psychoanalytic theory attempts to explain personality motivation and mental disorders by
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Exam 4 Psychology

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

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.

2. To overcome her fear of balloons due to the loud sound they might make when popping, Bella must sit in a room filled with balloons while the therapist pops each one. After a while, Bella realizes that her fear is unjustified and even begins to pop balloons herself. This technique is known as?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Flooding. Flooding is an exposure therapy technique where a person is exposed to their fear at full intensity until the fear subsides. In this scenario, Bella is exposed to her fear of balloons in a controlled environment until she realizes her fear is unjustified. Choice A, Systematic desensitization, involves gradual exposure to the fear stimulus paired with relaxation techniques. Choice B, Aversion therapy, aims to create a negative association with a stimulus to reduce unwanted behavior. Choice D, Extinction, refers to the gradual decrease in the strength or frequency of a conditioned response.

3. Unlike other types of anxiety disorders, this one is not triggered by anything specific, hence the name free-floating anxiety.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry or anxiety that is not triggered by specific situations or objects, hence the term 'free-floating anxiety.' Social anxiety disorder (A) is characterized by fear and anxiety about social situations, panic disorder (C) involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks, and specific phobia (D) is an intense fear of a specific object or situation. Therefore, B is the most appropriate choice in the context of anxiety not being triggered by specific stimuli.

4. When examining heredity, mental disorders are almost always ________

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When examining heredity, mental disorders are influenced by multiple genes. Mental disorders are complex conditions that typically result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors. While genetics play a significant role in predisposing individuals to mental disorders, it is rare for a single gene to be solely responsible for a mental disorder. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because mental disorders are not usually influenced by one particular gene, recessive genes specifically, or not influenced by genes at all.

5. What are protective factors? Give an example of one and explain how it can impact a person's later functioning.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Protective factors are influences that modify a person's response to environmental stressors, reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes. An example of a protective factor is having a warm and caring parent, which can foster resilience in individuals. Resilience allows individuals to adapt successfully to stressful situations. Choice A is incorrect as protective factors do not always prevent adverse consequences but reduce their likelihood. Choice C is incorrect as resilience is the outcome of protective factors, not the other way around. Choice D is incorrect as while protective factors can reduce the risk of psychopathology, they do not always prevent its development.

Similar Questions

When interviewing a new member of the psychology department for the university newspaper, the faculty member states, 'many times, people are unaware of the unconscious motivations that drive their overt actions.' This faculty member's views are most similar to the views held by?
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Which parental style is characterized by warmth, control, and communication?
Which therapy style requires the therapist to actively confront a client's irrational beliefs?
How does the diathesis-stress model explain the onset of mental disorders?

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