explain the diathesis stress model

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. What does the diathesis-stress model entail?

A. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stress alone is sufficient to cause a mental disorder.
B. The diathesis-stress model involves a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors.
C. The diathesis-stress model suggests that genetic factors alone cause mental disorders.
D. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stressors in the environment do not affect the onset of mental disorders.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model proposes that mental disorders develop from a combination of genetic vulnerability (the diathesis) and environmental stressors. Choice A is incorrect because it states that stress alone can cause mental disorders, which is not in line with the model. Choice C is incorrect as it simplifies the model to genetic factors alone causing mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that environmental stressors do not play a role in the onset of mental disorders, which contradicts the essence of the diathesis-stress model.

2. Children raised in orphanages tend to have ________.

A. more cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.
B. less cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.
C. more friendships than those raised by their parents.
D. fewer friendships than those raised by their parents.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'less cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.' Studies have shown that children raised in orphanages tend to have less cortical gray matter compared to those raised by their parents. This is due to the lack of individualized care, attention, and stimulation that can negatively impact brain development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because there is no direct correlation between cortical gray matter and the number of friendships when comparing children raised in orphanages and those raised by their parents.

3. Jason, a 4-year-old boy, believes that it gets cloudy and rainy every time he is sad. He concluded that his sadness is the cause of the bad weather. This tendency is known as?

A. Irreversibility
B. Centration
C. Animism
D. Transduction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Transduction. Transduction refers to when a child believes that their feelings or actions cause unrelated events, such as a child thinking their sadness causes rain. Choice A, Irreversibility, is incorrect as it relates to the belief that actions cannot be undone, which is more related to conservation tasks in Piaget's theory. Choice B, Centration, refers to the tendency to focus on only one aspect of a situation, overlooking other relevant aspects. Choice C, Animism, is the attribution of lifelike qualities to inanimate objects, which is not applicable in this scenario.

4. Why does the selection of a theoretical perspective of mental disorders matter?

A. Because it determines how data is interpreted, and influences treatment approaches.
B. It matters because different perspectives offer different insights into the causes and treatments of mental disorders.
C. The selection of a theoretical perspective is not important as all perspectives lead to the same treatment outcomes.
D. Theoretical perspectives are only relevant for academic research, not for clinical practice.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The selection of a theoretical perspective matters because it determines how data is interpreted and influences the treatment approaches that are considered appropriate. Choice B is incorrect because different perspectives may lead to different interpretations and treatment strategies. Choice C is incorrect because different theoretical perspectives can result in varied treatment outcomes. Choice D is incorrect because theoretical perspectives play a crucial role in both academic research and clinical practice.

5. Sandy took part in the April 2013 Boston Marathon, where two bombs were detonated near the finish line, killing three spectators. For approximately 2 weeks after the marathon, Sandy was unable to sleep or concentrate and often found herself reliving the moment she heard the bombs explode. What disorder might Sandy be diagnosed with?

A. Posttraumatic stress disorder
B. Phobic disorder
C. Panic disorder
D. Acute stress disorder

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sandy might be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD typically develops after exposure to a traumatic event and is characterized by symptoms such as re-experiencing the event, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened reactivity. While acute stress disorder can occur shortly after a traumatic event, the duration of symptoms in the scenario suggests a more prolonged impact, aligning with PTSD. Phobic disorder and panic disorder are not as closely related to the described symptoms as PTSD.