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. 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.

3. During which period of psychosexual development does a child become preoccupied with the development of skills and activities?

A. Genital
B. Phallic
C. Latency
D. Pubertal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Latency. In the Latency stage of psychosexual development, which occurs from around age 6 to puberty, children are focused on developing skills and engaging in activities rather than exploring sexuality. This period is characterized by the suppression of sexual impulses and the emphasis on social and intellectual pursuits. Choice A, Genital, refers to the final stage of psychosexual development in Freud's theory where individuals reach sexual maturity. Choice B, Phallic, pertains to the stage where children become aware of anatomical differences between boys and girls and develop unconscious sexual desires for the opposite-sex parent. Choice D, Pubertal, is not a recognized stage in Freud's psychosexual development theory.

4. What is a set of age norms defining a sequence of life experiences that is considered normal in a given culture and that all individuals in that culture are expected to follow, which may lead to ____?

A. Normative age-graded influence; sexism
B. Social clock; ageism
C. Critical period; normative age-graded influence
D. Sensitive period

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Social clock; ageism. A social clock refers to the normal sequence of life events in a culture, and not meeting these norms can result in ageism. Choice A is incorrect because normative age-graded influence is not directly related to sexism. Choice C is incorrect as critical period refers to specific time frames for development, not a set of age norms. Choice D, sensitive period, does not directly relate to the concept described in the question.

5. What does ethnography refer to?

A. A detailed description of a single culture or context
B. Corrupted by original sin
C. The product of evolution
D. A blank slate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ethnography refers to a detailed description of a single culture or context. It involves the systematic study and recording of human cultures, including customs, behaviors, and social structures. Choice B, 'Corrupted by original sin,' is incorrect as it does not relate to ethnography. Choice C, 'The product of evolution,' is incorrect as it does not define ethnography. Choice D, 'A blank slate,' is incorrect as it does not describe the practice of ethnography.