Nursing Elites

1. What is the diathesis-stress model of psychopathology?

• A. The idea that stress is the primary cause of psychopathology.
• B. A model that focuses solely on genetic predispositions.
• C. A theory that involves only environmental factors in the development of disorders.
• D. A person must have both a vulnerability for a disorder and exposure to stressors to develop the disorder.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model of psychopathology posits that individuals must have a vulnerability or predisposition to a disorder (diathesis) and be exposed to stressful environmental factors for the disorder to manifest. This model emphasizes the interaction between genetic or biological vulnerabilities (diathesis) and environmental stressors. Choice A is incorrect because the model does not suggest that stress is the sole cause of psychopathology. Choice B is incorrect as the model considers both genetic predispositions and environmental stressors. Choice C is incorrect because the diathesis-stress model acknowledges the role of both genetic and environmental factors in the development of disorders.

2. In a discussion with your professor, she tells you that she believes that the focus of psychological study should be to break the conscious experience into its basic elements. Which of the following historical schools of thought is your professor's idea most consistent with?

• A. Behaviorism
• B. Functionalism
• C. Structuralism
• D. Psychoanalysis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Structuralism. Structuralism, as introduced by Wundt, aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic elements. This aligns with the idea of breaking the conscious experience into its fundamental components. Choice A, Behaviorism, focuses on observable behavior and not on breaking down conscious experience. Choice B, Functionalism, emphasizes the purpose of behavior rather than breaking it down into basic elements. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, delves into unconscious processes and conflicts, which is different from breaking down conscious experiences into basic elements.

3. Mental disorders are almost always _______, meaning they are influenced by multiple genes.

• A. environmental
• B. chemical circuits
• C. polygenic
• D. probabilistic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'polygenic.' Mental disorders are polygenic, which means they are influenced by multiple genes. This term specifically refers to conditions or traits that are caused by more than one gene. Choice A, 'environmental,' is incorrect as it doesn't directly refer to the genetic influence on mental disorders. Choice B, 'chemical circuits,' is incorrect as it is too specific and not a common term used to describe the genetic basis of mental disorders. Choice D, 'probabilistic,' is incorrect as it relates more to the likelihood or chance of something happening rather than the genetic influence on mental disorders.

4. Which of the following statements about brain dysfunction and psychiatric disorders is correct?

• A. Identifiable brain damage is often the cause of psychiatric disorders.
• B. Brain damage may decrease the risk of developing a psychiatric condition.
• C. Changes in brain function appear to play a role in many psychiatric disorders.
• D. Brain development can be altered by experience, always leading to changes in the brain that decrease the risk of developing a psychiatric condition.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement is C: 'Changes in brain function appear to play a role in many psychiatric disorders.' This statement is accurate as research suggests that alterations in brain function are associated with various psychiatric disorders. Option A is incorrect because while brain damage can contribute to some psychiatric conditions, it is not always the primary cause. Option B is incorrect as brain damage typically increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Option D is incorrect because while brain development can be influenced by experiences, it does not always decrease the risk of psychiatric conditions.

5. 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.

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