how does stress impact brain function

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. How does stress impact brain function?

A. Stress has no effect on brain function.
B. Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function.
C. Stress can improve brain function.
D. Stress has no long-term impact on brain function.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function, affecting mental health and increasing the risk of disorders. Choice A is incorrect as stress does affect brain function. Choice C is incorrect as stress generally has negative impacts on brain function rather than improving it. Choice D is incorrect because stress can have long-term impacts on brain function through structural and functional changes.

2. Unlike other types of anxiety disorders, this one is not triggered by anything specific, hence the name free-floating anxiety.

A. Social anxiety disorder
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Panic disorder
D. Specific phobia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry or anxiety that is not triggered by specific situations or objects, hence the term 'free-floating anxiety.' Social anxiety disorder (A) is characterized by fear and anxiety about social situations, panic disorder (C) involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks, and specific phobia (D) is an intense fear of a specific object or situation. Therefore, B is the most appropriate choice in the context of anxiety not being triggered by specific stimuli.

3. How is binge-eating disorder different from bulimia?

A. Typically eat much smaller portions before purging the food.
B. Do not typically purge the food they eat.
C. Only purge their food after several binge sessions.
D. Often resort to anorexic methods to rid themselves of the food they have eaten.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because individuals with binge-eating disorder do not typically engage in purging behavior, unlike those with bulimia. Choice A is incorrect as individuals with binge-eating disorder do not purge the food they eat, so they do not eat smaller portions before doing so. Choice C is incorrect as they do not purge their food after several binge sessions. Choice D is incorrect as individuals with binge-eating disorder do not resort to anorexic methods to rid themselves of the food they have eaten.

4. When the parent returned in the strange situation experiment, babies with ____ attachment tend to remain upset for long periods of time, kicking, screaming, refusing to be distracted with toys, and sometimes arching back and away from contact?

A. Secure
B. Avoidant
C. Ambivalent
D. Disorganized

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the strange situation experiment, babies with ambivalent attachment display distress and have difficulty calming down when a parent returns. They may kick, scream, refuse toys, and show signs of physical discomfort or resistance. This behavior is characteristic of ambivalent attachment, where the infant shows mixed emotions and finds it hard to be soothed by the returning parent. Secure attachment (Choice A) refers to babies who seek comfort from the parent but can be soothed upon return. Avoidant attachment (Choice B) involves babies showing little emotion upon reunion with the parent. Disorganized attachment (Choice D) displays inconsistent or confused behaviors in the strange situation experiment.

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.