What role do genetic predispositions play in the development of mental disorders?

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Psychology 2301 Exam 1 Questions

Question 1 of 9

What role do genetic predispositions play in the development of mental disorders?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Genetic predispositions are indeed a factor in the development of mental disorders, but they are not the sole determining factor. While genetics can predispose individuals to certain conditions, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and life experiences also play a significant role. Choice A is incorrect because mental disorders are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Choice C is incorrect as genetic predispositions do have an impact on mental health. Choice D is incorrect as genetic predispositions do not guarantee the development of mental disorders, as other factors also contribute to their onset.

Question 2 of 9

Scientific research has demonstrated the __________ parenting style is most likely to lead to healthy psychological development in children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Scientific research has demonstrated that the authoritative parenting style is most likely to lead to healthy psychological development in children. Authoritative parents are responsive to their children's emotional needs, set clear boundaries, and encourage independence. This balance fosters a positive environment for children to thrive emotionally and psychologically. Authoritarian parenting (choice A) focuses on strict rules without much warmth, which can lead to obedience but may hinder emotional development. Permissive parenting (choice B) lacks structure and rules, potentially resulting in children feeling insecure. Neglectful parenting (choice D) is characterized by a lack of responsiveness and involvement, leading to various negative outcomes for the child's development.

Question 3 of 9

Freud's view of mental disorders was that they were a result of ________.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Freud believed that mental disorders were a result of unresolved conflicts between the id, ego, and superego. This concept is central to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, where conflicts between these three components of personality lead to psychological distress. Choice B is incorrect because Freud focused more on unconscious conflicts rather than genetic abnormalities. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to later psychodynamic theories rather than Freud's specific view. Choice D is incorrect as Freud's perspective does not emphasize learned behaviors as the primary cause of mental disorders.

Question 4 of 9

What are some common methods used to study genetic influences on behavior?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Common methods used to study genetic influences on behavior include twin studies, adoption studies, and gene mapping. Twin studies help to compare the similarities between identical and fraternal twins to estimate the heritability of a trait. Adoption studies look at the similarities between adopted children and their biological and adoptive parents to determine genetic influences. Gene mapping involves identifying specific genes associated with certain behaviors. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because genetic influences on behavior are not solely studied through twin studies or family history, and while the understanding of genetic influences may vary, there are established methods to study them.

Question 5 of 9

The genetic influences that determine behavior may never be fully understood due to ________

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because most behaviors are influenced by a complex interaction of many genes and the environment. Choice A is incorrect because it states that it is easy to differentiate between the effects of the environment and genes, which is not the case. Choice C is incorrect because although twin studies are commonly used in genetic research, this alone does not hinder the full understanding of genetic influences on behavior. Choice D is incorrect because even though we have some understanding of how genes impact brain chemistry, this does not mean that we fully understand the genetic influences on behavior.

Question 6 of 9

Freud's psychosexual stage that occurs between the ages of 3 and 5 and includes the Oedipal period is the ________ stage.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Freud's psychosexual stage that occurs between the ages of 3 and 5, including the Oedipal period, is the phallic stage. During this stage, children experience the Oedipus or Electra complex, where they develop unconscious sexual desires for the opposite-sex parent and see the same-sex parent as a rival. The genital stage (Choice A) is the final stage where mature sexual interests emerge, oral (Choice B) and anal stages precede the phallic stage, and latency (Choice D) is a stage following the phallic stage characterized by a focus on developing social and cognitive skills.

Question 7 of 9

A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a ________.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A diathesis is indeed the correct term for a predisposition toward developing a disorder. A diathesis refers to an underlying vulnerability or predisposition to a particular condition. Choice B, 'comorbidity,' refers to the presence of two or more disorders in the same individual. Choice C, 'genotype,' relates to an individual's genetic makeup. Choice D, 'phenotype,' refers to the observable characteristics of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. Therefore, A is the most appropriate term for describing a predisposition toward developing a disorder.

Question 8 of 9

After cheating on her husband and feeling ashamed, Julia accused her husband of cheating. Such behavior is explained by which of the following defense mechanisms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Projection. Projection is the defense mechanism where one attributes their own unacceptable feelings to others. In this scenario, Julia is projecting her feelings of guilt and shame onto her husband by accusing him of cheating. Sublimation (choice A) involves channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities. Displacement (choice B) is redirecting emotions from the original source to a substitute target. Rationalization (choice D) is providing logical explanations to justify unacceptable behavior, which is not applicable in this context.

Question 9 of 9

From the cognitive-behavioral perspective, an important limitation with the behavioral perspective is that ________.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because behaviorists, from the cognitive-behavioral perspective, are criticized for not considering the significance of mental processes. This limitation is a key point in the cognitive-behavioral perspective, which emphasizes the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the specific limitation of failing to account for mental processes in the behavioral perspective.

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