how do defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology

ATI RN

Psychology 2301 Exam 1

1. 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.

2. Dr. Lee is studying pain perception using a functionalist perspective. It is most likely that Dr. Lee would suggest that we can only understand the conscious experience of pain?

A. If all the component parts that make up the experience of pain are understood.
B. By observing the outward expression of pain in response to different stimuli.
C. If we first understand the role of pain in human survival and adaptation.
D. If we understand the unconscious processes that initiate the sensation of pain.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The functionalist perspective, as used by Dr. Lee, focuses on understanding the role of pain in human survival and adaptation. This perspective suggests that to fully comprehend pain perception, one must first grasp the significance of pain in terms of its adaptive functions and impact on behavior. Choices A, B, and D do not align with the functionalist perspective, as they do not emphasize the role of pain in human survival and adaptation.

3. Which field of psychology studies attitude change and group behavior?

A. Developmental psychology
B. Social psychology
C. Psychoanalysis
D. Psychometrics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Social psychology. Social psychology specifically focuses on studying topics like attitude change and group behavior. Developmental psychology (Choice A) primarily deals with human growth and development across the lifespan. Psychoanalysis (Choice C) is a theoretical approach to psychology developed by Sigmund Freud focusing on the unconscious mind and childhood experiences. Psychometrics (Choice D) involves the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, personality traits, and abilities.

4. Who took the position that organisms tend to repeat responses that lead to positive outcomes and tend not to repeat responses that lead to neutral or negative outcomes?

A. Sigmund Freud
B. B.F. Skinner
C. Carl Rogers
D. Abraham Maslow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B.F. Skinner. Skinner proposed the theory of operant conditioning, where behavior is shaped by its consequences. Positive outcomes increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, while neutral or negative outcomes decrease it. Sigmund Freud (choice A) is known for his psychoanalytic theory, Carl Rogers (choice C) for person-centered therapy, and Abraham Maslow (choice D) for the hierarchy of needs.

5. a researcher found that there is a negative relationship between perceived parental perfectionism and life satisfaction. what does this mean?

A. Respondents who reported higher levels of perceived parental perfectionism are more likely to report higher levels of life satisfaction
B. Respondents who reported higher levels of perceived parental perfectionism are more likely to report lower levels of life satisfaction
C. Perceived parental perfectionism causes a decline in life satisfaction
D. Any of the above is correct

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A negative relationship means that as one variable increases, the other decreases, so higher perceived parental perfectionism is associated with lower life satisfaction.