Question 1

Research on ________ shows that our environment can affect whether a gene is expressed,thus impacting the development of psychological disorders.

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that occur without altering the DNA sequence itself. Research has shown that environmental factors such as stress, diet, and exposure to toxins can cause epigenetic changes that impact the development of psychological disorders. This suggests that our environment plays a significant role in the expression of certain genes and subsequent psychological outcomes.

Question 2

Today's psychologists assume that disordered behavior is influenced by

Accepted Answer

Today's psychologists recognize that disordered behavior is influenced by a combination of social circumstances, inner psychological dynamics, genetic predispositions, and physiological states. Therefore, all of these factors must be considered in understanding and treating psychological disorders.

Question 3

Mental health workers are most likely to consider socially unusual behavior as disordered if it is

Accepted Answer

In the context of mental health, socially unusual behavior is only considered a disorder if it causes personal distress or impairment to the individual. Unusual behavior that is consciously motivated or difficult to change may not necessarily be disordered, and biological influences alone are generally not sufficient to classify behavior as a mental disorder.

Question 4

Which of the following disorders most clearly occurs worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Depression is a mood disorder that affects individuals worldwide, regardless of culture or ethnicity. While the other options may occur in specific cultural or regional contexts, depression is a universal experience.

Question 5

A biopsychosocial approach to substance abuse would be most likely to emphasize

Accepted Answer

A biopsychosocial approach to substance abuse would consider the interactive influences of biology, psychology, and social factors on substance abuse. This perspective acknowledges that biological, psychological, and social factors all contribute to the development of substance abuse disorders, and that each of these influences can interact with and influence one another. This approach recognizes that nature and nurture both play a role in substance abuse and that there is no simple one-size-fits-all explanation for why someone might struggle with substance abuse.

Question 6

An intense fear of heights is NOT considered to be a psychological disorder unless it

Accepted Answer

A fear of heights is only considered a psychological disorder if it interferes with one's ability to function effectively in daily life. The other options are not relevant to the classification of a fear of heights as a disorder.

Question 7

A psychotherapist is most likely to use the DSM-5 in order to ________ various psychological disorders.

Accepted Answer

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) is a manual used by mental health professionals to identify and diagnose various psychological disorders. It provides a common language and criteria for understanding and describing different mental health conditions, which helps therapists to make accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans. While the DSM-5 does not provide a cure or prevent disorders, it is an important tool for identifying and understanding them.

Question 8

Mira claims that alcohol use disorder is a disease that,like pneumonia,can be cured or prevented with proper treatment.Her belief is most clearly consistent with

Accepted Answer

Mira's belief that alcohol use disorder is a disease that can be cured or prevented with proper treatment is consistent with the medical model, which views psychological disorders as illnesses that can be diagnosed, treated, and potentially cured. The medical model emphasizes the importance of professional intervention and often involves medical treatments such as medication or therapy. This approach is in contrast to the social-cognitive approach, which emphasizes the role of the individual's thoughts and beliefs in the development and maintenance of psychological disorders. The biopsychosocial approach acknowledges the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in the development of mental health issues, but still views them as disorders that can be treated or managed. Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors can affect gene expression, but is not directly related to Mira's belief about alcohol use disorder.

Question 9

To call psychological disorders "sicknesses" is especially likely to encourage research supporting the

Accepted Answer

Calling psychological disorders "sicknesses" aligns with the medical model, which views psychological disorders as genuine medical illnesses that require medical treatments. This approach emphasizes finding biological causes and treatments for these disorders. Therefore, research supporting the medical model is more likely to be encouraged by referring to psychological disorders as "sicknesses."

Question 10

Successive editions of the ________ have provided guidelines for diagnosing psychological disorders.

Accepted Answer

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) provides guidelines and criteria for diagnosing psychological disorders. It is currently in its fifth edition (DSM-5) and is used by mental health professionals to classify and diagnose mental health disorders. The other options (OCD, ADHD, and PTSD) are specific mental health disorders that may be classified according to the DSM criteria.

