Psychology 2301 Exam 1

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Genes play a role in most mental disorders.' This statement is true as genes do play a significant role in the development of various mental disorders. Choice A is incorrect because most behavioral disorders are influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors, not exclusively genes. Choice C is incorrect as genes do affect biochemical processes. Choice D is incorrect because the expression of genes in an individual can be influenced by experiences and environmental factors, a concept known as gene-environment interaction.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Brain development plays a crucial role in the onset of many mental disorders. It affects how the brain processes information and responds to stress, influencing the development of psychopathology. Choice A is incorrect as brain development does impact psychopathology. Choice C is incorrect as brain development is linked to mental disorders as well. Choice D is incorrect as brain development has implications for mental health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Permissive parenting is associated with positive developmental outcomes because it involves warmth and a lack of strict control. Authoritarian parenting, as mentioned in choice A, is characterized by strict rules and harsh discipline, which may not lead to the best developmental outcomes. Neglectful parenting, as in choice C, involves a lack of responsiveness and support, which can have detrimental effects on a child's development. Choice D is incorrect because different parenting styles can have varying impacts on child development.

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.