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. What role do hormones play in mental health and behavior?

A. Hormones only affect physical processes, not mental health.
B. Hormones play a critical role in regulating mood, behavior, and mental health.
C. Hormones have no effect on behavior.
D. Hormones are only involved in reproductive processes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hormones play a critical role in regulating mood, behavior, and mental health, influencing everything from stress response to emotional stability. Choice A is incorrect because hormones have a significant impact on mental health in addition to physical processes. Choice C is incorrect as hormones do have a notable effect on behavior. Choice D is incorrect as hormones have broad functions beyond just reproductive processes.

3. Define resilience and explain its significance in mental health.

A. Resilience refers to the ability to avoid all mental health issues despite severe stress.
B. Resilience is the ability to adapt successfully to even very difficult circumstances.
C. Resilience is the tendency to be unaffected by any form of stress or adversity.
D. Resilience is the ability to avoid stress by avoiding challenges.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct definition of resilience is the ability to adapt successfully to difficult circumstances, not avoiding stress entirely. Resilience is significant in mental health as it helps individuals overcome adversity rather than avoiding it. Choice A is incorrect as resilience doesn't mean avoiding all mental health issues but rather dealing with stress effectively. Choice C is incorrect as resilience involves facing and overcoming stress, not being unaffected by it. Choice D is incorrect as resilience involves facing challenges and stress, not avoiding them altogether.

4. Why is it discouraged to use terms such as 'schizophrenic', 'autistic', and 'retarded' when referring to people with mental illness?

A. These terms are no longer in the DSM
B. There are only a small number of people diagnosed with these terms
C. There is nothing wrong in using these terms
D. Because people with mental illness are not defined by their condition

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is discouraged to use terms like 'schizophrenic', 'autistic', and 'retarded' when referring to people with mental illness because people with mental illness should not be defined solely by their condition. Using such labels can reduce individuals to just their diagnosis, overlooking their individuality and other aspects of their identity. It is essential to treat individuals with mental illness with respect and dignity, focusing on their humanity rather than reducing them to a label. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the main reason for discouraging these terms lies in not defining individuals by their conditions, rather than the terms being in or out of the DSM, the number of diagnosed individuals, or the perception of whether there is anything wrong with using such terms.

5. Larry is a graduate student whose major area of interest is social psychology. What should you expect that Larry is most interested in?

A. The ways in which physical or genetic factors influence and determine behavior.
B. The internal factors that lead people to act consistently across a variety of situations.
C. How people relate to each other and influence each other.
D. The ways in which behavior and mental processes change over a lifetime.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Social psychology focuses on how individuals relate to each other, influence each other, and interact within social groups. This field is more concerned with social interactions and behaviors rather than physical or genetic factors influencing behavior (choice A), internal factors leading to consistent behavior (choice B), or changes in behavior and mental processes over a lifetime (choice D). Therefore, the most appropriate area of interest for Larry, being a graduate student in social psychology, would be how people relate to and influence each other.