etiology is

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. Etiology refers to ________

A. a condition that tends to maintain maladaptive behavior.
B. the causal pattern of a disorder.
C. a predisposition toward developing a disorder.
D. a condition that makes it less likely a person will experience the negative consequences of stress.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Etiology refers to the causal pattern of a disorder, explaining the factors contributing to the development of a specific condition. Choice A is incorrect as it describes a condition that maintains maladaptive behavior, which is not the definition of etiology. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to a predisposition, which is more related to risk factors rather than the cause itself. Choice D is incorrect as it discusses a condition that reduces the negative consequences of stress, which is not directly related to the cause of a disorder.

2. Biological discoveries ________.

A. have lessened the subjectivity of definitions of abnormality.
B. demonstrate that the environment plays only a minimal role in the development of psychopathology.
C. make it clear that mental disorders are diseases and should be dealt with by the medical profession.
D. have led to a recognition of the role that genetic factors and other biological influences play in the development of many disorders.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Biological discoveries have indeed led to a recognition of the role that genetic factors and other biological influences play in the development of many disorders. This understanding has shifted the focus from purely environmental explanations to acknowledging the significant impact of genetics and biology on mental health. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because biological discoveries have not specifically addressed the subjectivity of definitions of abnormality, minimized the role of the environment in psychopathology, or definitively classified mental disorders as diseases that should only be handled by the medical profession.

3. Which of the following statements is true?

A. Most behavioral disorders are determined exclusively by genes.
B. Genes play a role in most mental disorders.
C. Genes do not affect biochemical processes.
D. The genes that will be expressed in an individual are not affected by experience.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Genes play a role in most mental disorders.' This statement is true as genes do play a significant role in the development of various mental disorders. Choice A is incorrect because most behavioral disorders are influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors, not exclusively genes. Choice C is incorrect as genes do affect biochemical processes. Choice D is incorrect because the expression of genes in an individual can be influenced by experiences and environmental factors, a concept known as gene-environment interaction.

4. Unlike those with autism spectrum disorder, those with reactive attachment disorder have a history of:

A. Schizoid personality disorder
B. Autism spectrum disorder
C. Reactive attachment disorder
D. Disinhibited social engagement disorder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reactive attachment disorder. Individuals with reactive attachment disorder have a history of severe social neglect, which distinguishes it from autism spectrum disorder. Choice A, Schizoid personality disorder, is incorrect as it is not typically associated with the history described in reactive attachment disorder. Choice B, Autism spectrum disorder, is incorrect because individuals with autism spectrum disorder do not necessarily have a history of severe social neglect. Choice D, Disinhibited social engagement disorder, is also incorrect as it is a separate attachment disorder characterized by indiscriminate social behavior, not necessarily a history of neglect.

5. Which psychosexual stage focuses on castration anxiety?

A. Genital
B. Oral
C. Anal
D. Phallic

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Castration anxiety is a concept from Freudian psychoanalytic theory that occurs during the Phallic stage. This stage occurs between 3 to 6 years of age and is when children experience conflicts related to the Oedipus complex (boys) and Electra complex (girls). During this stage, children may fear castration (in boys) or penis envy (in girls), which are crucial components of castration anxiety. Therefore, the correct answer is Phallic. The other options (A: Genital, B: Oral, C: Anal) are incorrect as they do not specifically involve castration anxiety but rather represent different stages in Freud's psychosexual development theory.