defense mechanisms

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. Defense mechanisms ________.

A. make a person feel more anxious and have more problems, as they begin to act defensively.
B. are strategies the id uses to try to achieve its desires.
C. are conscious, intentional attempts to cope effectively with an anxiety-producing event.
D. help a person feel less anxious, but because they usually work by distorting reality, they are not always adaptive.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because defense mechanisms aim to reduce anxiety but can lead to distortion of reality, making them not always beneficial. Choice A is incorrect as defense mechanisms are meant to reduce anxiety, not increase it. Choice B is incorrect because defense mechanisms are not strategies of the id specifically. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are often unconscious and not always intentional.

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. How does stress impact brain function?

A. Stress has no effect on brain function.
B. Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function.
C. Stress can improve brain function.
D. Stress has no long-term impact on brain function.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function, affecting mental health and increasing the risk of disorders. Choice A is incorrect as stress does affect brain function. Choice C is incorrect as stress generally has negative impacts on brain function rather than improving it. Choice D is incorrect because stress can have long-term impacts on brain function through structural and functional changes.

4. Which of the following perspectives focuses on social determinants of behavior?

A. The attachment perspective
B. The interpersonal perspective
C. The humanistic perspective
D. The existential perspective

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The interpersonal perspective focuses on social determinants of behavior, emphasizing the impact of social interactions, relationships, and communication on an individual's behavior. This perspective looks at how people's behavior is influenced by their interactions with others and the social environment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not primarily focus on social determinants of behavior. The attachment perspective is concerned with emotional bonds between individuals, the humanistic perspective emphasizes personal growth and self-fulfillment, and the existential perspective focuses on individual freedom and responsibility in creating meaning in life.

5. Which field of psychology studies attitude change and group behavior?

A. Developmental psychology
B. Social psychology
C. Psychoanalysis
D. Psychometrics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Social psychology. Social psychology specifically focuses on studying topics like attitude change and group behavior. Developmental psychology (Choice A) primarily deals with human growth and development across the lifespan. Psychoanalysis (Choice C) is a theoretical approach to psychology developed by Sigmund Freud focusing on the unconscious mind and childhood experiences. Psychometrics (Choice D) involves the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, personality traits, and abilities.