defense mechanisms

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. Defense mechanisms ________.

A. make a person feel more anxious and have more problems, as they begin to act defensively.
B. are strategies the id uses to try to achieve its desires.
C. are conscious, intentional attempts to cope effectively with an anxiety-producing event.
D. help a person feel less anxious, but because they usually work by distorting reality, they are not always adaptive.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because defense mechanisms aim to reduce anxiety but can lead to distortion of reality, making them not always beneficial. Choice A is incorrect as defense mechanisms are meant to reduce anxiety, not increase it. Choice B is incorrect because defense mechanisms are not strategies of the id specifically. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are often unconscious and not always intentional.

2. Neural plasticity is ________.

A. the process by which neurotransmitters are broken down in the brain.
B. the flexibility of the brain—existing neural circuits can change or new ones can be made.
C. strong evidence of brain damage, leading to the development of a mental disorder.
D. the best indicator of temperament and its effect on the personality development of a child.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neural plasticity refers to the brain's flexibility to change existing neural circuits or create new ones. Choice A is incorrect as it describes neurotransmitter breakdown, not neural plasticity. Choice C is incorrect because neural plasticity does not necessarily indicate brain damage leading to mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because neural plasticity is not specifically related to temperament or personality development in children.

3. Which of the following best describes a securely attached child in Japanese culture?

A. A child who is dependent, emotionally restrained, and can express his feelings only in an indirect manner.
B. A child who is independent, emotionally expressive, and can communicate well.
C. A child who is dependent, emotionally labile, and can express his feelings only in an aggressive manner.
D. A child who is independent, emotionally restrained, and can communicate well.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In Japanese culture, a securely attached child is described as dependent and emotionally restrained. This means that the child relies on their caregiver for support and is able to control their emotions, expressing their feelings in a more subtle and indirect manner. Choice B is incorrect as it describes independence, which is not characteristic of a securely attached child in Japanese culture. Choice C is also incorrect as it describes emotional lability and expressing feelings aggressively, which are not typical of securely attached children. Choice D is incorrect as it combines independence with emotional restraint, which does not align with the characteristics of a securely attached child in Japanese culture.

4. Genes ________.

A. determine how a person will behave.
B. cause people to develop mental disorders.
C. determine what characteristics a person will have.
D. determine the range of characteristics a person has.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Genes determine the range of characteristics a person has. This is the correct answer because genes contribute to a variety of traits and characteristics a person may have, influencing physical attributes, predispositions to certain conditions, and more. Choice A is incorrect because behavior is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Choice B is incorrect because mental disorders are complex conditions influenced by various factors beyond just genes. Choice C is incorrect because genes do not solely determine all characteristics a person will have, as environmental factors also play a significant role.

5. How do neurotransmitters affect behavior and mental processes?

A. Neurotransmitters have little effect on behavior.
B. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that influence mood, thought, and behavior.
C. Neurotransmitters have a minor role in mental health.
D. Neurotransmitters determine intelligence levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neurotransmitters are chemicals that influence mood, thought, and behavior, playing a significant role in mental health. Choice A is incorrect as neurotransmitters do have a notable effect on behavior. Choice C is incorrect as neurotransmitters have a major role in mental health. Choice D is incorrect as neurotransmitters do not solely determine intelligence levels.