understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Exam 3 Test

1. Understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because ________

A. effective treatment is not possible without such an understanding.
B. classification of disorders cannot be done without such information.
C. such knowledge might make both the prevention and cure of mental disorders possible.
D. disagreements about the causes of psychopathology have long limited the advancements made in the study of abnormal psychology.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Understanding the causes of mental disorders is crucial because it can potentially lead to both prevention and cure. By identifying the root causes, strategies can be developed to prevent the onset of disorders, and effective treatments can be tailored to address these causes directly. This approach can make treatments more efficient, as addressing the underlying factors contributing to the disorder can result in better outcomes for individuals. Choices A and B are incorrect because while understanding causes is important for effective treatment and classification, the primary focus is on prevention and cure. Choice D, while highlighting the impact of disagreements on advancements in abnormal psychology, does not directly address the importance of understanding causes for prevention and cure.

2. How does the environment interact with genetic predispositions to influence mental health?

A. The environment has no influence on mental health.
B. The environment interacts with genetic predispositions to either enhance or mitigate mental health risks.
C. The environment can only influence physical health, not mental health.
D. The environment has a minimal effect on mental health outcomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The environment interacts with genetic predispositions to either enhance or mitigate mental health risks. This highlights the intricate relationship between one's genetic makeup and the environmental factors they are exposed to, both contributing significantly to mental health outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as numerous studies show that the environment plays a crucial role in mental health. Choice C is incorrect as the environment can influence both physical and mental health. Choice D is incorrect as research indicates that the environment can have a substantial impact on mental health outcomes.

3. 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.

4. If having a gene for Parkinson's disease guarantees that Parkinson's disease will develop, the gene is a ________.

A. risk factor
B. necessary cause
C. sufficient cause
D. contributory cause

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: necessary cause. A necessary cause is an essential factor for the disorder to occur. In this scenario, if having a gene for Parkinson's disease guarantees the development of the disease, then the gene is a necessary cause. Choice A, 'risk factor,' implies an increased likelihood of developing the disease but does not indicate certainty. Choice C, 'sufficient cause,' indicates that the gene alone can bring about the disease, which is not necessarily true in this context. Choice D, 'contributory cause,' suggests that the gene plays a part in causing the disease but is not essential for its development.

5. In order for one to have a recessive trait (e.g., having red hair), the person must receive?

A. At least one copy of a recessive gene from a parent
B. Two copies of a recessive gene, one from each parent
C. At least one copy of a recessive gene and at least one copy of a dominant gene
D. At least two copies of a recessive gene from one parent

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Recessive traits are expressed when an individual inherits two copies of the recessive gene, one from each parent. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect as one copy of a recessive gene is not sufficient to display a recessive trait. Choice C is incorrect because having at least one copy of a dominant gene is unrelated to expressing a recessive trait. Choice D is incorrect because two copies of a recessive gene must come from both parents, not just one.