Question 1

Some have proposed that the personality disorders be replaced or supplemented by a dimensional model in which individuals would be rated on a series of personality dimensions as well as a categorical diagnosis.It is believed that this would have advantages over a purely categorical system.Which of the following would be such an advantage?

Accepted Answer

A dimensional model would retain more information about individuals, offer more flexibility in assessment, and reduce arbitrary decisions in assigning diagnostic categories, thus providing a more comprehensive understanding of personality disorders.

Question 2

Gender differences observed in the prevalence of many personality disorders (i.e.borderline for women, antisocial for men) may be due to

Accepted Answer

Gender differences in personality disorder prevalence can be influenced by cultural tolerance of behaviors, differences in help-seeking behavior, and potential gender bias from clinicians.

Question 3

The cluster approach to categorising personality disorders is based on

Accepted Answer

The cluster approach categorizes personality disorders based on resemblance, grouping them into clusters that share similar characteristics.

Question 4

The characteristic features of personality disorders tend to develop with

Accepted Answer

Personality disorders typically exhibit a chronic pattern that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood, rather than having a rapid or sudden onset in adolescence or adulthood. They are characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from the expectations of the individual's culture. These patterns are inflexible and pervasive across a broad range of personal and social situations, leading to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Question 5

According to the definition of personality disorder, only individuals who show ____________ patterns of maladaptive behaviour or emotional distress as a result of their actions should be diagnosed with a personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Personality disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of behavior and inner experiences that deviate markedly from the expectations of the individual's culture, are pervasive and inflexible, and lead to distress or impairment.

Question 6

Unlike schizophrenia or an eating disorder, personality disorders can be viewed as disorders of

Accepted Answer

Personality disorders are often seen as disorders of degree rather than kind because they represent extreme variations of normal personality traits rather than entirely distinct categories of disorder.

Question 7

All of the following are necessary conditions for the diagnosis of a personality disorder EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Personality disorders can be diagnosed even if the individual does not feel personal distress, as long as there is maladaptive functioning and distress to others.

Question 8

According to your text, it is likely that future users of the DSM will

Accepted Answer

The text suggests that future users of the DSM are likely to incorporate elements of a dimensional approach to personality disorders, which would involve viewing personality disorders along a continuum rather than as strict categories. The text does not suggest eliminating personality disorders altogether, emphasizing categorical views, or reducing the number of personality disorders listed.

Question 9

Max is always sure that others are trying to harm him.His perception that the world is a threatening place impacts most of his life.Most likely, Max would be diagnosed with the personality disorder called

Accepted Answer

Max's belief that others are trying to harm him is a classic symptom of paranoid personality disorder. People with this disorder have an excessive distrust and suspicion of others, and often interpret others' motives as malevolent.

Question 10

According to your textbook, the main reason that we do not have sufficient research examining the development of personality disorders is that

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to your textbook, the main reason...

Question 11

In the USA, the prevalence of a diagnosable personality disorder is estimated to be around _______ adults.

Accepted Answer

The prevalence of diagnosable personality disorders in the USA is estimated to be around 1 out of every 10 adults, indicating a relatively common occurrence.

Question 12

Clinicians who view personality disorders as extremes of normal personality rather than as ________ have historically criticised the way DSM-IV-TR classified personality disorders.

Accepted Answer

Clinicians who see personality disorders as extremes of normal personality traits often criticize the DSM-IV-TR for categorizing them as distinct and separate disorders, rather than as variations along a continuum of normal personality.

Question 13

Cross-cultural research on the five-factor model of personality suggests that

Accepted Answer

Cross-cultural research has found that the five dimensions of the five-factor model (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) are generally universal and can be found in different cultures around the world. While there may be cultural variations in the expression or emphasis of each dimension, the overall structure remains consistent. This suggests that there may be a common human personality structure that transcends cultural boundaries.

Question 14

Which set of adjective pairs correctly describes the clusters into which DSM-5 personality disorders are grouped?

Accepted Answer

The clusters into which DSM-5 personality disorders are grouped consist of odd/eccentric (such as paranoid and schizotypal personality disorders), dramatic/emotional (such as borderline and narcissistic personality disorders), and anxious/fearful (such as avoidant and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders). Shy/withdrawn is not a recognized cluster, and dangerous/inconsistent and bizarre/thought disordered descriptions do not accurately fit any of the clusters. Therefore, D is the correct choice as it includes all three recognized clusters.

Question 15

When someone has a personality disorder,

Accepted Answer

People with personality disorders often have difficulty recognizing their own problematic behaviors and thoughts, and may not see themselves as having a problem.

Question 16

A therapist who views personality disorders as a continuum sees these conditions in terms of

Accepted Answer

A therapist who views personality disorders as a continuum sees them as a range or spectrum of behaviors and traits, rather than distinct categories or groups. This approach emphasizes the idea that individuals can exhibit varying degrees of personality dysfunction, rather than being strictly diagnosed with one specific disorder.

Question 17

Which of the following would NOT be an advantage of a dimensional model of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

A dimensional model does not clearly categorize people; instead, it assesses personality disorders on a continuum, which can make categorization less clear-cut compared to categorical models.

Question 18

DSM-5 divides personality disorders into ___ distinct clusters.

Accepted Answer

The DSM-5 categorizes personality disorders into three distinct clusters: Cluster A (odd or eccentric disorders), Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, or erratic disorders), and Cluster C (anxious or fearful disorders).

Question 19

The five-factor model of personality includes all of the following as personality dimensions EXCEPT ______________.

Accepted Answer

Expressiveness is not one of the five factors in the five-factor model of personality, which includes openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Question 20

Both Jabulani and Fana meet the diagnostic criteria for paranoid personality disorder.Jabulani's friends are aware of his paranoia although he continues to live a meaningful life.Fana's paranoia is so extreme that he finds it hard to function in society.The DSM-5 diagnosis for these individuals would be

Accepted Answer

The answer of Both Jabulani and Fana meet the diagnostic...

Quiz 12: Personality Disorders