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. A male college student begins feeling sad and lonely. Although still able to go to classes and work at his job, he finds himself feeling down much of the time and worrying about what is happening to him. Which part of the definition of abnormality applies to his situation?

A. Personal distress
B. Cultural factors
C. Impaired functioning
D. Violation of societal norms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Personal distress. In this scenario, the student is experiencing personal distress as he feels sad and lonely, despite being able to function in his daily life. Personal distress is a key criterion for determining abnormality as it signifies significant emotional discomfort. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as cultural factors, impaired functioning, and violation of societal norms are not the primary factors highlighted in the student's situation.

3. What is the relationship between socioeconomic status and the prevalence of abnormal behavior?

A. Socioeconomic status does not affect the prevalence of abnormal behavior.
B. There is a positive correlation between low socioeconomic status and a higher prevalence of abnormal behavior.
C. Higher socioeconomic status is associated with a lower prevalence of abnormal behavior.
D. Socioeconomic status and the prevalence of abnormal behavior are unrelated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. There is a positive correlation between low socioeconomic status and a higher prevalence of abnormal behavior. Individuals with lower socioeconomic status may face more stressors, reduced access to mental health resources, and other challenges that can contribute to a higher prevalence of abnormal behavior. Choice A is incorrect because socioeconomic status does affect the prevalence of abnormal behavior. Choice C is incorrect because higher socioeconomic status is not associated with a lower prevalence of abnormal behavior. Choice D is incorrect as there is a clear relationship between socioeconomic status and the prevalence of abnormal behavior.

4. Which school of psychology is associated with understanding the purpose of behavior?

A. Functionalism.
B. Behaviorism.
C. Neodynamism.
D. Psychoanalysis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Functionalism. Functionalism, founded by William James, emphasizes understanding the purpose and adaptive function of behavior. This school of psychology focuses on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. Choice B, Behaviorism, is incorrect as behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors rather than the purpose behind them. Choice C, Neodynamism, is not a recognized school of psychology. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, focuses on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences, not specifically on the purpose of behavior.

5. A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a ________.

A. diathesis
B. comorbidity
C. genotype
D. phenotype

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A diathesis is indeed the correct term for a predisposition toward developing a disorder. A diathesis refers to an underlying vulnerability or predisposition to a particular condition. Choice B, 'comorbidity,' refers to the presence of two or more disorders in the same individual. Choice C, 'genotype,' relates to an individual's genetic makeup. Choice D, 'phenotype,' refers to the observable characteristics of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. Therefore, A is the most appropriate term for describing a predisposition toward developing a disorder.