understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. Understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because ________

A. effective treatment is not possible without such an understanding.
B. classification of disorders cannot be done without such information.
C. such knowledge might make both the prevention and cure of mental disorders possible.
D. disagreements about the causes of psychopathology have long limited the advancements made in the study of abnormal psychology.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Understanding the causes of mental disorders is crucial because it can potentially lead to both prevention and cure. By identifying the root causes, strategies can be developed to prevent the onset of disorders, and effective treatments can be tailored to address these causes directly. This approach can make treatments more efficient, as addressing the underlying factors contributing to the disorder can result in better outcomes for individuals. Choices A and B are incorrect because while understanding causes is important for effective treatment and classification, the primary focus is on prevention and cure. Choice D, while highlighting the impact of disagreements on advancements in abnormal psychology, does not directly address the importance of understanding causes for prevention and cure.

2. When the parent returned in the strange situation experiment, babies with ____ attachment tend to remain upset for long periods of time, kicking, screaming, refusing to be distracted with toys, and sometimes arching back and away from contact?

A. Secure
B. Avoidant
C. Ambivalent
D. Disorganized

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the strange situation experiment, babies with ambivalent attachment display distress and have difficulty calming down when a parent returns. They may kick, scream, refuse toys, and show signs of physical discomfort or resistance. This behavior is characteristic of ambivalent attachment, where the infant shows mixed emotions and finds it hard to be soothed by the returning parent. Secure attachment (Choice A) refers to babies who seek comfort from the parent but can be soothed upon return. Avoidant attachment (Choice B) involves babies showing little emotion upon reunion with the parent. Disorganized attachment (Choice D) displays inconsistent or confused behaviors in the strange situation experiment.

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

A. Social anxiety disorder
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Panic disorder
D. Specific phobia

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. Down syndrome is caused by ________.

A. a chemical imbalance.
B. a gene on the X chromosome.
C. possessing an extra X chromosome.
D. possessing an extra chromosome in chromosome 21.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Down syndrome is caused by possessing an extra chromosome in chromosome 21, not by a chemical imbalance (choice A), a gene on the X chromosome (choice B), or possessing an extra X chromosome (choice C). The presence of an additional chromosome 21 disrupts the normal course of development and leads to the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

5. How do early life experiences shape brain development and behavior?

A. Early life experiences have no impact on brain development.
B. Early life experiences are crucial in shaping brain development and later behavior.
C. Early life experiences are not significant in brain development.
D. Early life experiences are easily overcome by adulthood.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Early life experiences are crucial in shaping brain development and later behavior. These experiences play a significant role in laying the foundation for future mental health and behavior. Choice A is incorrect because early life experiences do have a profound impact on brain development. Choice C is incorrect as early life experiences are indeed significant in brain development. Choice D is incorrect as early life experiences can have lasting effects into adulthood.