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. Marissa wants to study people's emotional reactions to increases in temperature. Her classmate, Bernard, tells her that she should focus on observable behaviors rather than internal states in her study. Bernard's views are most similar to those found in?

A. The psychodynamic perspective.
B. The evolutionary perspective.
C. The behavioral perspective.
D. The biological perspective.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bernard's advice to focus on observable behaviors aligns with the behavioral perspective. Behaviorists emphasize studying external actions rather than internal states to understand human behavior. The psychodynamic perspective (Choice A) focuses on unconscious processes, the evolutionary perspective (Choice B) on adaptation and natural selection, and the biological perspective (Choice D) on the biological underpinnings of behavior, making them less similar to Bernard's suggestion.

3. How do socioeconomic factors affect mental health?

A. Socioeconomic factors do not affect mental health.
B. Socioeconomic factors are one of the primary determinants of mental health.
C. Socioeconomic factors only affect mental health in extreme cases.
D. Socioeconomic factors have no clear impact on mental health.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Socioeconomic factors like income and education levels are key determinants of mental health. They influence access to resources such as healthcare, housing, and social support systems, which can impact an individual's mental well-being. Additionally, socioeconomic factors can contribute to stress levels and overall quality of life, which in turn affect mental health. Choice A is incorrect because socioeconomic factors do play a significant role in mental health outcomes. Choice C is incorrect as socioeconomic factors have a broad impact on mental health beyond extreme cases. Choice D is also incorrect as numerous studies have shown the clear impact of socioeconomic factors on mental health.

4. Children raised in orphanages tend to have ________.

A. more cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.
B. less cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.
C. more friendships than those raised by their parents.
D. fewer friendships than those raised by their parents.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'less cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.' Studies have shown that children raised in orphanages tend to have less cortical gray matter compared to those raised by their parents. This is due to the lack of individualized care, attention, and stimulation that can negatively impact brain development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because there is no direct correlation between cortical gray matter and the number of friendships when comparing children raised in orphanages and those raised by their parents.

5. Dr. Asgaard believes that in order to fully understand complex processes, such as auditory processing, it is first necessary to understand all the separate component parts. Dr. Asgaard's views are most consistent with those of?

A. William James.
B. Ivan Pavlov.
C. Carl Rogers.
D. Edward Titchener.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Edward Titchener. Dr. Asgaard's belief aligns with Titchener's approach of structuralism, which emphasizes understanding the components of consciousness. William James (choice A) was associated with functionalism, focusing on the purpose of behavior rather than its structure. Ivan Pavlov (choice B) was known for classical conditioning in behaviorism, not structuralism. Carl Rogers (choice C) was a major figure in humanistic psychology, emphasizing personal growth and self-actualization, which is not directly related to understanding component parts of processes.