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. Which of the following explanations for the relationship between SES and abnormal behavior is not supported by the existing data?

A. Low SES may cause abnormal behavior.
B. Abnormal behavior is more likely to go untreated in those of low SES.
C. Recovery from loss of a job may be more difficult for those exhibiting signs of mental illness.
D. High SES may cause abnormal behavior.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because high SES as a cause for abnormal behavior is not supported by existing data. Abnormal behavior is often associated with factors like stress, trauma, genetics, or environmental influences. High SES is not a known cause of abnormal behavior. Choices A, B, and C are more plausible explanations: Low SES may lead to limited access to mental health care, untreated abnormal behavior due to financial constraints, and difficulties in coping with mental health issues after job loss, respectively.

3. Which of the following is not a common method for studying genetic influences?

A. The study of specific gene defects
B. Twin studies
C. Adoption studies
D. Family history (pedigree) studies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Studying specific gene defects is not a common method for investigating genetic influences. Choices B, C, and D are common methods used in genetic research. Twin studies help determine the heritability of traits, adoption studies compare similarities between adopted individuals and their adoptive families versus biological families, and family history studies track the inheritance patterns of traits within families.

4. Neural plasticity is ________.

A. the process by which neurotransmitters are broken down in the brain.
B. the flexibility of the brain—existing neural circuits can change or new ones can be made.
C. strong evidence of brain damage, leading to the development of a mental disorder.
D. the best indicator of temperament and its effect on the personality development of a child.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neural plasticity refers to the brain's flexibility to change existing neural circuits or create new ones. Choice A is incorrect as it describes neurotransmitter breakdown, not neural plasticity. Choice C is incorrect because neural plasticity does not necessarily indicate brain damage leading to mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because neural plasticity is not specifically related to temperament or personality development in children.

5. A lack of social skills, poor school performance, and moodiness have all been associated with which of the following parenting styles?

A. Authoritarian
B. Permissive/indulgent
C. Authoritative
D. Neglectful/uninvolved

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Neglectful/uninvolved. This parenting style is associated with a lack of social skills, poor school performance, and moodiness due to the lack of parental involvement and emotional support. Authoritarian parenting (choice A) is characterized by strict rules and high demands, not necessarily linked to these issues. Permissive/indulgent parenting (choice B) involves few rules and high responsiveness, which may not directly lead to these problems. Authoritative parenting (choice C) combines high demands with emotional support and is actually linked to positive outcomes such as good school performance and social skills.