Addictive Behaviors - Annotated Bibliography Example

Blum et al. (2011). Generational association studies of dopaminergic genes in reward deficiency syndrome (RDS) subjects: Selecting appropriate phenotypes for reward dependence behaviors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 8, 4425-4459.

This article explores the role of dopaminergic genes in the development of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS). The study establishes strong evidence connecting the D (2) dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene with the development of conditions such as alcoholism and substance abuse. This article provides empirical data to support the genetic role in Reward Deficiency Syndrome. development.

Blum, K & Braverman, E. (2000). Reward deficiency syndrome: A biogenetic model for the diagnosis and treatment of impulsive, addictive and compulsive behaviors. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 32, 1-6.

This article explores different ways of diagnosing and treating reward deficiency syndrome based on a biogenetic model. The study reviews the role of the dopaminergic system, especially the dopamine D2 receptor in the reward cascade. Understanding this cascade emerges as crucial in the intervention of the syndrome using different molecules.
Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D & Miller, G. (2007). Psychological stress and disease. American Medical Association, 298 (14), 1685-1687.

This article discusses the association of psychological stress and disease in a move to clarify the common belief in contemporary society that psychological stress leads to disease. It explores the connection between psychological stress and disease as well as different aspects of psychological stress.
Lazarus, R. (1993). From psychological stress to the emotions: A history of changing outlooks. Review Psychology 44 (1), 1-21.

This article explores different approaches to psychological stress including causal factors or stressors and ways of coping with this form of stress. The author relates the human brain and response to external stress demands in a move to delineate the overlaps between psychological and physiological stress. In conclusion, this article is ideal for understanding the concept of psychological stress as discussed by different scholars.

Segerstrom, S & Miller, G. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: A meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. American Psychological Association 130(4), 601-630.

This article entails a meta-analysis of numerous empirical articles to establish the relationship between psychological stress and the human immune system. The study establishes that stressor agents can impact the natural immune system by either down-regulation or up-regulation of certain immune functions.
Mason, A & Spoth, R. (2011). Thrill-seeking and religiosity about adolescent substance use: Tests of joint, interactive, and indirect influences. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 25(4), 683-696.

This article examines the association of thrill-seeking with adolescence and religiosity with substance abuse among youths. The study establishes thrill-seeking as one of the sure ways of predicting whether someone is in the adolescent stage or not. The study uses data obtained from several studies conducted among 667 youths from a rural setting. Read More