how does the diathesis stress model explain the onset of mental disorders

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. How does the diathesis-stress model explain the onset of mental disorders?

A. Stress alone is sufficient to cause mental disorders.
B. Both genetic vulnerability and environmental stress are needed to trigger a disorder.
C. Only genetic factors cause mental disorders.
D. Environmental stressors alone can cause mental disorders.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model explains that the onset of mental disorders results from the interaction of genetic vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stress. Choice A is incorrect because stress alone is not sufficient, according to the model. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies by attributing mental disorders solely to genetic factors. Choice D is incorrect because the model emphasizes the joint contribution of genetic predisposition and environmental stress.

2. According to the diathesis-stress model, having a predisposition towards mental illness...

A. Means that a person will surely develop a mental disorder in the future
B. Does not affect the chances of developing a mental disorder
C. Increases the chance that a person would have a mental disorder
D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to the diathesis-stress model, having a predisposition towards mental illness increases the risk but does not guarantee the development of a mental disorder. Choice A is incorrect as the model does not imply certainty. Choice B is incorrect as having a predisposition does affect the chances. Choice D is incorrect as the model does have an impact on the likelihood of developing a mental disorder.

3. What role does culture play in understanding abnormal behavior?

A. Culture plays a minimal role in understanding abnormal behavior.
B. Culture is essential in shaping our perceptions and definitions of abnormal behavior.
C. Culture has little impact on the expression of abnormal behavior.
D. Culture only affects the treatment of abnormal behavior, not its understanding.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Culture is essential in shaping our perceptions and definitions of abnormal behavior. Choice A is incorrect because culture actually plays a significant role in understanding abnormal behavior. Choice C is incorrect as culture can have a considerable impact on how abnormal behavior is expressed. Choice D is incorrect because culture influences not only the treatment but also the understanding of abnormal behavior.

4. 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.

5. An inborn trait that is relatively permanent and differentiates one person from another is known as ________.

A. genotype
B. phenotype
C. temperament
D. characteristic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Temperament is the correct answer because it refers to an individual's inborn, relatively permanent trait that distinguishes one person from another. Genotype (choice A) refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, not necessarily a behavioral trait. Phenotype (choice B) is the observable characteristics of an organism resulting from the interaction between its genotype and the environment. Characteristic (choice D) is a broad term that can encompass various traits and features, but it does not specifically denote an inborn and relatively permanent trait that sets individuals apart.