how do defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. 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.

2. What is the term for the age of an unborn baby, usually dated from the first day of an expectant mother's last menstrual cycle?

A. Mental age
B. Chronological age
C. Functional age
D. Gestational age

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Gestational age. Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the expectant mother's last menstrual cycle, providing an estimate of how far along the pregnancy is. Mental age (choice A), refers to an individual's level of cognitive functioning in relation to others of the same age group. Chronological age (choice B) is a person's actual age in years. Functional age (choice C) refers to how well a person is able to perform various activities compared to their chronological age.

3. What is the traditional cutoff in diagnosing intellectual disability?

A. IQ score below 80
B. IQ score below 70
C. IQ score below 60
D. IQ score below 50

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The traditional cutoff for diagnosing intellectual disability is an IQ score below 70. An IQ score below 70 is generally considered as the threshold for diagnosing intellectual disability. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the commonly accepted cutoff point for diagnosing intellectual disability.

4. What are culture-bound syndromes?

A. Culture-bound syndromes are disorders that can be found in all cultures.
B. Culture-bound syndromes are disorders that are specific to certain cultural contexts.
C. Culture-bound syndromes are myths and do not exist.
D. Culture-bound syndromes are conditions seen only in psychiatric hospitals.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Culture-bound syndromes are disorders that are specific to certain cultural contexts. These syndromes may not be recognized or understood outside of the specific cultural context where they originate. Choice A is incorrect because culture-bound syndromes are not universal and are tied to specific cultural beliefs and practices. Choice C is incorrect as culture-bound syndromes are recognized in the field of psychology and anthropology. Choice D is incorrect as culture-bound syndromes are not limited to psychiatric hospitals but can be observed in various cultural settings.

5. In the 5th substage of sensorimotor development, what does Piaget refer to as 'experimentation,' where the infant tries out new ways of playing with or manipulating objects?

A. Short-term memory
B. Working memory
C. Core memories
D. Long-term memory

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Long-term memory.' In the 5th substage of sensorimotor development, Piaget refers to 'experimentation' as tertiary circular reactions, where the infant tries out new ways of playing with or manipulating objects. This stage involves exploring and testing different ways of interacting with the world to understand cause and effect relationships. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with Piaget's concept of tertiary circular reactions and experimentation in the sensorimotor stage of development.