which of the following is true about subjective distress

ATI RN

Exam 4 Psychology 101

1. Which of the following is true about subjective distress?

A. All individuals with mental illness experience some degree of distress
B. Distress is the only criterion in diagnosing abnormality
C. Its presence is enough for a clinician to determine if someone has a mental illness
D. Some individuals with a mental disorder may not experience subjective distress

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Subjective distress is not universal among individuals with a mental disorder. Choice A is incorrect as not all individuals with mental illness experience distress. Choice B is incorrect because distress is just one of the criteria used in diagnosing abnormality, not the only one. Choice C is incorrect because the presence of subjective distress alone is not sufficient for a clinician to determine if someone has a mental illness.

2. Elliot became widowed after nearly 40 years of marriage. He has convinced himself that no one will ever love him again. His irrational thinking has caused him to suffer from depression, and he rarely leaves his house. What perspective might best explain his behavior?

A. Psychodynamic
B. Behavioral
C. Biological
D. Cognitive

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The cognitive perspective might best explain Elliot's irrational thinking and resulting depression. In this case, Elliot's belief that he will never be loved again is a cognitive distortion, leading to depressive symptoms and social withdrawal. The psychodynamic perspective primarily focuses on unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts from the past, which do not directly address Elliot's current cognitive distortions. The behavioral perspective would focus on observable behaviors and how they are reinforced, which is not the central issue in this scenario. The biological perspective would examine the role of genetics, brain chemistry, and other physiological factors, which are not the primary cause of Elliot's behavior in this context.

3. Which of the following statements is not true about selective mutism?

A. The disturbance is often marked by high social anxiety
B. It can be diagnosed alongside social anxiety disorder
C. The person is capable of speaking in some situations
D. It may lead to academic impairment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Selective mutism can coexist with social anxiety disorder. The correct answer is B because it is incorrect to say that selective mutism cannot be diagnosed alongside social anxiety disorder. Statement A is true as selective mutism is often associated with high social anxiety. Statement C is true as individuals with selective mutism can speak in some situations. Statement D is true as selective mutism may lead to academic impairment due to difficulties in communication.

4. Which of the following characteristics best describes differences between bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa?

A. Individuals with anorexia nervosa do not have as severe health risks as individuals with bulimia nervosa have.
B. Individuals with bulimia nervosa may have a normal body weight.
C. Individuals with anorexia nervosa have been known to binge like those with bulimia nervosa on occasion.
D. Only those with bulimia nervosa display compensatory behaviors.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Individuals with bulimia nervosa may maintain a normal body weight, while anorexia nervosa is often associated with severe underweight. Choice A is incorrect because individuals with anorexia nervosa actually face severe health risks due to malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and other complications. Choice C is incorrect as anorexia nervosa is characterized by restriction of food intake rather than binge eating. Choice D is incorrect as individuals with anorexia nervosa can also display compensatory behaviors such as excessive exercise or fasting.

5. Which approach contends that psychology must study internal mental events to fully understand behavior?

A. Behaviorism.
B. Cognitive psychology.
C. Evolutionary psychology.
D. Humanism.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology focuses on studying internal mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving to understand behavior. Behaviorism (choice A) emphasizes observable behavior over internal mental processes. Evolutionary psychology (choice C) examines how evolutionary principles influence behavior, not solely focusing on internal mental events. Humanism (choice D) emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization rather than internal mental events as the primary focus of study.