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 does psychoanalytic theory attempt to explain personality, motivation, and mental disorders?

A. Studying observable behavior.
B. Analyzing conscious experience into its basic elements.
C. Focusing on unconscious determinants of behavior.
D. Studying the function or purpose of consciousness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the unconscious determinants of behavior to explain personality, motivation, and mental disorders. This approach suggests that hidden forces in the unconscious mind influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, shaping our overall psychological makeup. Choice A is incorrect because psychoanalytic theory delves beyond observable behavior. Choice B is incorrect as psychoanalytic theory goes deeper than analyzing conscious experience alone. Choice D is incorrect as psychoanalytic theory is more concerned with unconscious processes rather than the function or purpose of consciousness.

3. Rita shows better control over her eating habits at 2.5 years than her brother Richard did at the same age. Why?

A. Girls are naturally smarter than boys.
B. Second-born children learn faster.
C. Girls have better fine motor skills.
D. Boys have better gross motor skills.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because boys typically develop gross motor skills, like running and jumping, more quickly than girls. This can explain why Richard may have had less control over his eating habits compared to Rita at the same age. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the specific developmental aspect related to eating habits control mentioned in the question.

4. Defense mechanisms ________.

A. make a person feel more anxious and have more problems, as they begin to act defensively.
B. are strategies the id uses to try to achieve its desires.
C. are conscious, intentional attempts to cope effectively with an anxiety-producing event.
D. help a person feel less anxious, but because they usually work by distorting reality, they are not always adaptive.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because defense mechanisms aim to reduce anxiety but can lead to distortion of reality, making them not always beneficial. Choice A is incorrect as defense mechanisms are meant to reduce anxiety, not increase it. Choice B is incorrect because defense mechanisms are not strategies of the id specifically. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are often unconscious and not always intentional.

5. What is the biopsychosocial model?

A. A model that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental disorders.
B. A model that emphasizes the interaction between biological and psychological factors, excluding social influences.
C. The biopsychosocial model emphasizes only psychological factors in mental disorders.
D. The biopsychosocial model is a purely biological approach to mental health.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The biopsychosocial model is a comprehensive approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental disorders. Choice A is correct because it accurately describes how this model integrates these three factors. Choice B is incorrect as it excludes social influences from the model. Choice C is incorrect because it states that the model only emphasizes psychological factors, which is not true. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that the model is purely biological, which is also inaccurate.