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. Elliot became widowed after nearly 40 years of marriage. He has convinced himself that no one will ever love him again. His irrational thinking has caused him to suffer from depression, and he rarely leaves his house. What perspective might best explain his behavior?

A. Psychodynamic
B. Behavioral
C. Biological
D. Cognitive

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The cognitive perspective might best explain Elliot's irrational thinking and resulting depression. In this case, Elliot's belief that he will never be loved again is a cognitive distortion, leading to depressive symptoms and social withdrawal. The psychodynamic perspective primarily focuses on unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts from the past, which do not directly address Elliot's current cognitive distortions. The behavioral perspective would focus on observable behaviors and how they are reinforced, which is not the central issue in this scenario. The biological perspective would examine the role of genetics, brain chemistry, and other physiological factors, which are not the primary cause of Elliot's behavior in this context.

3. The interpersonal perspective ________.

A. arose as a reaction against the unscientific methods of psychoanalysis.
B. was introduced by Erik Erikson.
C. emphasizes social rather than inner determinants of behavior.
D. is the most influential humanistic perspective today.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The interpersonal perspective emphasizes social rather than inner determinants of behavior. Choice A is incorrect as the interpersonal perspective focuses on social interactions rather than being a reaction against psychoanalysis. Choice B is incorrect as the interpersonal perspective is not specifically attributed to Erik Erikson. Choice D is incorrect as the most influential humanistic perspective today would be humanistic psychology, not the interpersonal perspective.

4. What is the sequence in which growth starts at the center of the body and moves toward the extremities?

A. Cephalocaudal pattern
B. Proximodistal pattern
C. Cephamodistal pattern
D. Gene-environment correlation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Proximodistal pattern. This pattern describes growth starting at the center of the body and moving towards the extremities. Choice A, Cephalocaudal pattern, refers to growth starting from the head and moving downwards, which is not the sequence described in the question. Choice D, Gene-environment correlation, does not relate to the sequential pattern of growth described in the question, making it incorrect.

5. In schizophrenia, what is the term used to describe the symptom where individuals exhibit peculiar hand and limb movements or adopt unusual postures for long periods of time?

A. Catatonia
B. Loose association
C. Disorganized speech
D. Blunted affect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Catatonia. Catatonia is a symptom seen in some cases of schizophrenia, characterized by motor abnormalities such as peculiar hand and limb movements or adopting unusual postures for extended periods. Choice B, Loose association, refers to a thought disorder where ideas shift from one subject to another in an unrelated way. Choice C, Disorganized speech, is characterized by incoherent or incomprehensible speech patterns. Choice D, Blunted affect, describes a reduction in the intensity of emotional expression.