how can attributional style influence the likelihood of developing depression

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. How can attributional style influence the likelihood of developing depression?

A. By fostering a positive attributional style, individuals can enhance their resilience against depression.
B. Attributional style does not significantly influence the development of depression.
C. By adopting a negative attributional style, individuals increase their vulnerability to depression.
D. Attributional style influences the likelihood of developing depression by determining how individuals interpret and respond to events.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because attributional style plays a crucial role in influencing the likelihood of developing depression by shaping how individuals interpret and respond to events. A positive attributional style can indeed enhance resilience against depression by promoting adaptive coping mechanisms and positive interpretations of situations, which can buffer against the development of depressive symptoms. Conversely, a negative attributional style, characterized by attributing negative events to internal, stable, and global factors, can increase vulnerability to depression by fostering feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Choices A and C provide accurate insights into how different attributional styles can impact the development of depression, making them incorrect. Choice B is incorrect as research indicates that attributional style does have a significant influence on the likelihood of developing depression.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following psychologists would be most likely to stress that each person has a drive to grow and fulfill his or her potential?

A. Sigmund Freud
B. F. Skinner
C. G. Stanley Hall
D. Abraham Maslow

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Abraham Maslow. He was a leading humanist psychologist who introduced the concept of the hierarchy of needs. Maslow emphasized the human drive for self-actualization, which involves fulfilling one's potential and striving for personal growth. Sigmund Freud (choice A) focused on psychoanalysis and the unconscious mind. B.F. Skinner (choice B) was a behaviorist who studied operant conditioning. G. Stanley Hall (choice C) was a pioneering psychologist in the field of child development.

4. Children from lower-SES families ________.

A. are more likely to be resilient adults than those from higher-SES families.
B. show no signs of ill effects if there is an increase in SES before age 5.
C. are not affected by SES status unless persistent employment is the reason for the economic hardships of the family.
D. are less likely to show ill effects of SES status if they possess a high IQ and develop healthy attachments to adults and peers.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Children from lower-SES families are less likely to show ill effects of SES status if they possess a high IQ and develop healthy attachments. Choice A is incorrect because children from lower-SES families typically face more challenges and are not inherently more resilient. Choice B is incorrect as an increase in SES may not erase the effects of early socioeconomic disadvantages. Choice C is incorrect as SES status can impact children from lower-SES families regardless of the reason for economic hardships.

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.