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. Which of the following statements is not true about selective mutism?

A. The disturbance is often marked by high social anxiety
B. It can be diagnosed alongside social anxiety disorder
C. The person is capable of speaking in some situations
D. It may lead to academic impairment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Selective mutism can coexist with social anxiety disorder. The correct answer is B because it is incorrect to say that selective mutism cannot be diagnosed alongside social anxiety disorder. Statement A is true as selective mutism is often associated with high social anxiety. Statement C is true as individuals with selective mutism can speak in some situations. Statement D is true as selective mutism may lead to academic impairment due to difficulties in communication.

4. Distinguish between authoritative and authoritarian parenting.

A. Authoritative parents are controlling and less communicative.
B. Authoritarian parents are warm and communicative but set firm limits.
C. Authoritative parents are less controlling and more communicative.
D. Authoritarian parents are neither warm nor communicative, often leading to moody, irritable children.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Authoritative parents are warm and communicative while also setting firm limits, creating a balanced and nurturing environment. Authoritarian parents, on the other hand, are controlling, less communicative, and tend to set strict rules without much room for discussion. This approach may lead to children becoming irritable and moody due to the lack of warmth and excessive control. Choices A and C incorrectly mix up the characteristics of authoritative and authoritarian parenting. Choice D, although mentioning irritable children, does not accurately capture the key differences between authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles.

5. Why is it difficult to determine the nature of the relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members?

A. Cause and effect cannot be determined as preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may make divorce more likely.
B. The findings have been too inconsistent to draw any conclusions.
C. While the effects of divorce are negative on children, the effects on the spouses are generally positive.
D. Due to modern acceptance of divorce, there has been an ongoing decrease in the negative effects of divorce.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it highlights a crucial factor that makes it challenging to establish a clear cause and effect relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may influence both the likelihood of divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Choice B is incorrect as it generalizes the findings without specifying the key issue of preexisting conditions. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the effects of divorce on family members. Choice D is incorrect as it presents a broad statement without addressing the complexities involved in determining the effects of divorce.