what are protective factors give an example how can protective factors impact a persons later functioning

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. What are protective factors? Give an example of one and explain how it can impact a person's later functioning.

A. Protective factors are influences that modify a person's response to environmental stressors, making adverse consequences less likely.
B. An example of a protective factor is having a warm and caring parent, which may lead to resilience.
C. Protective factors usually lead to resilience, the ability to adapt successfully to stressful circumstances.
D. Protective factors always prevent the development of psychopathology.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Protective factors are influences that modify a person's response to environmental stressors, reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes. An example of a protective factor is having a warm and caring parent, which can foster resilience in individuals. Resilience allows individuals to adapt successfully to stressful situations. Choice A is incorrect as protective factors do not always prevent adverse consequences but reduce their likelihood. Choice C is incorrect as resilience is the outcome of protective factors, not the other way around. Choice D is incorrect as while protective factors can reduce the risk of psychopathology, they do not always prevent its development.

2. Which term refers to events that typically happen to everyone at certain times of life?

A. Normative age-graded influence
B. Social clock
C. Sensitive period
D. Normative history-graded influences

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Normative age-graded influence. Normative age-graded influences are events that typically happen to everyone at certain life stages, such as marriage, parenthood, puberty, and menopause. Choice B, 'Social clock,' refers to the culturally preferred timing of social events. Choice C, 'Sensitive period,' represents a time when a particular development occurs most easily. Choice D, 'Normative history-graded influences,' are common to people of a particular generation due to historical circumstances.

3. An elementary school principal wants to know the best predictors of juvenile delinquency and dropping out of school in high school so she can provide preventive interventions. Your best advice is ________.

A. Look for kids who are very popular because they are class clowns.
B. Silent, depressed, loners tend to be dropouts because they are often depressed.
C. There is no way to predict juvenile delinquency as early as elementary school.
D. The best predictor is aggression toward peers, which leads to peer rejection.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best advice is to look for aggression toward peers as the best predictor of juvenile delinquency and dropping out of school. Option A is incorrect because being popular or a class clown doesn't necessarily indicate delinquency. Option B is incorrect as not all silent, depressed loners end up as dropouts. Option C is incorrect as research shows that early signs of aggression can predict future delinquent behavior and school dropout rates, making it feasible to intervene early.

4. When examining heredity, mental disorders are almost always ________

A. influenced by one particular gene.
B. influenced by multiple genes.
C. influenced by recessive genes.
D. not influenced by genes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When examining heredity, mental disorders are influenced by multiple genes. Mental disorders are complex conditions that typically result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors. While genetics play a significant role in predisposing individuals to mental disorders, it is rare for a single gene to be solely responsible for a mental disorder. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because mental disorders are not usually influenced by one particular gene, recessive genes specifically, or not influenced by genes at all.

5. How do early life experiences shape brain development and behavior?

A. Early life experiences have no impact on brain development.
B. Early life experiences are crucial in shaping brain development and later behavior.
C. Early life experiences are not significant in brain development.
D. Early life experiences are easily overcome by adulthood.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Early life experiences are crucial in shaping brain development and later behavior. These experiences play a significant role in laying the foundation for future mental health and behavior. Choice A is incorrect because early life experiences do have a profound impact on brain development. Choice C is incorrect as early life experiences are indeed significant in brain development. Choice D is incorrect as early life experiences can have lasting effects into adulthood.