why does the selection of a theoretical perspective of mental disorders matter

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. Why does the selection of a theoretical perspective of mental disorders matter?

A. Because it determines how data is interpreted, and influences treatment approaches.
B. It matters because different perspectives offer different insights into the causes and treatments of mental disorders.
C. The selection of a theoretical perspective is not important as all perspectives lead to the same treatment outcomes.
D. Theoretical perspectives are only relevant for academic research, not for clinical practice.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The selection of a theoretical perspective matters because it determines how data is interpreted and influences the treatment approaches that are considered appropriate. Choice B is incorrect because different perspectives may lead to different interpretations and treatment strategies. Choice C is incorrect because different theoretical perspectives can result in varied treatment outcomes. Choice D is incorrect because theoretical perspectives play a crucial role in both academic research and clinical practice.

2. Cross-cultural research on stress demonstrates that ________.

A. Depression is a common response to life challenges in all countries studied.
B. Stress rarely leads to any evidence of illness in non-Western cultures.
C. Responses to stress vary cross-culturally.
D. Culture-specific reactions are not seen to respond to alterations in the environment.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cross-cultural research on stress demonstrates that responses to stress vary cross-culturally. Choice A is incorrect because depression being a common response in all countries studied is not supported by cross-cultural research findings. Choice B is incorrect as it generalizes that stress rarely leads to illness in non-Western cultures, which is not universally true. Choice D is incorrect as culture-specific reactions can indeed respond to alterations in the environment, as observed in various cross-cultural studies.

3. How do socioeconomic factors affect mental health?

A. Socioeconomic factors do not affect mental health.
B. Socioeconomic factors are one of the primary determinants of mental health.
C. Socioeconomic factors only affect mental health in extreme cases.
D. Socioeconomic factors have no clear impact on mental health.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Socioeconomic factors like income and education levels are key determinants of mental health. They influence access to resources such as healthcare, housing, and social support systems, which can impact an individual's mental well-being. Additionally, socioeconomic factors can contribute to stress levels and overall quality of life, which in turn affect mental health. Choice A is incorrect because socioeconomic factors do play a significant role in mental health outcomes. Choice C is incorrect as socioeconomic factors have a broad impact on mental health beyond extreme cases. Choice D is also incorrect as numerous studies have shown the clear impact of socioeconomic factors on mental health.

4. Alison believes that individuals learn to be either aggressive or nonaggressive as a result of the experiences they have. Alison's views are most consistent with which view in psychology?

A. Behaviorist view of psychology.
B. Structuralist view of psychology.
C. Functionalist view of psychology.
D. Psychoanalytic view of psychology.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Alison's belief that individuals learn to be either aggressive or nonaggressive as a result of their experiences aligns with the Behaviorist view of psychology. Behaviorism focuses on how behavior is learned through interactions with the environment, emphasizing the role of experience in shaping behavior. The other options are not directly related to the idea that behavior is learned through experiences: Structuralism focuses on the structure of conscious experience, Functionalism emphasizes the purpose of behavior, and Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the role of unconscious processes.

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

A. Protective factors are influences that modify a person's response to environmental stressors, making adverse consequences less likely.
B. An example of a protective factor is having a warm and caring parent, which may lead to resilience.
C. Protective factors usually lead to resilience, the ability to adapt successfully to stressful circumstances.
D. Protective factors always prevent the development of psychopathology.

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.