what is the diathesis stress model of psychopathology

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

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. 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.

3. Children raised in orphanages tend to have ________.

A. more cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.
B. less cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.
C. more friendships than those raised by their parents.
D. fewer friendships than those raised by their parents.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'less cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.' Studies have shown that children raised in orphanages tend to have less cortical gray matter compared to those raised by their parents. This is due to the lack of individualized care, attention, and stimulation that can negatively impact brain development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because there is no direct correlation between cortical gray matter and the number of friendships when comparing children raised in orphanages and those raised by their parents.

4. How is pruning best defined?

A. The process of eliminating unused synapses
B. The process of synapse development
C. The connection between neurons
D. Fatty sheath that wraps around neurons and enables them to transmit information more rapidly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pruning is the process of eliminating unused synapses in the brain. This process helps the brain to become more efficient by strengthening important connections and eliminating unnecessary ones. Choice B is incorrect because pruning is about eliminating synapses, not developing them. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the general concept of connections between neurons, not specifically about pruning. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the myelin sheath, which is responsible for rapid transmission of information along neurons, not pruning.

5. What does the genetic study of identical twins reared apart help to clarify?

A. Differences in brain function
B. Genetic influence on behavior
C. Interaction between genetics and environment
D. The role of environmental factors alone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Interaction between genetics and environment.' The genetic study of identical twins reared apart helps in understanding how both genetics and environment play a role in shaping an individual's traits and behaviors. This type of study allows researchers to tease apart the effects of genetic inheritance from those of environmental influences. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the study of identical twins reared apart specifically focuses on the interplay between genetics and environment, rather than solely on differences in brain function, genetic influence on behavior, or the role of environmental factors alone.