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. Which theoretical viewpoint is most closely associated with Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow?

A. Cognitive approach.
B. Humanism.
C. Structuralism.
D. Biological approach.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Humanism. Humanism, associated with Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization. The cognitive approach (choice A) focuses on mental processes such as thinking and memory, not specifically associated with Rogers and Maslow. Structuralism (choice C) is a historical school of psychology that aimed to identify the structures of consciousness, not linked to Rogers and Maslow. The biological approach (choice D) emphasizes the influence of biology on behavior, also not directly associated with Rogers and Maslow.

3. Which therapy style requires the therapist to actively confront a client's irrational beliefs?

A. Person-centered therapy
B. Psychodynamic psychotherapy
C. Electroconvulsive therapy
D. REBT

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy). REBT involves actively confronting and changing irrational beliefs. Choice A, Person-centered therapy, is focused on providing a supportive and empathetic environment rather than confronting irrational beliefs. Choice B, Psychodynamic psychotherapy, emphasizes exploring unconscious processes and early life experiences rather than direct confrontation of irrational beliefs. Choice C, Electroconvulsive therapy, is a biological treatment for severe depression and other mental illnesses, not a therapy style that involves confronting irrational beliefs.

4. Defense mechanisms ________.

A. make a person feel more anxious and have more problems, as they begin to act defensively.
B. are strategies the id uses to try to achieve its desires.
C. are conscious, intentional attempts to cope effectively with an anxiety-producing event.
D. help a person feel less anxious, but because they usually work by distorting reality, they are not always adaptive.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because defense mechanisms aim to reduce anxiety but can lead to distortion of reality, making them not always beneficial. Choice A is incorrect as defense mechanisms are meant to reduce anxiety, not increase it. Choice B is incorrect because defense mechanisms are not strategies of the id specifically. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are often unconscious and not always intentional.

5. One important contribution of Freud's theory was that ________.

A. he truly understood the role of women in society.
B. he heavily utilized experimental evidence to support his theories.
C. he applied the same principles to normal and abnormal behavior.
D. he increased the focus on positive growth for individuals.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Freud's important contribution was that he applied the same principles to both normal and abnormal behavior. This approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of human behavior without creating a rigid distinction between normal and abnormal psychology. Choice A is incorrect because Freud's theory did not primarily focus on the role of women in society. Choice B is incorrect as Freud's theories were largely based on clinical observations and case studies rather than experimental evidence. Choice D is incorrect as Freud's theory emphasized the unconscious mind and conflicts rather than solely focusing on positive growth for individuals.