Etiology of Mental Disorders: Causes and Risk Factors

Question 1

Which of the following is not considered a major perspective on the etiology of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual

Answer

Biological

Answer

Psychological

Answer

Social

Question 2

According to the diathesis-stress model, mental disorders result from the interaction between:

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition and environmental stressors

Answer

Personality traits and life experiences

Answer

Cognitive biases and cultural factors

Answer

Neurochemical imbalances and social support

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a biological factor associated with the development of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Abnormal dopamine activity

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Neurotransmitter imbalances

Question 4

Cognitive distortions, such as negative automatic thoughts, are a defining characteristic of which psychological perspective on mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive perspective

Answer

Behavioral perspective

Answer

Psychodynamic perspective

Answer

Humanistic perspective

Question 5

The diathesis-stress model suggests that mental health disorders result from the interplay of:

Accepted Answer

Genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors

Answer

Genetic factors alone

Answer

Environmental stressors alone

Answer

Random, unpredictable factors

Question 6

Attributing negative events to internal, stable, and global causes is a characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive triad

Answer

Learned helplessness

Answer

Defensive pessimism

Answer

Attentional bias

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a protective factor against developing mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Adverse childhood experiences

Answer

Strong social support

Answer

Effective coping strategies

Answer

High self-esteem

Question 8

The biopsychosocial model emphasizes the interplay of which factors in mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social

Answer

Biological and psychological

Answer

Psychological and social

Answer

Social and environmental

Question 9

Which research method is most appropriate for studying the genetic basis of mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Twin studies

Answer

Case study

Answer

Naturalistic observation

Answer

Longitudinal study

Question 10

The belief that mental health disorders stem from an imbalance of inner forces, such as the id and the ego, is a core idea of:

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic theory

Answer

Behavioral theory

Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Humanistic theory

Question 11

According to the biopsychosocial model, the development of mental disorders is primarily attributed to:

Accepted Answer

An interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Biological factors only

Answer

Psychological factors only

Answer

Social factors alone

Question 12

Which of the following psychological factors has been associated with an elevated risk for depression?

Accepted Answer

Negative cognitive style

Answer

Positive cognitive style

Answer

High resilience

Answer

Optimistic outlook

Question 13

Research in genetics has revealed that:

Accepted Answer

Genetic factors interact with environmental factors to influence the likelihood of developing mental disorders

Answer

Mental disorders are solely determined by genetic factors

Answer

Genetic factors have no influence on the development of mental disorders

Answer

Genetic factors are only relevant in severe mental disorders

Question 14

Which neurochemical system has been implicated in the development of both depression and anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

GABA

Question 15

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the principle that:

Accepted Answer

Mental disorders are acquired behaviors that can be modified

Answer

Mental disorders stem from unconscious conflicts

Answer

Mental disorders are primarily caused by genetic predisposition

Answer

Mental disorders are solely the result of chemical imbalances in the brain

Question 16

Which of the following is considered a biological contributor to the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Genetic inheritance

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Social isolation

Answer

Occupational stress

Question 17

According to the biopsychosocial model, which of the following is an example of a psychological factor that can contribute to mental health issues?

Accepted Answer

Personality traits

Answer

Neurotransmitter imbalances

Answer

Environmental toxins

Answer

Family history of mental illness

Question 18

Which social factor has been consistently linked to an increased risk of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Low socioeconomic status

Answer

High levels of social support

Answer

Participation in religious activities

Answer

Access to quality healthcare

Question 19

Which of the following is an advantage of the diathesis-stress model?

Accepted Answer

It considers both biological and environmental factors.

Answer

It suggests that stress alone causes mental disorders.

Answer

It can predict the exact onset of specific mental disorders.

Answer

It is based on a small body of empirical research.

Question 20

Which neurotransmitter is believed to play a role in mood regulation and has been implicated in depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Question 21

According to the cognitive-behavioral model, which of the following is a key factor in the development and maintenance of mental health issues?

Accepted Answer

Negative thinking patterns

Answer

Childhood experiences

Answer

Biological predispositions

Answer

Environmental stressors

Question 22

Which of the following best describes the distinction between the medical model and the biopsychosocial model in explaining the etiology of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

The medical model emphasizes biological factors while the biopsychosocial model considers multiple factors.

Answer

The biopsychosocial model focuses on social factors while the medical model focuses on psychological factors.

Answer

The medical model views mental disorders as illnesses while the biopsychosocial model does not.

Answer

The biopsychosocial model is less accepted than the medical model within psychology.

Question 23

What is a key characteristic of the cognitive-behavioral model of abnormal psychology?

Accepted Answer

It focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors.

Answer

It emphasizes the role of unconscious processes.

Answer

It views mental disorders as solely the result of biological factors.

Answer

It does not consider the influence of environmental factors.

Question 24

Which of the following is a potential benefit of using case studies in the study of abnormal psychology?

Accepted Answer

They provide in-depth insights into individual experiences.

Answer

They allow for the generalization of findings to a larger population.

Answer

They are more reliable than other research methods.

Answer

They can be used to establish causality.

Question 25

What is the term for the process by which early childhood experiences can have lasting effects on an individual's mental health?

