how do childhood experiences influence adult psychopathology

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. How do childhood experiences influence adult psychopathology?

A. Childhood experiences have no impact on adult psychopathology.
B. Childhood experiences can have a profound impact on adult psychopathology.
C. Childhood experiences are unrelated to adult psychopathology.
D. Childhood experiences have only a minimal impact on adult psychopathology.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Childhood experiences, such as trauma and attachment issues, can indeed have a profound impact on adult psychopathology. These experiences can shape an individual's psychological development, influencing their mental health and well-being throughout their life. Choice A is incorrect as research shows that childhood experiences do play a significant role in adult psychopathology. Choice C is also incorrect as there is evidence supporting the link between childhood experiences and adult psychopathology. Choice D is incorrect because childhood experiences can have more than just a minimal impact on adult psychopathology; they can be quite substantial.

2. How do defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology?

A. They do not contribute to psychopathology as they are healthy coping mechanisms.
B. They contribute to psychopathology by allowing individuals to avoid confronting painful realities.
C. Defense mechanisms have no connection to psychopathology.
D. Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies that can lead to the development of psychopathology.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology by allowing individuals to avoid confronting painful realities. This avoidance can prevent individuals from dealing with underlying issues, leading to the development or exacerbation of psychopathological conditions. Choice A is incorrect because while defense mechanisms may serve as coping mechanisms, they can also contribute to psychopathology when used excessively or inappropriately. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are indeed connected to psychopathology. Choice D is incorrect because defense mechanisms, when maladaptive, can contribute to psychopathology rather than being considered healthy coping strategies.

3. Distinguish between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes of abnormal behavior.

A. Necessary causes are required for a disorder to develop but do not guarantee it.
B. Sufficient causes guarantee a disorder will develop, but they are not required.
C. Contributory causes increase the likelihood of a disorder but are neither necessary nor sufficient.
D. Contributory causes are conditions that guarantee the occurrence of a disorder.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In understanding abnormal behavior, it is crucial to differentiate between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes. Necessary causes are those that are required for a disorder to develop, meaning that without them, the disorder would not occur. However, their presence does not guarantee the occurrence of the disorder. Sufficient causes, on the other hand, are those that alone can guarantee the development of a disorder, but they are not the only factors that can lead to it. Contributory causes are factors that increase the likelihood of a disorder but are not essential on their own nor do they guarantee the disorder. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the role of necessary causes in the development of abnormal behavior. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the definitions and roles of sufficient and contributory causes in causing abnormal behavior.

4. Unlike those with autism spectrum disorder, those with reactive attachment disorder have a history of:

A. Schizoid personality disorder
B. Autism spectrum disorder
C. Reactive attachment disorder
D. Disinhibited social engagement disorder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reactive attachment disorder. Individuals with reactive attachment disorder have a history of severe social neglect, which distinguishes it from autism spectrum disorder. Choice A, Schizoid personality disorder, is incorrect as it is not typically associated with the history described in reactive attachment disorder. Choice B, Autism spectrum disorder, is incorrect because individuals with autism spectrum disorder do not necessarily have a history of severe social neglect. Choice D, Disinhibited social engagement disorder, is also incorrect as it is a separate attachment disorder characterized by indiscriminate social behavior, not necessarily a history of neglect.

5. Genes ________.

A. determine how a person will behave.
B. cause people to develop mental disorders.
C. determine what characteristics a person will have.
D. determine the range of characteristics a person has.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Genes determine the range of characteristics a person has. This is the correct answer because genes contribute to a variety of traits and characteristics a person may have, influencing physical attributes, predispositions to certain conditions, and more. Choice A is incorrect because behavior is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Choice B is incorrect because mental disorders are complex conditions influenced by various factors beyond just genes. Choice C is incorrect because genes do not solely determine all characteristics a person will have, as environmental factors also play a significant role.