Question 1

Using the "core feature" of abnormal behavior in identifying mental disorders,the occurrence of abnormal behavior would be defined as behavior that

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using the "core feature" of abnormal behavior...

Question 2

A person can show extreme distress,such as grief at the death of a loved one,without having psychopathology,while a person with mania,who feels "on top of the world," does have a mental disorder.This illustrates the difficulties with classifying behavior as abnormal using the criterion of

Accepted Answer

This illustrates the limitations of using the criterion of subjective discomfort to classify behavior as abnormal. While extreme distress may be a normal reaction to a significant life event, such as the death of a loved one, it does not necessarily indicate the presence of a mental disorder. Conversely, an individual experiencing mania may feel euphoric and on top of the world, but this is a symptom of a mental disorder (i.e., bipolar disorder).

Question 3

In some countries,it is normal to defecate or urinate in public.This makes it clear that judgments of the normality of behavior are

Accepted Answer

Normality of behavior is relative to culture, meaning that what may be considered normal in one culture may not be in another culture. In this case, defecating or urinating in public may be considered normal in some cultures, but not in others.

Question 4

In practice,which of the following explains most instances in which people voluntarily seek professional help?

Accepted Answer

Subjective discomfort, or experiencing emotional or psychological distress, is typically the most common reason why people seek professional help voluntarily. This can include symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.

Question 5

Which of the following behaviors is considered abnormal by almost all cultures?

Accepted Answer

Failure to communicate and unpredictable actions are considered abnormal by almost all cultures because they significantly impair an individual's ability to function within societal norms and expectations.

Question 6

According to the textbook,abnormal behavior that is indicative of the person requiring psychological help is defined by the core feature of

Accepted Answer

Abnormal behavior that is indicative of the person requiring psychological help is defined by the core feature of being maladaptive, meaning that it interferes with a person's ability to function in their daily life and causes distress. While statistically rare or involving subjective discomfort may also be components of abnormal behavior, they do not necessarily require psychological help. The idea of abnormal behavior being outside the realm of cultural relativity is now considered outdated and problematic in the field of psychology.

Question 7

As part of a class assignment to "find out how it feels to be crazy for a day," students performed some "strange" behaviors in public,such as talking to imaginary people,covering their heads with aluminum foil,or walking around a mall with an open umbrella.The students would most likely to be viewed as abnormal based on

Accepted Answer

The behavior of the students is not considered abnormal based on cultural relativity, as there is no culture where talking to imaginary people or covering one's head with aluminum foil is considered normal. However, it can be seen as social nonconformity, as the students are deviating from societal norms of behavior in public. The behavior does not indicate depersonalization or neuroticism.

Question 8

If Marty is exhibiting maladaptive behavior,we would expect him to

Accepted Answer

Maladaptive behavior refers to behavior that interferes with an individual's ability to effectively function in daily life. It is often caused by an underlying psychological or biological dysfunction. This explanation fits option D, as it suggests that a dysfunction is making it difficult for Marty to meet the demands of day-to-day life. Option A is incorrect because maladaptive behavior is not always culturally relative. Option B is incorrect because social nonconforming behavior may or may not be maladaptive. Option C is incorrect because there may be individuals who have a lack of consistent happiness and sociability but are not exhibiting maladaptive behavior.

Question 9

Although her family is unaware of her chronic feelings of hopelessness and despair,Carmen is very unhappy.Thus,she would be exhibiting psychopathology based on

Accepted Answer

Carmen is experiencing subjective discomfort, meaning she is unhappy and experiencing negative emotions, even though her family is unaware and she is not necessarily exhibiting any statistically abnormal or socially nonconforming behavior.

Question 10

If you heard that a person exposed himself to another person in a place of business,you would probably think that the person was abnormal until you realized the person was exposing himself to his family doctor during the course of a physical examination.This story illustrates the importance of

Accepted Answer

The story demonstrates the importance of situational context - the understanding that behavior can be interpreted differently depending on the situation in which it occurs. In this case, the behavior of exposing oneself is not abnormal when it happens during a medical exam, but would be considered socially nonconforming in a public place. Cultural relativity and subjective discomfort are not relevant to this scenario.

