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 of the following statements about brain dysfunction and psychiatric disorders is correct?

A. Identifiable brain damage is often the cause of psychiatric disorders.
B. Brain damage may decrease the risk of developing a psychiatric condition.
C. Changes in brain function appear to play a role in many psychiatric disorders.
D. Brain development can be altered by experience, always leading to changes in the brain that decrease the risk of developing a psychiatric condition.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement is C: 'Changes in brain function appear to play a role in many psychiatric disorders.' This statement is accurate as research suggests that alterations in brain function are associated with various psychiatric disorders. Option A is incorrect because while brain damage can contribute to some psychiatric conditions, it is not always the primary cause. Option B is incorrect as brain damage typically increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Option D is incorrect because while brain development can be influenced by experiences, it does not always decrease the risk of psychiatric conditions.

3. Professor Immel believes that behaviors that are predominant in certain species probably serve some adaptive function. Professor Immel's beliefs are most consistent with which perspective?

A. Behavioral perspective.
B. Cognitive perspective.
C. Humanistic perspective.
D. Evolutionary perspective.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Professor Immel's belief that behaviors in certain species serve an adaptive function aligns with the evolutionary perspective. The evolutionary perspective posits that behaviors have developed over time because they provide an advantage for survival and reproduction. This perspective emphasizes the role of natural selection in shaping behaviors based on their adaptive value. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically address the idea that behaviors have evolved to serve specific functions for survival, making them inconsistent with Professor Immel's beliefs.

4. What did Freud believe about castration anxiety among boys?

A. Results in penis envy.
B. Dissolves the Oedipus complex.
C. Cognitive; learning.
D. Biological; ecological.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Freud believed that castration anxiety among boys leads to the resolution of the Oedipus complex, not penis envy or cognitive learning. The Oedipus complex is a central psychodynamic concept in Freudian theory, where boys develop unconscious desires for their mothers and view their fathers as rivals, fearing castration by their fathers as a consequence.

5. How does the biopsychosocial model differ from the biomedical model?

A. The biopsychosocial model focuses solely on the biological aspects of disease.
B. The biopsychosocial model includes biological, psychological, and social factors, whereas the biomedical model focuses on only biological factors.
C. The biopsychosocial model is outdated and has been replaced by the biomedical model.
D. The biopsychosocial model is identical to the biomedical model.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The biopsychosocial model differs from the biomedical model by considering biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding health and illness. Choice A is incorrect because the biopsychosocial model does not solely focus on biological aspects. Choice C is incorrect as the biopsychosocial model is not outdated but rather offers a more comprehensive approach. Choice D is incorrect as the two models are distinct in their considerations of factors beyond biology.