Question 1

A cognitive psychologist interested in studying antisocial behavior would probably focus on

Accepted Answer

A cognitive psychologist interested in studying antisocial behavior would likely be interested in moral development, as this refers to the internalization of societal and cultural norms around prosocial behavior (such as empathy and cooperation) and antisocial behavior (such as violence and aggression). This internalization process is influenced by cognitive factors such as reasoning, decision-making, and perspective-taking, as well as environmental factors such as exposure to violence and positive role models. Brain wave patterns, physiological arousal levels, and conditioning of self-defeating behavior may also be relevant to understanding antisocial behavior, but these are more typically studied by psychologists with a biological or behavioral perspective.

Question 2

Which of the following characteristics of antisocial personality disorder usually interferes with successful psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

A lack of empathy is a hallmark characteristic of antisocial personality disorder and can make it very difficult for individuals with this disorder to form meaningful therapeutic relationships with their therapists. Without the ability to empathize with others, individuals with antisocial personality disorder struggle to understand the feelings and perspectives of their therapist, which can hinder their progress in therapy. Additionally, individuals with this disorder may be manipulative, deceitful, or exhibit other behaviors that can sabotage the therapeutic relationship.

Question 3

Avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders constitute the cluster of disorders characterized by

Accepted Answer

Avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders all involve anxious and fearful behaviors. Those with avoidant personality disorder fear rejection or criticism and are often socially isolated. Those with dependent personality disorder have an excessive need to be taken care of and fear separation. Those with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder have a fear of lack of control and a need for order and symmetry. These are all characterized by anxiety and fearfulness.

Question 4

The desire for affection and close personal relationships distinguishes a diagnosis of avoidant personality disorder from

Accepted Answer

Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, but individuals with this disorder still have a desire for affection and close personal relationships. This distinguishes it from schizoid personality disorder which is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships and a preference for solitary activities. Individuals with histrionic personality disorder have a strong need for attention and may engage in dramatic or attention-seeking behavior, while those with borderline personality disorder have unstable relationships and intense fear of abandonment. Individuals with dependent personality disorder rely heavily on others for emotional support and have difficulty making decisions on their own.

Question 5

Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by all of the following except

Accepted Answer

Avoidant personality disorder involves a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to criticism or rejection. It is not typically characterized by a lack of interest in relationships, but rather a fear of rejection or negative evaluation that can lead to avoiding social interactions. Low self-esteem and extreme sensitivity to rejection are common features of the disorder, while few personal attachments may also be present due to avoidance of close relationships.

Question 6

What type of hypervigilance is likely to be part of avoidant personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. The hypervigilance seen in this disorder is often manifested as a constant anticipation of rejection or criticism, leading to avoidance of social situations or interpersonal relationships. Paranoia is more commonly seen in paranoid personality disorder, obsessiveness with details is a feature of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, and making sure one is the center of attention is seen in histrionic personality disorder.

Question 7

Ellen longs to have friends and to be popular, but she feels she has nothing to offer anyone as a friend. She sees herself as boring and incompetent and is afraid to be with people unless she knows they like her. Ellen's traits are consistent with a diagnosis of

Accepted Answer

Ellen's fear of rejection and reluctance to engage with others unless she feels they already like her are typical of avoidant personality disorder. The belief that she has nothing to offer and is boring and incompetent is also a common feature of this disorder. Antisocial personality disorder involves a disregard for others' rights and feelings, whereas borderline personality disorder is characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships and emotions. Schizotypal personality disorder involves eccentric behavior and unusual beliefs.

Question 8

During a case conference, the assembled professionals are discussing several cases, including some that seem to meet some of the criteria for avoidant personality disorder and social phobia. What is a good guideline for distinguishing these two disorders?

Accepted Answer

Those with avoidant personality disorder often have poorer social skills, which is a key distinction from social phobia, where the primary issue is intense fear or anxiety specifically in social situations, not necessarily a lack of social skills.

Question 9

What do dependent personality disorder and borderline personality disorder have in common?