Question 11

Dr.Garcia emphasizes that psychological disorders result from the interactive influences of individual genes,mood-related perceptions,and cultural definitions of normality and disorder.The doctor's emphasis best illustrates

Accepted Answer

Dr. Garcia's emphasis on the interactive influences of genes, mood-related perceptions, and cultural definitions of normality and disorder reflects a biopsychosocial approach to understanding psychological disorders, which recognizes the multifaceted and complex nature of these conditions. The learning approach (A) focuses on how behavior is influenced by environmental factors and experiences, and does not address the genetic or biological basis of disorders. The medical model (C) views mental illness as a disease that can be treated through medical intervention, and does not adequately consider the role of psychological and social factors. The DSM-5 (D) is a diagnostic tool used to classify and diagnose psychological disorders, but is not a theoretical approach to understanding the causes of these disorders.

Question 12

The conception of psychological disorders as biologically based sicknesses is known as

Accepted Answer

The conception of psychological disorders as biologically based sicknesses is known as the medical model.

Question 13

Maria has had the symptoms of anorexia since her teens.In which country is Maria LEAST likely to live?

Accepted Answer

Japan has one of the lowest rates of anorexia among developed countries, with a culture that places a high value on health and nutrition, as well as a traditionally lower prevalence of body dissatisfaction. Therefore, Maria is least likely to live in Japan.

Question 14

Mental health workers would be likely to identify alcohol misuse as a psychological disorder because it is

Accepted Answer

Mental health workers would identify alcohol misuse as a psychological disorder because it is personally dysfunctional, meaning it affects the individual's ability to function in daily life and can have negative consequences on their mental and physical health. It may not necessarily be socially unacceptable or ethically unjustifiable, and it may not always be unconsciously motivated.

Question 15

Philippe Pinel (1745-1826)was the first to promote ________ for psychological disorders,instead of the brutal treatments used during his time.

Accepted Answer

Philippe Pinel is credited with introducing moral treatment for psychological disorders, which involved treating patients with kindness, respect, and understanding rather than the cruel and inhumane treatments that were commonly used during his time. Options B, C, and D are not relevant or accurate in this context.

Question 16

Epigenetics is the study of environmental influences on

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics focuses on changes in gene expression that occur as a result of environmental influences, rather than changes to the underlying genetic code itself. This includes the impact of factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins on the way that genes are expressed within an individual.

Question 17

Personally distressing thoughts,feelings,and behaviors are considered to be symptoms of a psychological disorder if they are

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of a psychological disorder are considered to be dysfunctional if they interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life, such as impairing their ability to work, maintain relationships, or care for themselves. Unusual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors alone do not necessarily indicate a disorder, as cultural and personal differences can influence what is considered normal. Biologically influenced symptoms may be a factor in some disorders, but they are not the sole determinant of a diagnosis. Unusually motivated behaviors may be a symptom of a disorder, but motivation alone is not sufficient to make a diagnosis.

Question 18

Ongoing patterns of behavior that interfere with normal day-to-day life are best characterized as

Accepted Answer

The term "dysfunctional" refers to patterns of behavior that disrupt or interfere with normal daily life, which is the best fit for the question prompt. "Deviant" generally refers to behavior that is outside of social norms, and "antisocial" refers to behavior that goes against social rules and laws. "Epigenetic" refers to changes in gene expression due to environmental factors, which is not related to the question prompt.

Question 19

In discovering that certain psychological disorders occur only in particular cultures,we are providing evidence for

Accepted Answer

The biopsychosocial approach emphasizes that mental disorders emerge from the combined interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Therefore, recognizing that only certain psychological disorders occur in particular cultures supports the idea that sociocultural factors play a crucial role in mental disorders. It also emphasizes the importance of considering the specific cultural context when assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychological problems.

Question 20

Juan immigrated to the United States from a small village in Colombia,and the change has caused Juan to become extremely anxious and restless.Juan believes these symptoms are a result of someone from his old village using black magic against him.Juan is likely to say that he is suffering from

Accepted Answer

Juan's symptoms are consistent with susto, a cultural-bound syndrome commonly found in Latin American cultures. Susto is believed to be caused by a frightful experience or spirit possession, and it results in symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and nervousness. The belief that black magic is the cause of the symptoms also aligns with the cultural concept of susto. Taijin-kyofusho is a culture-specific social anxiety disorder found in Japan, anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder, and amok is a syndrome primarily found in Southeast Asian cultures.

Quiz 48: Anxiety Disorders