Personality and Mental Health: A Comprehensive Guide for Psychology Students

Question 1

In Eysenck's PEN model, which trait represents emotional stability and vulnerability to stress?

Accepted Answer

Neuroticism

Answer

Openness

Answer

Conscientiousness

Question 2

What is NOT a typical characteristic of individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Flexibility in adapting to change.

Answer

Difficulty expressing emotions.

Answer

Perfectionistic tendencies.

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary feature of borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unstable relationships and heightened emotional intensity.

Answer

Inflated sense of self-importance.

Answer

Withdrawal and social isolation.

Answer

Compulsive rituals and unrelenting perfectionism.

Question 4

List the Five-Factor Model personality traits in order:

Accepted Answer

Openness to experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, neuroticism.

Answer

Openness to experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, introversion, neuroticism.

Answer

Neuroticism, psychoticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness.

Question 5

Which of the following factors increases an individual's risk for developing depression?

Accepted Answer

Family history of depression.

Answer

High socioeconomic status.

Answer

Male gender.

Answer

Regular physical activity.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Euphoria.

Answer

Restlessness.

Answer

Muscle tension.

Question 7

In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which technique is used to gradually expose an individual to anxiety-provoking situations?

Accepted Answer

Exposure therapy.

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy.

Answer

Hypnosis.

Question 8

Which personality disorder is characterized by a lack of empathy and remorse for others' feelings?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Question 9

Which of the following is a protective factor against developing mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support network.

Answer

Low socioeconomic status.

Answer

History of traumatic experiences.

Answer

Genetic predisposition to mental illness.

Question 10

Which personality disorder is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance and a need for admiration?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder.

Answer

Low self-esteem.

Answer

Difficulty expressing emotions.

Answer

Unstable relationships and heightened emotional intensity

Question 11

Which personality trait is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Neuroticism

Answer

Agreeableness

Answer

Openness to experience

Answer

Conscientiousness

Question 12

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent and excessive worry about multiple topics

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Answer

Low mood and loss of interest in activities

Answer

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

Question 13

Which type of therapy is specifically designed for the treatment of borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for developing mental health problems?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support

Answer

Chronic stress

Answer

Family history of mental illness

Answer

Childhood trauma

Question 15

Which personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of erratic and impulsive behavior, intense emotions, and difficulty controlling anger?

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Histrionic personality disorder

Answer

Avoidant personality disorder

Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Question 16

Which of the following is a common symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are difficult to control

Answer

Excessive worry about the future

Answer

Social withdrawal

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness

Question 17

How is the relationship between personality and mental health best described?

Accepted Answer

Personality traits can both predispose individuals to mental disorders and influence their course and treatment.

Answer

Personality traits have no influence on mental health.

Question 18

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent auditory hallucinations

Answer

Intense emotions and difficulty regulating them

Answer

Unstable relationships

Answer

Persistent feelings of worthlessness

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Empathy

Answer

Intense fear of abandonment

Answer

Unstable relationships

Answer

Impulsive behavior

Question 20

The interaction of which two personality traits is most strongly linked to the development of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

High Neuroticism and Low Agreeableness

Answer

High Conscientiousness and Low Neuroticism

Answer

High Agreeableness and Low Openness

Answer

High Extraversion and Low Agreeableness

Question 21

Which personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of intense, unstable relationships, rapid shifts in mood, and impulsive behavior?

Accepted Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Question 22

Which approach to treating mental disorders typically **does not** consider the influence of personality?

Accepted Answer

Biological Approach

Answer

Psychodynamic Approach

Answer

Cognitive-Behavioral Approach

Answer

Humanistic Approach

Question 23

Which of the following research methods is most appropriate for studying the relationship between personality and mental health over time?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal Study

Answer

Case Study

Answer

Cross-Sectional Study

Answer

Experimental Study

Question 24

A therapist notices a patient with Major Depressive Disorder consistently shows high neuroticism and low conscientiousness. What does this personality information highlight?

Accepted Answer

Personality traits can influence how mental disorders develop, progress, and respond to treatment.

Answer

Personality traits are irrelevant in clinical practice and shouldn't affect treatment decisions.

Answer

Personality traits are just symptoms of mental disorders, not providing unique insights.

Question 25

A study found that people high in agreeableness are less likely to experience anxiety disorders. What could explain this?

Accepted Answer

Agreeableness may help build strong social support networks, which can protect against anxiety.

Answer

Agreeableness is unrelated to anxiety disorders.

Answer

Agreeableness directly causes anxiety disorders.

Question 26

Which personality disorder is most strongly linked to a higher risk of developing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Answer

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Question 27

A therapist uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to treat a patient with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Which personality trait is most likely to be a focus of this therapy?

Accepted Answer

Neuroticism

Answer

Openness to Experience

Answer

Extraversion

Answer

Conscientiousness

Question 28

A research study found a strong link between impulsivity and addiction. What best explains this finding?