Accepted Answer

Both dependent personality disorder and borderline personality disorder struggle with being alone and may fear abandonment.

Question 10

Jenny allows her husband to make all important decisions about things affecting her, and conforms all aspects of her own life to suit his interests. What's more, she is fearful that her husband may die and leave her alone. These traits are consistent with the diagnosis of

Accepted Answer

The traits described align with the diagnostic criteria for dependent personality disorder, which includes a pervasive need to be taken care of, submissive behavior, difficulty making decisions without reassurance or advice from others, and fear of separation or abandonment. Avoidant personality disorder involves avoidance of social interactions due to fear of rejection, while borderline personality disorder is characterized by unstable relationships, impulsive behavior, and intense mood swings. Schizotypal personality disorder involves odd or eccentric behavior and beliefs.

Question 11

Raymond is 46 years old and lives at home with his 70-year-old mother and father. At Raymond's request, his mother balances his checkbook; his father is asked to give his opinion on every decision Raymond makes. From the moment Raymond wakes up until he goes to sleep, he rarely makes a move without asking for his parents' guidance. When co-workers ask about this situation, Raymond says he wouldn't have it any other way. If Raymond received a diagnosis of a personality disorder, which one would it be?

Accepted Answer

Raymond's behavior is consistent with symptoms of dependent personality disorder, which is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior and fear of separation. This disorder often involves a pattern of relying on others for decision-making and feeling helpless when alone.

Question 12

Inability to function autonomously and a tendency to subordinate one's own needs to others' needs are characteristics of

Accepted Answer

The characteristic of inability to function autonomously and a tendency to subordinate one's own needs to others' needs is a core feature of dependent personality disorder. People with this disorder have an excessive need to be taken care of and have a fear of separation or abandonment.

Question 13

Individuals with which personality disorder are most likely to have several close personal friends?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with dependent personality disorder have a strong desire to be taken care of and often develop close personal relationships with several individuals who they rely on for emotional support and guidance.

Question 14

In contrast to obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorder is characterized by

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorder is characterized by recurrent and persistent intrusive thoughts, impulses, or images that cause distress and anxiety. This is different from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, which is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, as well as rigid adherence to rules and procedures. Focus on details and interest in rules are common to both disorders.

Question 15

An inability to grasp the "big picture" due to a preoccupation with rules and details is characteristic of which personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

An inability to grasp the "big picture" due to a preoccupation with rules and details is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Those with this disorder tend to focus on specific rules and details rather than seeing the overall context or larger perspective.

Question 16

Sandra is so preoccupied with perfection that she almost never gets things done on time. Socially, she rarely goes out because she is usually working. She is rigid about her daily schedule. Sandra may qualify for a diagnosis of

Accepted Answer

Sandra's preoccupation with perfectionism and rigid adherence to her daily schedule are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. People with this disorder often prioritize work over social activities, struggle to delegate tasks to others, and have difficulty completing tasks due to their focus on detail and perfection.

Question 17

Sherry is having problems at work because she refuses to make any decisions or to start work on a project until she has gone over the assignment with a fine-toothed comb. She becomes bogged down in the preliminary details of the project, seemingly unable to grasp the "big picture." These behaviors are characteristic of which personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Sherry's behavior is characteristic of someone with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. They tend to get caught up in details and have difficulty making decisions because they feel the need for everything to be perfect. This can hinder their ability to see the bigger picture and make progress on projects.

Question 18

What is the general consensus at this time concerning drug therapy for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Although drug therapies are under careful investigation, there are generally no clearly successful drug therapies at this time for personality disorders. Psychological forms of therapy are the primary treatment for these disorders.

Question 19

What is the major advantage of a dimensional approach to assessing personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

A dimensional approach provides a comprehensive profile of an individual's personality traits, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of their personality disorder.

Question 20

Which type of diagnostic system rates the prominence of personality features, not just their presence or absence?

Accepted Answer

Dimensional diagnostic systems rate the level or intensity of personality features, rather than just presence or absence. Axial, medical, and categorical systems do not rate the prominence of personality features in this way.

Quiz 10: Personality Disorders