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. How can attributional style influence the likelihood of developing depression?

A. By fostering a positive attributional style, individuals can enhance their resilience against depression.
B. Attributional style does not significantly influence the development of depression.
C. By adopting a negative attributional style, individuals increase their vulnerability to depression.
D. Attributional style influences the likelihood of developing depression by determining how individuals interpret and respond to events.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because attributional style plays a crucial role in influencing the likelihood of developing depression by shaping how individuals interpret and respond to events. A positive attributional style can indeed enhance resilience against depression by promoting adaptive coping mechanisms and positive interpretations of situations, which can buffer against the development of depressive symptoms. Conversely, a negative attributional style, characterized by attributing negative events to internal, stable, and global factors, can increase vulnerability to depression by fostering feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Choices A and C provide accurate insights into how different attributional styles can impact the development of depression, making them incorrect. Choice B is incorrect as research indicates that attributional style does have a significant influence on the likelihood of developing depression.

3. What is object-relations theory?

A. It is the theory that focuses on observable behaviors only.
B. It is a newer psychodynamic theory focusing on how individuals interact with others and their internalized relationships.
C. It is the theory that emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes in shaping behavior.
D. It is a cognitive-behavioral theory focused on changing maladaptive thought patterns.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Object-relations theory is a psychodynamic theory that focuses on how individuals interact with others and their internalized relationships. Choice A is incorrect because object-relations theory goes beyond observable behaviors to explore internalized relationships. Choice C is incorrect because object-relations theory does not primarily emphasize cognitive processes. Choice D is incorrect because object-relations theory is not a cognitive-behavioral theory focused on changing thought patterns.

4. Which psychosexual stage focuses on castration anxiety?

A. Genital
B. Oral
C. Anal
D. Phallic

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Castration anxiety is a concept from Freudian psychoanalytic theory that occurs during the Phallic stage. This stage occurs between 3 to 6 years of age and is when children experience conflicts related to the Oedipus complex (boys) and Electra complex (girls). During this stage, children may fear castration (in boys) or penis envy (in girls), which are crucial components of castration anxiety. Therefore, the correct answer is Phallic. The other options (A: Genital, B: Oral, C: Anal) are incorrect as they do not specifically involve castration anxiety but rather represent different stages in Freud's psychosexual development theory.

5. Which psychological perspective, emerging in the 1950s and 1960s, reflects a renewed interest in studying the mind or consciousness, similar to psychology's early days as a science in the late 1800s?

A. Cognitive perspective.
B. Mental perspective.
C. Philosophical perspective.
D. Biological perspective.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Cognitive perspective. The cognitive perspective indeed emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting a renewed interest in studying the mind and consciousness, akin to early psychology's focus when it first established as a science in the late 1800s. This perspective emphasizes mental processes, problem-solving, decision-making, and information processing. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the mental perspective is too generic and does not capture the emphasis on processes, the philosophical perspective is more focused on theories and concepts, and the biological perspective centers on the influence of biology on behavior rather than consciousness and mental processes.