Question 1

The __________ hypothesis suggests that people with APD have a higher threshold for feeling fear than do other people.

Accepted Answer

The fearlessness hypothesis suggests that people with APD have a higher threshold for feeling fear than do other people.

Question 2

Sarah finds it very difficult to make decisions, and feels that she desperately needs others to assume responsibilities for important aspects of her life. She accepted a job as a store clerk after asking her husband what job he felt she was best suited for. Judging from this description, which personality disorder is Sarah most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

Sarah's difficulty in making decisions and her need for others to assume responsibilities for her life suggest symptoms of dependent personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder have a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, which often results in submissive and clinging behavior, as well as fears of separation from those on whom they rely.

Question 3

Heather shows frequent fluctuations in her mood and great instability in her personal relationships. She is uncertain about who she "really is" and what she would like to do with her life. Judging from this description, which personality disorder is Heather most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

Heather's symptoms, including mood fluctuations, instability in personal relationships, and uncertainty about her identity and life goals, are characteristic of borderline personality disorder. People with this disorder often struggle with intense emotions and have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviors. They may also have a distorted sense of self and struggle with self-image issues.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Psychopathy, as measured by the PCL-R, has been demonstrated to be a more reliable construct than antisocial personality disorder. Research has shown that the PCL-R is a more reliable and valid tool for assessing psychopathy than it is for assessing antisocial personality disorder. Additionally, the construct of psychopathy has been found to have stronger predictive power for violent behavior and recidivism than the construct of antisocial personality disorder.

Question 5

Many people with borderline personality disorder strongly desire intimacy with others, but once they begin to get close to their partner they become anxious and back away. This interpersonal style has been referred to as

Accepted Answer

This behavior is characteristic of the anxious ambivalent attachment style, where individuals desire closeness but fear intimacy, leading to a push-pull dynamic in relationships.

Question 6

The relationship between psychopathy and APD appears to be ___________ and it has been found that_________________.

Accepted Answer

The relationship between psychopathy and APD is asymmetrical, meaning that most people who meet criteria for psychopathy will also meet criteria for APD, but the converse is not true. In other words, APD is a broader diagnosis that includes elements of psychopathy, but not all individuals with APD meet the criteria for psychopathy.

Question 7

Schmauk has suggested that psychopaths are not unresponsive to physical punishment, but rather respond opposite to the punisher's intention, presumably as a way of exercising some degree of control in the face of aversive experiences. This behaviour has been referred to as __________ behaviour.

Accepted Answer

The behaviour described in the question is oppositional behaviour. Psychopaths respond to physical punishment in a way that opposes the punisher's intention, as a way to exercise control.

Question 8

In Porter's (1996) theory, fundamental psychopathy is seen as the result of __________ factors, whereas secondary psychopathy is believed to result from __________ factors.

Accepted Answer

Porter's theory posits that fundamental or primary psychopathy is rooted in biological factors, such as genetic predispositions or neurological differences, while secondary psychopathy is thought to stem from psychological factors, including trauma or other adverse life experiences.

Question 9

Research has found that the relatives of men with dependent personality disorder are more likely to experience __________, whereas the relatives of female dependents are more likely to have __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research has found that the relatives of...

Question 10

Joe is extremely sensitive to criticism and disapproval, and as a result actively avoids intimacy with others. However, he is lonely and would like to have more friends. Judging from this description, which personality disorder is Joe most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

Joe's sensitivity to criticism and disapproval, as well as his avoidance of intimacy, are characteristic of avoidant personality disorder. The other options do not fit the description as well.

Question 11

David has been described as flamboyant and overly dramatic in his emotional displays. He constantly seeks the spotlight in social situations and strongly dislikes being ignored. Judging from this description, which personality disorder is David most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

David's behavior is indicative of histrionic personality disorder, which is characterized by excessive attention-seeking, dramatic emotional displays, and a need to be the center of attention in social situations.

Question 12

Borderline personality disorder typically begins in __________ and is thought to be more common in __________.

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder typically begins in adolescence and is thought to be more common in women.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT true of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised?

Accepted Answer

The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) does not discriminate between Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) and the other personality disorders. Instead, it is used to assess the presence of psychopathic traits that are not specific to any one disorder.

Question 14

Reviews of the literature on treatment efficacy for antisocial personality disorder patients has been __________ about the prognosis for those with this disorder.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Reviews of the literature on treatment efficacy...

Question 15

Several researchers have reported that the symptoms of antisocial behaviour eventually end, often around the fourth decade of life. This occurrence has been called the __________ factor.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Several researchers have reported that the symptoms...

Question 16

The DSM-IV-TR criteria for the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder presents __________ exemplars reflecting the violation of the rights of others, and __________ or more must be met for the diagnosis to be applied.

Accepted Answer

The DSM-IV-TR criteria for the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder presents 7 exemplars reflecting the violation of the rights of others, and 3 or more must be met for the diagnosis to be applied.

Question 17

Borderline personality disorder has a lifetime prevalence of approximately __________% of the population.

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 2% of the population.

Question 18

Clara considers herself extremely talented at all that she does. She is excessively preoccupied with her own interests and demands that others treat her as special. Judging from this description, which personality disorder is Clara most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

Clara exhibits traits that are characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder, such as excessive self-focus and a sense of entitlement to special treatment.

Question 19

Egocentricity is the hallmark of which of the following personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. This is why egocentricity is the hallmark of narcissistic personality disorder.

Question 20

Hare gives an estimate that __________ percent of the Canadian population is psychopathic.

Accepted Answer

Hare estimates that about 1 percent of the Canadian population is psychopathic. This figure is often cited in discussions about the prevalence of psychopathy in the general population.

Quiz 12: The Personality Disorders