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 parental style is characterized by warmth, control, and communication?

A. Authoritarian
B. Permissive/indulgent
C. Authoritative
D. Neglectful/uninvolved

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Authoritative. The authoritative parenting style is characterized by a balance of warmth, control, and communication. This style promotes a nurturing environment where parents set clear rules and boundaries while also being responsive to their child's needs. Choice A, Authoritarian, is characterized by strict rules and high control with less warmth and communication. Choice B, Permissive/indulgent, involves high warmth but low control, where rules are not clearly established. Choice D, Neglectful/uninvolved, lacks both warmth and control, with little to no communication or involvement in the child's life.

3. Nearly all adults who were children living in Saigon when the U.S. armed forces left Vietnam in 1975 report that their lives were changed by those events. This exemplifies which of the following?

A. Normative age-graded influence
B. Social clock
C. Critical period
D. Sensitive period

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. This scenario exemplifies a critical period in development. Critical periods are specific times in an individual's life when certain events have a profound impact on their development. In this case, the events surrounding the departure of the U.S. armed forces from Saigon in 1975 had a lasting influence on the children living there at that time. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Normative age-graded influence refers to events that are common to people of a particular age group, the social clock relates to the culturally preferred timing of social events, and a sensitive period is a time when an individual is more susceptible to environmental influences but does not result in lifelong consequences as with critical periods.

4. How can resilience impact the likelihood of developing a mental disorder?

A. Resilience has no impact on mental health outcomes.
B. Resilience can help individuals overcome significant stressors.
C. Resilience is irrelevant to mental health.
D. Resilience is the sole factor that determines mental health outcomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Resilience plays a crucial role in mental health outcomes by enabling individuals to navigate and overcome stressors effectively, thus reducing the probability of developing mental disorders. Choice A is incorrect as resilience does have a positive impact on mental health. Choice C is incorrect as resilience is highly relevant to mental health outcomes. Choice D is incorrect because while resilience is important, it is not the only factor influencing mental health.

5. According to John Watson, behavior is governed primarily by?

A. Heredity.
B. Personal motives.
C. The environment.
D. Unconscious desires.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to John Watson, behavior is primarily governed by environmental factors. Watson was a behaviorist who emphasized the influence of the environment on behavior. He believed that behavior is shaped by external stimuli and experiences, rather than internal factors like heredity or unconscious desires. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with Watson's perspective on behaviorism.