Question 1

A meta-analysis of the results from 475 studies found that the average person who received therapy shows more improvement than about 80% of similar people who were not in therapy.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true based on the findings of the meta-analysis, which suggest that therapy leads to significant improvement in a majority of cases compared to those who do not receive therapy.

Question 2

You have a bad habit of procrastinating. This habit is causing you difficulty in your life, so you decide to see a behavior therapist. To fix your problem, the behavior therapist will first explore your childhood to determine why you procrastinate.

Accepted Answer

Behavior therapy focuses on changing current behaviors and thought patterns rather than exploring past experiences or the unconscious reasons behind behaviors.

Question 3

The predominant view of abnormality in Western cultures today is the biopsychosocial model.

Accepted Answer

The predominant view of abnormality in Western cultures today is the biopsychosocial model, which takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health and illness. This approach recognizes that mental health disorders are complex and multifaceted, and that a range of different factors may contribute to their development and persistence. It emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person, rather than just focusing on specific symptoms or behaviors. As such, the biopsychosocial model is widely regarded as a more comprehensive and holistic approach to understanding and treating mental health disorders.

Question 4

Psychologists overwhelmingly agree that the basic goal or idea behind the deinstitutionalization movement was flawed.

Accepted Answer

The basic goal of the deinstitutionalization movement, which was to integrate mentally ill individuals into the community and improve their quality of life through more humane treatment, is generally not considered flawed by psychologists. The criticism often lies in the implementation and lack of adequate community resources, not the foundational idea itself.

Question 5

DSM-IV is the manual that lists the officially approved treatments for each of the mental disorders.

Accepted Answer

The DSM-IV is a manual that lists the criteria for diagnosis of mental disorders, but it does not provide specific treatments for each disorder. Treatment recommendations can vary based on a variety of factors, including individual patient needs and preferences, as well as current research on effective treatment approaches. The DSM-5, which has replaced the DSM-IV, also does not provide specific treatment recommendations for each disorder.

Question 6

One reason that more behavior is now labeled as "mental illness" is that insurance companies are more likely to pay for treatment if the person has a diagnosed mental illness.

Accepted Answer

Insurance companies have specific diagnostic criteria for what they will cover in terms of mental health treatment, so there may be a tendency to diagnose more behaviors as mental illness in order to receive coverage for treatment.

Question 7

Over the years, people have had many views of what abnormal behavior is, and what causes it. One recurrent idea is demon possession, a popular idea in medieval Europe and still a widespread idea in much of the world today.

Accepted Answer

Demon possession was a popular idea in medieval Europe and is still believed in many parts of the world today as an explanation for abnormal behavior.

Question 8

About 25% of all accused felons plead insanity in an effort to avoid going to prison.

Accepted Answer

Less than 1% of all court cases involve an insanity defense, and it is successful in only a small fraction of those.

Question 9

It is possible for a cognitive therapist to practice family systems therapy simultaneously.

Accepted Answer

It is possible for a cognitive therapist to learn and incorporate family systems therapy into their practice, either as a separate modality or as an integrated approach. However, they would need to receive additional training and certification in family systems therapy to provide competent and ethical treatment.

Question 10

You are seeing a therapist to help treat your anxiety. Your therapist believes your anxiety stems from your beliefs that "I must do well at all times," and "people must approve of me." Your therapist is employing humanistic therapy.

Accepted Answer

The beliefs mentioned are more closely associated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) rather than humanistic therapy. In humanistic therapy, the focus is on self-growth, self-awareness, and the client's full potential, rather than specific negative beliefs.

Question 11

The percentage of therapists who use Freudian methods is smaller today than during the 1950s.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Today, there are many different schools of therapy that have emerged since the development of Freudian psychoanalysis in the early 20th century. While some therapists still use Freudian methods, the percentage is smaller than it was during the height of Freudian influence in the 1950s.

Question 12

You go to a therapist who asks you to describe your dreams. Your therapist then offers interpretations of what your dreams actually mean. Your therapist is using the psychoanalytic approach.

Accepted Answer

The psychoanalytic approach involves looking at a person's unconscious thoughts and desires, often through the analysis of dreams. The therapist will help the patient interpret their dreams in order to gain insight into their underlying psychological issues or conflicts.

Question 13

One common theme in all the different approaches to therapy is a deep concern for the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors experienced in childhood.

Accepted Answer

Different approaches to therapy focus on various aspects of the individual's life, not all emphasize childhood experiences. Some therapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy, focus more on current thoughts and behaviors rather than childhood.

Question 14

Most therapists practicing today use an eclectic approach, in which they use a combination of methods and approaches to therapy.

Accepted Answer

Most therapists today use an eclectic approach, combining different methods and approaches to therapy based on the client's specific needs and goals. This allows for a personalized and effective treatment approach.

Question 15

Personality disorders are included along with mental retardation on Axis II of DSM-IV because they are conditions that generally persist through the person's life.

Accepted Answer

Personality disorders are classified on Axis II of the DSM-IV because they are enduring patterns of behavior and traits that persist across different situations and over time. They are not episodic or temporary mental health conditions like those included on Axis I. Mental retardation was also included on Axis II in the DSM-IV because it is a developmental disability that typically persists throughout the person's life.

Question 16

Surveys indicate that 5-10% of the population in the United States will suffer from a psychological disorder at some point in their life.

Accepted Answer

Surveys actually indicate that a much higher percentage, with estimates often around or exceeding 50%, of the population in the United States will suffer from a psychological disorder at some point in their lives.

Question 17

People who have been involuntarily committed to a mental hospital still have the legal right to refuse a particular form of treatment.

Accepted Answer

According to the law, patients who are involuntarily committed to a mental hospital still have the legal right to refuse a particular form of treatment, such as medication or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), unless a court order specifically mandates the treatment. However, refusing treatment may impact their ability to be released from the hospital.

Question 18

The goal of psychoanalysis is to help the client move their conflicts from conscious awareness to the unconscious, ending the problem.

Accepted Answer

The goal of psychoanalysis is not to eliminate conflicts, but rather to help the client gain insight into their unconscious thoughts and feelings in order to understand how they influence their behavior, and explore new ways to cope with and work through those conflicts.

Question 19

Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists evaluate patients and then decide who requires an involuntary commitment and who does not.

Accepted Answer

Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists can evaluate patients and provide recommendations, but the decision for involuntary commitment is typically made by a court or legal authority based on their assessments.

Question 20

You are seeing a therapist to help treat your anxiety. Your therapist is completely accepting of you, but rarely offers suggestions or advice, and instead paraphrases and restates what you have just said. Your therapist is employing cognitive therapy.

Accepted Answer

The therapist is using a technique more aligned with person-centered therapy, which emphasizes empathy and unconditional positive regard, rather than cognitive therapy, which focuses on changing negative thought patterns.

Quiz 15: A--Abnormality, Therapy, and Social Issues