Question 11

If Edgar is exhibiting maladaptive behavior,we would expect this behavior to often result in

Accepted Answer

Maladaptive behavior refers to behavior that impairs a person's ability to function effectively in their daily life. This can manifest in a variety of ways but it often results in psychological discomfort, disability, or a loss of control over thoughts, behaviors, or feelings. The other options (A, B, and D) do not necessarily fit this description of maladaptive behavior.

Question 12

A core feature of all abnormal behavior is that it is

Accepted Answer

Abnormal behavior is defined as maladaptive because it impairs an individual's ability to function effectively in daily life, fulfill roles and responsibilities, and maintain relationships. While abnormal behavior may be influenced by cultural norms and expectations, it is not necessarily culturally absolute. Abnormal behavior may also be learned through conditioning and modeling, but this is not a defining characteristic of abnormal behavior. Similarly, abnormal behavior may vary in its expression and severity across different ages, but it is not dependent on age.

Question 13

Regarding the use of subjective discomfort as evidence of psychopathology,which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

The majority of individuals who suffer mania do not seek help due to subjective discomfort, as they often experience feelings of euphoria and grandiosity rather than discomfort.

Question 14

Almost any behavior can be judged to be normal or abnormal depending on the specific circumstances present.This qualification for judging whether or not a behavior is abnormal is referred to as

Accepted Answer

Situational context refers to the specific circumstances or context surrounding a behavior that may impact whether it is considered normal or abnormal. It recognizes that behavior cannot be judged solely on its own without considering the environment or situation in which it occurs. Subjective judgment, on the other hand, is based on personal opinion or perception and may not be consistent across individuals or cultures. Environmental selectivity and personal relativity are not recognized concepts in psychology.

Question 15

In understanding abnormality,which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Behaviors that are considered abnormal in one culture may not be considered abnormal in others. This is due to cultural variations in beliefs, values, and norms. Therefore, behaviors defined as abnormal in one culture may not necessarily be abnormal in all cultures.

Question 16

Most definitions of abnormality

Accepted Answer

Most definitions of abnormality take context into consideration and are relative. This means that they consider factors such as culture, gender, age, and environment. Abnormality is not solely based on statistical deviations, social nonconformity, or subjective discomfort, although these factors may be taken into account.

Question 17

Which of the following defines actions that would be considered "strange" within a particular culture and are often the first sign that a person has a problem?

Accepted Answer

Social nonconformity refers to actions that go against the norm within a specific culture. These actions could be considered "strange" and may be an early indication of a problem. Cultural relativity refers to the idea that cultural practices should be understood within the context of that culture, rather than being judged by outside standards. Depersonalization and neurosis are not directly related to this concept.

Question 18

If you heard that a person was barking and jumping around on "all fours," you might think the person abnormal until you found out the person was on stage practicing the part of a "talking dog" in the upcoming student play.This story illustrates the importance of

Accepted Answer

The story highlights the importance of situational context in understanding human behavior. Without knowing the context, one might jump to conclusions and label the person as abnormal or socially nonconforming. However, once the context is known, the behavior can be understood and accepted as appropriate within the given situation.

Question 19

A person whose immoral behavior harms others,but who feels no remorse for such harmful behavior,would NOT be regarded as abnormal if the criterion used was

Accepted Answer

The answer of A person whose immoral behavior harms others,but...

Question 20

You have just moved into a neighborhood and hear that the woman who lives next door almost never leaves her house.Having had general psychology,you think that she might have agoraphobia until you find out that her religion encourages women to stay at home.From this illustration,it is clear that which of the following can affect the diagnosis of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

The cultural expectations and norms surrounding behavior can impact the diagnosis and interpretation of psychological disorders. In this case, the woman's behavior is within the expectations of her religion, which encourages women to stay at home, and therefore does not necessarily meet the criteria for agoraphobia. Cultural relativity is the idea that behaviors and beliefs must be understood in the context of the culture in which they occur.

Quiz 60: Psychological Disorders: Normality and Psychopathology