Accepted Answer

Attachment theory

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Operant conditioning

Answer

Cognitive restructuring

Question 26

Which of the following is considered a protective factor against the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support network

Answer

History of trauma

Answer

Low socioeconomic status

Answer

Genetic vulnerability

Question 27

Which of the following is an ethical consideration in the treatment of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring informed consent from patients

Answer

Stigmatizing individuals with mental illness

Answer

Ignoring the cultural context of patients

Answer

Withholding treatment from those who cannot afford it

Question 28

Poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources are examples of:

Accepted Answer

Social factors

Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Psychological factors

Answer

Cultural factors

Question 29

According to the biopsychosocial model, mental disorders result from:

Accepted Answer

An interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Biological factors alone

Answer

Psychological factors alone

Answer

Social factors alone

Question 30

Which research method is particularly useful for establishing causal relationships in mental disorder etiology?

Accepted Answer

Experimental studies

Answer

Correlational studies

Answer

Case studies

Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 31

A genetic predisposition to a mental disorder indicates:

Accepted Answer

An elevated risk of developing the disorder

Answer

A certainty that a person will develop the disorder

Answer

Zero risk of developing the disorder

Answer

It cannot be determined

Question 32

The vulnerability-stress model proposes that:

Accepted Answer

Stress can trigger mental disorders in individuals with a vulnerability to them

Answer

Mental disorders are solely caused by stress

Answer

Mental disorders are solely caused by vulnerability

Answer

Vulnerability and stress are not related to mental disorders

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a biological factor that can contribute to the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Trauma

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Neurochemical imbalances

Answer

Impaired brain function

Question 34

Which type of social stress has been consistently linked to an increased likelihood of developing depression?

Accepted Answer

Chronic stress

Answer

Acute stress

Answer

Intermittent stress

Answer

Stressful life events

Question 35

Which of the following is a common symptom of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Extreme mood swings

Answer

Persistent sadness

Answer

Grandiose delusions

Answer

Negative hallucinations

Question 36

Which psychological therapy approach focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Behavioral therapy

Question 37

Which of the following is a primary biological factor contributing to the etiology of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Life experiences

Answer

Personality traits

Answer

Social support

Question 38

Which psychological factor has been consistently associated with the development of depression?

Accepted Answer

Negative cognitive patterns

Answer

Financial instability

Answer

Physiological stress

Answer

Childhood trauma

Question 39

Which social factor is widely recognized as a significant risk factor for developing anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Socioeconomic disadvantage

Answer

Marital status

Answer

Intellectual ability

Answer

Gender identity

Question 40

The biopsychosocial model of mental disorders emphasizes that:

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social factors interact in the development of mental disorders.

Answer

Physical, mental, and spiritual factors are equally influential in the etiology of mental disorders.

Answer

Genetic, environmental, and historical factors are the sole determinants of mental disorders.

Answer

Cognitive, behavioral, and emotional factors are sufficient to explain the development of mental disorders.

Question 41

Which research method is considered the most rigorous for establishing causal relationships between variables in etiology studies?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trials

Answer

Observational studies

Answer

Case studies

Question 42

According to the diathesis-stress model, the development of a mental disorder requires:

Accepted Answer

A vulnerability or predisposition combined with environmental triggers.

Answer

Both a vulnerability or predisposition and environmental triggers, but only under extreme circumstances.

Answer

Solely a vulnerability or predisposition.

Answer

Solely environmental triggers.

Question 43

An example of a specific genetic risk factor for schizophrenia is:

Accepted Answer

Variants in the COMT gene.

Answer

Urban upbringing

Answer

History of substance use

Question 44

The social support theory suggests that strong social connections:

Accepted Answer

Can mitigate the negative effects of stressors on mental health.

Answer

Increase the risk of developing mental disorders.

Answer

Have no significant impact on mental health outcomes.

Answer

Directly alleviate the symptoms of mental disorders.

Question 45

Which ethical consideration is paramount in research on the etiology of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of participants.

Answer

Ensuring positive outcomes for all participants.

Answer

Prioritizing research that has immediate clinical applications.

Answer

Using only the most advanced research methods available.

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a recognized risk factor for developing schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Family history of schizophrenia

Answer

Older paternal age

Answer

Exposure to prenatal viral infections

Question 47

According to the biopsychosocial model of mental illness, which of the following is NOT considered a contributing factor?

Accepted Answer

Extraterrestrial events

Answer

Social influences

Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Psychological processes

Question 48

Which neurotransmitter system has been strongly implicated in the development of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Dopamine

Question 49

Which of the following is a cognitive distortion characteristically seen in anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Overestimation of threat

Answer

Realistic appraisal of situations

Answer

Underestimation of coping skills

Answer

Positive self-talk

Question 50

Which type of traumatic experience is most closely associated with the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Accepted Answer

Single-event, severe trauma

Answer

Chronic, low-level stress

Answer

Witnessing a traumatic event

Answer

Multiple, minor traumas

Question 51

Which of the following is widely recognized as a protective factor against the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support

Answer

Genetic vulnerability

Answer

Low self-esteem

Answer

History of childhood abuse

Question 52

Which of the following is a primary symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Mood swings

Question 53

A core principle of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves:

Accepted Answer

Identifying and modifying maladaptive thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Exploring unconscious conflicts

Answer

Administering medication