how does the environment interact with genetic predispositions to influence mental health

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. How does the environment interact with genetic predispositions to influence mental health?

A. The environment has no influence on mental health.
B. The environment interacts with genetic predispositions to either enhance or mitigate mental health risks.
C. The environment can only influence physical health, not mental health.
D. The environment has a minimal effect on mental health outcomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The environment interacts with genetic predispositions to either enhance or mitigate mental health risks. This highlights the intricate relationship between one's genetic makeup and the environmental factors they are exposed to, both contributing significantly to mental health outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as numerous studies show that the environment plays a crucial role in mental health. Choice C is incorrect as the environment can influence both physical and mental health. Choice D is incorrect as research indicates that the environment can have a substantial impact on mental health outcomes.

2. How does the concept of neural plasticity relate to recovery from brain injuries?

A. Neural plasticity means the brain cannot recover from injuries.
B. Neural plasticity allows the brain to recover and reorganize after injuries.
C. Neural plasticity refers to the brain's inability to change after injury.
D. Neural plasticity is a myth.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neural plasticity allows the brain to recover and reorganize after injuries. It is the brain's ability to adapt and change, forming new connections or reorganizing existing ones to compensate for damage. Choice A is incorrect as neural plasticity enables recovery. Choice C is incorrect as neural plasticity involves the brain's capacity to change. Choice D is incorrect as neural plasticity is a well-established phenomenon in neuroscience.

3. Which part of the superego develops from our experiences with rewards for proper behavior and tells us what we should do?

A. Conscience
B. Ego-ideal
C. Regressing back to the anal stage
D. Regressing back to the oral stage

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the Ego-ideal. The Ego-ideal is a subsystem of the superego that develops from experiences with rewards for proper behavior. It guides individuals on what they should do, setting standards and ideals for behavior. Choice A, Conscience, represents the part of the superego that focuses on what one should not do, based on experiences with punishment for improper behavior. Choices C and D, regressing back to the anal and oral stages respectively, are irrelevant to the development of the superego's components and are not related to experiences with rewards for proper behavior.

4. Which of the following statements is least likely to be made by a humanist?

A. Humans are unique.
B. The behavior of humans tends to be influenced by environmental circumstances.
C. Humans have a basic need to fulfill their potentials.
D. Research on animals has little relevance to understanding human behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The corrected question assesses the least likely statement made by a humanist. Choice B, 'The behavior of humans tends to be influenced by environmental circumstances,' is least likely to be made by a humanist. Humanists believe that human behavior is not simply dictated by environmental circumstances but is influenced by a combination of factors, including personal experiences, emotions, and conscious decisions. Choices A, C, and D are more aligned with humanist perspectives. Choice A acknowledges the uniqueness of humans, which is a common theme in humanistic psychology. Choice C reflects the humanistic belief that individuals strive to reach their full potential and self-actualization. Choice D contrasts with humanist views as humanists often consider research on animals to be relevant in understanding human behavior due to shared basic psychological processes.

5. What does the diathesis-stress model entail?

A. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stress alone is sufficient to cause a mental disorder.
B. The diathesis-stress model involves a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors.
C. The diathesis-stress model suggests that genetic factors alone cause mental disorders.
D. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stressors in the environment do not affect the onset of mental disorders.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model proposes that mental disorders develop from a combination of genetic vulnerability (the diathesis) and environmental stressors. Choice A is incorrect because it states that stress alone can cause mental disorders, which is not in line with the model. Choice C is incorrect as it simplifies the model to genetic factors alone causing mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that environmental stressors do not play a role in the onset of mental disorders, which contradicts the essence of the diathesis-stress model.