a predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a

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Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a __________ .

A. Diathesis
B. Risk factor
C. Sufficient cause
D. Diathesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a diathesis. In this context, diathesis refers to an individual's susceptibility or predisposition to developing a disorder. A diathesis is not the same as a risk factor or a sufficient cause. A risk factor is a variable that increases the likelihood of developing a disorder but is not a predisposition itself. A sufficient cause is a factor that can produce the disorder on its own, not just a predisposition.

2. What role do hormones play in mental health and behavior?

A. Hormones only affect physical processes, not mental health.
B. Hormones play a critical role in regulating mood, behavior, and mental health.
C. Hormones have no effect on behavior.
D. Hormones are only involved in reproductive processes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hormones play a critical role in regulating mood, behavior, and mental health, influencing everything from stress response to emotional stability. Choice A is incorrect because hormones have a significant impact on mental health in addition to physical processes. Choice C is incorrect as hormones do have a notable effect on behavior. Choice D is incorrect as hormones have broad functions beyond just reproductive processes.

3. Undercontrolled behavior tends to be seen in American children, whereas overcontrolled behavior is seen in Thai children.

A. Aggressive behavior; calm behavior
B. Overcontrolled behavior; undercontrolled behavior
C. Undercontrolled behavior; overcontrolled behavior
D. Equal behavioral traits in both cultures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Undercontrolled behavior; overcontrolled behavior.' The question highlights a cultural difference in behavior tendencies between American and Thai children. American children are usually characterized by undercontrolled behavior, while Thai children tend to exhibit overcontrolled behavior. Choice A (Aggressive behavior; calm behavior) is incorrect as the question does not mention aggressive or calm behavior as the contrasting traits between the two groups. Choice B (Overcontrolled behavior; undercontrolled behavior) is incorrect because the described behavior patterns are reversed based on the question's context. Choice D (Equal behavioral traits in both cultures) is incorrect as the question explicitly states differing behavior patterns in American and Thai children.

4. Nearly all adults who were children living in Saigon when the U.S. armed forces left Vietnam in 1975 report that their lives were changed by those events. This exemplifies which of the following?

A. Normative age-graded influence
B. Social clock
C. Critical period
D. Sensitive period

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. This scenario exemplifies a critical period in development. Critical periods are specific times in an individual's life when certain events have a profound impact on their development. In this case, the events surrounding the departure of the U.S. armed forces from Saigon in 1975 had a lasting influence on the children living there at that time. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Normative age-graded influence refers to events that are common to people of a particular age group, the social clock relates to the culturally preferred timing of social events, and a sensitive period is a time when an individual is more susceptible to environmental influences but does not result in lifelong consequences as with critical periods.

5. Dana's mother suffers from serious depressive episodes. Dana is likely to ________.

A. be at risk for depression herself.
B. become a happy-go-lucky child due to having to cope with so much.
C. act in an aggressive, criminal manner.
D. have intense attachments to her mother.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a family member, especially a parent, suffers from serious depressive episodes, it can increase the risk of depression in other family members, including children. Therefore, in this situation, Dana is likely to be at risk for depression herself. Choice B is incorrect because experiencing a parent's depression does not necessarily lead to becoming a happy-go-lucky child; it can have serious emotional implications. Choice C is incorrect as there is no direct link between a parent's depression and a child acting in an aggressive, criminal manner. Choice D may seem plausible, but it is not the most likely outcome in this scenario.