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

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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. Genes ________

A. determine how a person will behave.
B. cause people to develop mental disorders.
C. determine what characteristics a person will have.
D. determine the range of characteristics a person has.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Genes determine the range of characteristics a person has. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not solely determine behavior, as behavior is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Choice B is incorrect because while genes can contribute to the risk of developing mental disorders, they do not directly cause them. Choice C is incorrect as genes contribute to but do not solely determine all characteristics a person will have.

3. What is the term for the age of an unborn baby, usually dated from the first day of an expectant mother's last menstrual cycle?

A. Mental age
B. Chronological age
C. Functional age
D. Gestational age

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Gestational age. Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the expectant mother's last menstrual cycle, providing an estimate of how far along the pregnancy is. Mental age (choice A), refers to an individual's level of cognitive functioning in relation to others of the same age group. Chronological age (choice B) is a person's actual age in years. Functional age (choice C) refers to how well a person is able to perform various activities compared to their chronological age.

4. Which characteristics are associated with adults fixated in the anal stage?

A. Orderliness, obstinacy, or messiness
B. Fixated in the oral stage
C. Dissolves the electra complex
D. Triggers penis envy, which then dissolves the female oedipus complex

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Orderliness, obstinacy, or messiness.' According to Freud's psychosexual theory, fixation in the anal stage can lead to these characteristics in adulthood. Choice B is incorrect as fixation in the oral stage is associated with issues related to dependency and aggression. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the Electra complex, which is not related to the anal stage fixation. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to penis envy and the female Oedipus complex, which are not directly related to characteristics of adults fixated in the anal stage.

5. In a discussion with your professor, she tells you that she believes that the focus of psychological study should be to break the conscious experience into its basic elements. Which of the following historical schools of thought is your professor's idea most consistent with?

A. Behaviorism
B. Functionalism
C. Structuralism
D. Psychoanalysis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Structuralism. Structuralism, as introduced by Wundt, aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic elements. This aligns with the idea of breaking the conscious experience into its fundamental components. Choice A, Behaviorism, focuses on observable behavior and not on breaking down conscious experience. Choice B, Functionalism, emphasizes the purpose of behavior rather than breaking it down into basic elements. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, delves into unconscious processes and conflicts, which is different from breaking down conscious experiences into basic elements.