Question 1

Greg suffers from depression. His friend Matthew also suffers from depression as well as conduct disorder. According to the theory of problem behavior syndrome, this means

Accepted Answer

The theory of problem behavior syndrome states that conduct disorder is more strongly associated with an unconventional home environment than depression. Therefore, Matthew, who has both depression and conduct disorder, is more likely to come from an unconventional home environment than Greg, who only has depression.

Question 2

The cause of adolescent risk-taking behaviors

Accepted Answer

Adolescent risk-taking behaviors may be influenced by genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of the two. While family environment, peer influences, and cultural factors can all contribute to adolescent risk-taking behavior, studies have also found a genetic influence on impulsivity and sensation-seeking, which are traits associated with risky behavior. Therefore, the cause of adolescent risk-taking behaviors is likely multifaceted and both genetic and environmental factors may be at play.

Question 3

Since 1991, a survey assessing the use and abuse of a variety of drugs has been distributed to a nationwide sample of 8th graders, 10th graders, and high school seniors every year. The name of this survey is

Accepted Answer

The survey that has been distributed to a nationwide sample of 8th graders, 10th graders, and high school seniors every year since 1991 is called "Monitoring the Future." This survey assesses the use and abuse of a variety of drugs among young people, and is one of the most widely used surveys of adolescent substance use in the United States.

Question 4

Approximately ________ percent of high school seniors have tried alcohol, and approximately ________ percent have tried marijuana.

Accepted Answer

According to a national survey done by the Monitoring the Future Study in 2019, approximately 60 percent of high school seniors have tried alcohol, and approximately 45 percent have tried marijuana. Option A is the only choice that matches these statistics. Option B has a lower estimate for alcohol and a higher estimate for marijuana. Option C has an unrealistically high estimate for both alcohol and marijuana. Option D underestimates both alcohol and marijuana usage.

Question 5

When two problems occur together, such as substance abuse and depression, they are referred to as being

Accepted Answer

Two problems occurring together, such as substance abuse and depression, are typically referred to as being comorbid. Comorbidity refers to the presence of two or more disorders or conditions in an individual at the same time.

Question 6

Jim and his mom are in an argument because his mom found out that he has smoked marijuana. Jim's defense is, "Half the senior class is doing it!" How accurate is Jim's statement?

Accepted Answer

According to multiple surveys, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse's Monitoring the Future survey, around 45% of high school seniors have tried marijuana. While Jim's statement is not entirely accurate, it is closer than the other options listed.

Question 7

Which of the following individuals is most likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that individuals who are not involved in extra-curricular activities or organizations are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors. In contrast, individuals who are connected to their school, community, or religious institutions tend to have a stronger sense of social responsibility and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Therefore, Karen would be the least likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors.

Question 8

Problem behavior syndrome involves

Accepted Answer

Problem behavior syndrome involves unconventional thoughts, which are often linked to a pattern of behaviors that deviate from societal norms.

Question 9

When an individual has more than one problem at the same time, it is called

Accepted Answer

Comorbidity refers to the co-occurrence of two or more disorders or illnesses in an individual at the same time. The other options are not applicable to this definition.

Question 10

Alcohol is the substance that rates highest in terms of ________ of use.

Accepted Answer

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance worldwide, with high prevalence and recency rates. This means that more people have used alcohol and continue to use it on a regular basis compared to other substances. Gender differences and purchase price are not as relevant in terms of overall use of alcohol. Additionally, alcohol is not considered safe as excessive use can lead to various health problems and negative consequences.

Question 11

According to social control theory, delinquency is caused by

Accepted Answer

Social control theory suggests that delinquency occurs when an individual lacks strong bonds to conventional institutions such as the family, school, and workplace. Delinquent behavior is believed to be less likely when an individual has strong ties to these institutions and a sense of connection to society. The theory emphasizes the importance of socialization and social bonds in preventing delinquency.

Question 12

What would a social control theorist say about adolescents who engage in risk-taking behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social control theory posits that individuals' bonds to society are the key factor in preventing deviant behavior. Adolescent risk-taking behavior can be seen as a result of a weak attachment to society, which leads to a lack of control and inhibition. This weak attachment may be due to inconsistent parenting or poor relationships with peers and other authority figures.

Question 13

Studies of alcohol use have shown that

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that about 10% of high school seniors report having driven a car after drinking at least once in the past month. Option B is not accurate because most adolescents who use alcohol before their senior year of high school do not necessarily become alcoholics by the age of 30. Option C is also not accurate because the percentage of eighth graders who have abused alcohol in the past month is lower than 40%. Option D is not accurate because less than 10% of high school seniors have ever drunk alcohol.

Question 14

Which of the following is one of the popular stereotypes of contemporary adolescents?

Accepted Answer

The stereotype that peer pressure is the main reason adolescents use drugs is a popular one, despite research showing that there are many individual and environmental factors that contribute to substance use among teenagers.

Question 15

The term "________ syndrome" refers to covariation among various types of externalizing disorders that results from an underlying trait of unconventionality found in the adolescent's personality and social environment.

Accepted Answer

The term "problem behavior syndrome" refers to the phenomenon where multiple types of externalizing behaviors, such as substance abuse, delinquency, and aggression, tend to co-occur in individuals. This co-occurrence is thought to be driven by an underlying trait of unconventionality or impulsivity that is present in the individual's personality and social environment. This term is more commonly used than any of the other options presented.

Question 16

A researcher who believes in problem clusters is most likely to argue that

Accepted Answer

Researchers who believe in problem clusters argue that involvement in a given problem behavior may lead to involvement in other problem behaviors. This means that individuals who engage in one problem behavior, such as underage drinking, may be more likely to also engage in other problem behaviors, such as drug use or delinquency. This view emphasizes the importance of understanding the connections between different types of problem behaviors and addressing them as interconnected issues.

Question 17

Which substance is most commonly used and abused by adolescents?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused substance by adolescents. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2019, 52.1% of 12th graders reported alcohol use in the past year, compared to 4.9% for inhalants, 4.4% for amphetamines, and 2.7% for cocaine.

Question 18

Researchers have found, regarding problem behavior in adolescence, that

Accepted Answer

Research has found that adolescents may exhibit both internalizing and externalizing problems, such as depression and delinquency. It is not necessarily true that adolescents exhibit only one problem within the same general category or that they always exhibit multiple problems. While there may be similarities in the pathways that lead to severe behavior problems, it is not a definitive finding that all adolescents with severe behavior problems followed similar pathways to deviance.

Question 19

Alcohol and tobacco use among adolescents is more common ________; however, illicit drug use (mainly marijuana) is more common ________.

Accepted Answer

Alcohol and tobacco use among adolescents is generally higher in most European countries compared to the United States, while illicit drug use, especially marijuana, is more prevalent in the United States than in most European countries.

Question 20

The message society sends to teenagers about tobacco, drugs, and alcohol

Accepted Answer

Society often sends mixed messages about tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, with some media and cultural influences glamorizing their use, while educational and health campaigns discourage it.

Quiz 13: Psychosocial Problems in Adolescence