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. John Watson argued that psychologists should?

A. Use the method of introspection to establish the structural aspects of consciousness.
B. Be concerned with the purposiveness (function) of behavior.
C. Confine their work to people who are diagnosed as mentally ill.
D. Abandon the study of consciousness.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: John Watson was a key figure in the development of behaviorism, which advocated for focusing on observable behavior rather than the study of consciousness. Choice D is the correct answer because Watson believed that psychology should abandon the study of consciousness. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because Watson's approach emphasized behavior and rejected the importance of consciousness, introspection, or confining psychology to only mentally ill individuals.

3. School phobia among kids may be a form of?

A. Occurs every time when one is in a certain situation
B. Occurs most of the time when one is in a specific situation
C. Be unexpected
D. Expected

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Be unexpected.' School phobia in children is often associated with separation anxiety disorder, leading to unexpected and intense fear or anxiety about attending school. Choices A and B are incorrect because school phobia does not necessarily occur every time or most of the time when in a specific situation; it is more about the unexpected fear related to attending school. Choice D is also incorrect because school phobia is characterized by an unexpected and overwhelming fear of school, not an expected or anticipated reaction.

4. What is the sequence in which growth starts at the center of the body and moves toward the extremities?

A. Cephalocaudal pattern
B. Proximodistal pattern
C. Cephamodistal pattern
D. Gene-environment correlation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Proximodistal pattern. This pattern describes growth starting at the center of the body and moving towards the extremities. Choice A, Cephalocaudal pattern, refers to growth starting from the head and moving downwards, which is not the sequence described in the question. Choice D, Gene-environment correlation, does not relate to the sequential pattern of growth described in the question, making it incorrect.

5. Which disorder is characterized by a pattern of behavior that involves culturally inappropriate, overly familiar behavior with relative strangers?

A. Schizoid personality disorder
B. Autism spectrum disorder
C. Reactive attachment disorder
D. Disinhibited social engagement disorder

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Disinhibited social engagement disorder is the correct answer because it is characterized by a pattern of behavior involving culturally inappropriate and overly familiar behavior with relative strangers. This disorder is marked by a lack of social boundaries and caution when interacting with unfamiliar individuals. Schizoid personality disorder (Choice A) is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, Autism spectrum disorder (Choice B) involves challenges with social interactions and communication, and Reactive attachment disorder (Choice C) is typically associated with difficulty forming emotional bonds with caregivers, not with overly familiar behavior with strangers.