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.
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A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a __________ .
- A. Diathesis
- B. Risk factor
- C. Sufficient cause
- D. Diathesis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a diathesis. In this context, diathesis refers to an individual's susceptibility or predisposition to developing a disorder. A diathesis is not the same as a risk factor or a sufficient cause. A risk factor is a variable that increases the likelihood of developing a disorder but is not a predisposition itself. A sufficient cause is a factor that can produce the disorder on its own, not just a predisposition.
A psychologist who studied the relationship between sociocultural factors and mental disorders would be most likely to study ________.
- A. parenting style and self-schemas.
- B. poverty and racial discrimination.
- C. peer rejection and attributional style.
- D. assimilation and accommodation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A psychologist who studies the relationship between sociocultural factors and mental disorders would focus on factors like poverty and racial discrimination. These factors have a significant impact on mental health outcomes within different populations. Choices A, C, and D are less directly related to sociocultural factors like poverty and racial discrimination and their influence on mental disorders, making them incorrect.
In order to develop chicken pox, one must be exposed to the virus that causes chicken pox. Note, however, that not everyone who is exposed to the virus is affected. In other words, the virus is a ________
- A. risk factor.
- B. necessary cause.
- C. sufficient cause.
- D. contributory cause.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'necessary cause.' A necessary cause must be present for a disorder to occur. In the context of developing chicken pox, being exposed to the virus is a necessary condition for contracting the disease. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A 'risk factor' increases the probability of developing a disease but is not essential for its occurrence. A 'sufficient cause' can produce the outcome on its own, which is not the case with exposure to the chicken pox virus. A 'contributory cause' adds to other causes to produce an effect, but in this scenario, exposure to the virus is crucial by itself.
Scientific research has demonstrated that the ________ parenting style is most likely to lead to healthy psychological development in children.
- A. authoritative
- B. authoritarian
- C. permissive
- D. neglectful/uninvolved
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, authoritative. Authoritative parenting combines warmth and nurturing with reasonable limits and consistent discipline. This style promotes independence, self-regulation, and social competence in children, leading to healthy psychological development. Choice B, authoritarian parenting, is characterized by strict rules and harsh punishment without much warmth, which can lead to anxiety and lower self-esteem in children. Choice C, permissive parenting, involves few demands and little control, resulting in children lacking self-discipline and social skills. Choice D, neglectful/uninvolved parenting, is characterized by a lack of responsiveness to a child's emotional needs and can lead to various negative outcomes such as poor self-esteem and emotional issues.
How does stress impact brain function?
- A. Stress has no effect on brain function.
- B. Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function.
- C. Stress can improve brain function.
- D. Stress has no long-term impact on brain function.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stress can lead to changes in brain structure and function, affecting mental health and increasing the risk of disorders. Choice A is incorrect as stress does affect brain function. Choice C is incorrect as stress generally has negative impacts on brain function rather than improving it. Choice D is incorrect because stress can have long-term impacts on brain function through structural and functional changes.