cortisol is a hormone that

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. Cortisol is a hormone that ________

A. is released by the hypothalamus and travels to the pituitary gland, causing it to respond.
B. the pituitary gland releases to stimulate the adrenal gland.
C. the adrenal gland produces that mobilizes the body to deal with stress.
D. reduces the reuptake of the monoamine neurotransmitters.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that mobilizes the body to deal with stress. It helps regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and assist in memory formulation. Choice A is incorrect as cortisol is not released by the hypothalamus and does not travel to the pituitary gland. Choice B is incorrect as cortisol is not released by the pituitary gland but acts on it to regulate hormone production. Choice D is incorrect as cortisol does not reduce the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters.

2. Which of the following psychodynamic elements of the personality can be described as impulsive and selfish?

A. Ego
B. Id
C. Superego
D. Ideal self

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Id. In psychodynamic theory, the Id is the component driven by basic, primal instincts, seeking instant gratification without consideration for consequences. It operates on the pleasure principle, aiming to fulfill desires immediately. The Superego, on the other hand, represents the internalized moral standards and ideals, while the Ego mediates between the Id and Superego, balancing impulses with societal norms. The 'Ideal self' is a concept from humanistic psychology related to one's aspirations and goals, not a component in psychodynamic theory. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

3. How do defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology?

A. They do not contribute to psychopathology as they are healthy coping mechanisms.
B. They contribute to psychopathology by allowing individuals to avoid confronting painful realities.
C. Defense mechanisms have no connection to psychopathology.
D. Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies that can lead to the development of psychopathology.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology by allowing individuals to avoid confronting painful realities. This avoidance can prevent individuals from dealing with underlying issues, leading to the development or exacerbation of psychopathological conditions. Choice A is incorrect because while defense mechanisms may serve as coping mechanisms, they can also contribute to psychopathology when used excessively or inappropriately. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are indeed connected to psychopathology. Choice D is incorrect because defense mechanisms, when maladaptive, can contribute to psychopathology rather than being considered healthy coping strategies.

4. What is the biopsychosocial model?

A. A model that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental disorders.
B. A model that emphasizes the interaction between biological and psychological factors, excluding social influences.
C. The biopsychosocial model emphasizes only psychological factors in mental disorders.
D. The biopsychosocial model is a purely biological approach to mental health.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The biopsychosocial model is a comprehensive approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental disorders. Choice A is correct because it accurately describes how this model integrates these three factors. Choice B is incorrect as it excludes social influences from the model. Choice C is incorrect because it states that the model only emphasizes psychological factors, which is not true. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that the model is purely biological, which is also inaccurate.

5. What is the traditional cutoff in diagnosing intellectual disability?

A. IQ score below 80
B. IQ score below 70
C. IQ score below 60
D. IQ score below 50

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The traditional cutoff for diagnosing intellectual disability is an IQ score below 70. An IQ score below 70 is generally considered as the threshold for diagnosing intellectual disability. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the commonly accepted cutoff point for diagnosing intellectual disability.