Nursing Elites

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. When interviewing a new member of the psychology department for the university newspaper, the faculty member states, 'many times, people are unaware of the unconscious motivations that drive their overt actions.' This faculty member's views are most similar to the views held by?

• A. F. Skinner.
• B. Carl Rogers.
• C. Wilhelm Wundt.
• D. Sigmund Freud

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Sigmund Freud. Freud's psychoanalytic theory emphasized the influence of unconscious motivations on behavior. This aligns with the faculty member's statement about people being unaware of the unconscious drives behind their actions. Choice A, F. Skinner, is incorrect because Skinner focused on observable behavior and reinforcement. Choice B, Carl Rogers, is incorrect as Rogers is associated with humanistic psychology and self-actualization, not unconscious motivations. Choice C, Wilhelm Wundt, is also incorrect as he is known for establishing the first psychology laboratory and structuralism, not unconscious motivations.

3. You are taking part in a survey that asks about your attitudes toward physical punishment of children. Even though you believe that spanking is sometimes necessary, you answer that you are opposed to any sort of physical punishment. Which of the following terms best describes why you answered the way you did?

• A. Random responding
• B. Faking bad
• C. Placebo effect
• D. Social desirability

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, social desirability. Social desirability bias occurs when respondents answer questions in a way they think will be viewed favorably by others, rather than according to their true beliefs. In this scenario, the respondent may feel pressured to provide an answer that aligns with societal norms or expectations, even if it contradicts their personal beliefs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Random responding refers to answering survey questions haphazardly, without consideration. Faking bad is intentionally providing extreme or negative responses. The placebo effect is a phenomenon where a person's belief in a treatment's effectiveness produces a positive outcome, unrelated to the treatment's actual effects.

4. Elliot became widowed after nearly 40 years of marriage. He has convinced himself that no one will ever love him again. His irrational thinking has caused him to suffer from depression, and he rarely leaves his house. What perspective might best explain his behavior?

• A. Psychodynamic
• B. Behavioral
• C. Biological
• D. Cognitive

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The cognitive perspective might best explain Elliot's irrational thinking and resulting depression. In this case, Elliot's belief that he will never be loved again is a cognitive distortion, leading to depressive symptoms and social withdrawal. The psychodynamic perspective primarily focuses on unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts from the past, which do not directly address Elliot's current cognitive distortions. The behavioral perspective would focus on observable behaviors and how they are reinforced, which is not the central issue in this scenario. The biological perspective would examine the role of genetics, brain chemistry, and other physiological factors, which are not the primary cause of Elliot's behavior in this context.

5. A male college student begins feeling sad and lonely. Although still able to go to classes and work at his job, he finds himself feeling down much of the time and worrying about what is happening to him. Which part of the definition of abnormality applies to his situation?

• A. Personal distress
• B. Cultural factors
• C. Impaired functioning
• D. Violation of societal norms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Personal distress. In this scenario, the student is experiencing personal distress as he feels sad and lonely, despite being able to function in his daily life. Personal distress is a key criterion for determining abnormality as it signifies significant emotional discomfort. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as cultural factors, impaired functioning, and violation of societal norms are not the primary factors highlighted in the student's situation.

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