explain the diathesis stress model

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. What does the diathesis-stress model entail?

A. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stress alone is sufficient to cause a mental disorder.
B. The diathesis-stress model involves a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors.
C. The diathesis-stress model suggests that genetic factors alone cause mental disorders.
D. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stressors in the environment do not affect the onset of mental disorders.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model proposes that mental disorders develop from a combination of genetic vulnerability (the diathesis) and environmental stressors. Choice A is incorrect because it states that stress alone can cause mental disorders, which is not in line with the model. Choice C is incorrect as it simplifies the model to genetic factors alone causing mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that environmental stressors do not play a role in the onset of mental disorders, which contradicts the essence of the diathesis-stress model.

2. Dr. Fox studies the causes of depression. In other words, she looks at factors that play a role in the ________ of depression.

A. etiology
B. epidemiology
C. prevalence
D. resiliency

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'etiology.' Etiology specifically deals with the causes or origins of diseases like depression. Choice B, 'epidemiology,' focuses on the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. Choice C, 'prevalence,' refers to the proportion of a population found to have a condition. Choice D, 'resiliency,' relates to the ability to recover from or adjust to challenges.

3. What is extinction and how might it be used in treating a disorder?

A. Extinction strengthens the conditioned response by continuously pairing the conditioned stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus.
B. Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus.
C. Extinction is ineffective and is not used in treating disorders.
D. Extinction is the process of intensifying the conditioned response by pairing the conditioned stimulus with a stronger unconditioned stimulus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Extinction is the process of eliminating a conditioned response by repeatedly presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus. This helps in reducing or eliminating undesired behaviors. Choice A is incorrect because extinction does not strengthen the conditioned response but weakens it. Choice C is also incorrect as extinction is a valid technique used in treating disorders by reducing unwanted behaviors. Choice D is incorrect as extinction does not involve intensifying the conditioned response but rather diminishing it.

4. Why does the selection of a theoretical perspective of mental disorders matter?

A. Because it determines how data is interpreted, and influences treatment approaches.
B. It matters because different perspectives offer different insights into the causes and treatments of mental disorders.
C. The selection of a theoretical perspective is not important as all perspectives lead to the same treatment outcomes.
D. Theoretical perspectives are only relevant for academic research, not for clinical practice.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The selection of a theoretical perspective matters because it determines how data is interpreted and influences the treatment approaches that are considered appropriate. Choice B is incorrect because different perspectives may lead to different interpretations and treatment strategies. Choice C is incorrect because different theoretical perspectives can result in varied treatment outcomes. Choice D is incorrect because theoretical perspectives play a crucial role in both academic research and clinical practice.

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.