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. Finding meaning in life and dealing with death form core values in which of the following perspectives?

A. Existential
B. Humanistic
C. Behavioral
D. Object Relations

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Existential. Existentialism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It focuses on finding meaning in life and dealing with fundamental issues such as death. This perspective is characterized by concepts like authenticity, responsibility, and the search for purpose. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may address certain aspects of human behavior or relationships, they do not specifically emphasize the search for meaning and the confrontation with death as core values.

3. With which of the following statements would a behaviorist agree?

A. Conscious experiences can be studied in an objective, precise way.
B. In order to understand behavior, one must understand the motives behind the behavior.
C. Behavior can only be explained in terms of phenomenology, that is, an individual's interpretation of experience.
D. Psychology should be the science of behavior that can be observed by others.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Behaviorists argue that psychology should focus on observable behavior that can be studied objectively. Choice A is incorrect because behaviorists do not typically focus on conscious experiences, as they are not directly observable. Choice B is incorrect because behaviorists emphasize that behavior can be understood without delving into internal motives. Choice C is incorrect as behaviorists do not exclusively explain behavior through an individual's interpretation of experience; they focus on observable actions and reactions.

4. Cross-cultural research on stress demonstrates that ________.

A. Depression is a common response to life challenges in all countries studied.
B. Stress rarely leads to any evidence of illness in non-Western cultures.
C. Responses to stress vary cross-culturally.
D. Culture-specific reactions are not seen to respond to alterations in the environment.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cross-cultural research on stress demonstrates that responses to stress vary cross-culturally. Choice A is incorrect because depression being a common response in all countries studied is not supported by cross-cultural research findings. Choice B is incorrect as it generalizes that stress rarely leads to illness in non-Western cultures, which is not universally true. Choice D is incorrect as culture-specific reactions can indeed respond to alterations in the environment, as observed in various cross-cultural studies.

5. A psychologist who studied the relationship between sociocultural factors and mental disorders would be most likely to study ________.

A. parenting style and self-schemas.
B. poverty and racial discrimination.
C. peer rejection and attributional style.
D. assimilation and accommodation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A psychologist who studies the relationship between sociocultural factors and mental disorders would focus on factors like poverty and racial discrimination. These factors have a significant impact on mental health outcomes within different populations. Choices A, C, and D are less directly related to sociocultural factors like poverty and racial discrimination and their influence on mental disorders, making them incorrect.