Accepted Answer

Impulsivity might increase the chances of engaging in risky behaviors, including substance use.

Answer

Impulsivity and substance abuse are unrelated.

Answer

Impulsivity is a direct result of substance abuse.

Question 29

What best describes the 'diathesis-stress model' as it relates to mental health?

Accepted Answer

People with a predisposition for a mental disorder may develop it when facing significant stress.

Answer

Mental disorders are solely caused by genetic factors.

Question 30

Which therapy approach is commonly used to address challenges associated with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Answer

Only medication (pharmacological treatment)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alone

Question 31

A student experiences a lot of anxiety before exams. They usually score high on conscientiousness. What could explain this?

Accepted Answer

High conscientiousness can be linked to perfectionism and a fear of failure, which can contribute to exam anxiety.

Answer

Conscientiousness is unrelated to anxiety.

Question 32

A person with a history of depression seeks therapy. The therapist uses a personality assessment. What's the main reason for this?

Accepted Answer

To identify personality factors that might be linked to the patient's depression and help with treatment planning.

Answer

To diagnose the patient with a personality disorder.

Question 33

Which of the following best describes the relationship between personality and mental health?

Accepted Answer

Personality traits can both influence the development and treatment of mental health disorders, and can be influenced by them.

Answer

Personality traits are unrelated to mental health.

Answer

Mental health disorders are solely determined by personality traits.

Question 34

A client with a history of depression presents with a strong tendency towards negative thinking, pessimism, and self-criticism. Which personality trait is most likely contributing to their mental health condition?

Accepted Answer

Neuroticism

Answer

Conscientiousness

Answer

Extraversion

Answer

Agreeableness

Question 35

A therapist using a psychodynamic approach to treat a patient with anxiety might focus on:

Accepted Answer

Exploring the patient's unconscious conflicts and defense mechanisms, as well as how these relate to their personality.

Answer

Developing coping skills and strategies to manage anxiety.

Answer

Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns.

Question 36

Which of the following personality disorders is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions?

Accepted Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Answer

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Question 37

A client with a strong sense of self-efficacy and optimism is more likely to:

Accepted Answer

Cope effectively with stress and adversity, and experience greater psychological well-being.

Answer

Experience higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Answer

Engage in risky behaviors and substance abuse.

Answer

Have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships.

Question 38

The diathesis-stress model suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Mental health disorders are the result of an interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental stressors.

Answer

Mental health disorders are solely determined by genetic factors.

Answer

Environmental stressors are the sole cause of mental health disorders.

Question 39

A person with a high level of openness to experience is more likely to:

Accepted Answer

Be curious, imaginative, and willing to try new things, as well as be more tolerant of ambiguity and diversity.

Answer

Be organized, reliable, and goal-oriented.

Answer

Be sociable, assertive, and enjoy being around people.

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

They are typically transient and resolve on their own.

Answer

They cause significant distress and impairment in functioning.

Answer

They are inflexible and pervasive patterns of behavior.

Question 41

A client with a history of trauma is more likely to develop a personality disorder if they also have:

Accepted Answer

Pre-existing vulnerabilities in their personality.

Answer

A strong social support network.

Answer

A positive and optimistic outlook on life.

Answer

A history of successful coping strategies.

Question 42

A client with a diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is also experiencing significant social anxiety. The therapist should consider that:

Accepted Answer

Personality traits can influence the development and manifestation of mental health conditions, and may need to be addressed in treatment.

Answer

Personality disorders are always the primary cause of mental health conditions.

Answer

Personality traits have no impact on the treatment of mental health disorders.

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a key personality trait associated with mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Optimism

Answer

Neuroticism

Answer

Conscientiousness

Answer

Extraversion

Question 44

According to the biopsychosocial model, which of the following factors is considered a contributing factor to mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Psychological factors

Answer

None of the above

Answer

Social factors only

Answer

Biological factors only

Question 45

Which of the following personality disorders is characterized by a pattern of grandiose self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder

Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Question 46

Which of the following therapeutic approaches is commonly used to treat personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Schema therapy

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy only

Answer

Medication only

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy only

Question 47

Which of the following is a risk factor for the development of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Negative life events

Answer

None of the above

Answer

Positive life events only

Answer

Genetic factors only

Question 48

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is a core symptom of depression?

Accepted Answer

Persistent sadness or emptiness

Answer

Grandiose delusions

Answer

Increased energy and activity

Answer

Obsessive thoughts or compulsions

Question 49

Which of the following is a common treatment strategy for bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Antipsychotics only

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy only

Answer

Antidepressants only

Question 50

Which of the following is a potential consequence of untreated mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Impaired social functioning

Answer

Improved academic performance

Answer

Increased physical health

Answer

Enhanced creativity

Question 51

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

Accepted Answer

Respect for patient autonomy

Answer

Ignoring patient preferences

Answer

Coercion or manipulation

Question 52

According to the diathesis-stress model, which of the following is a key factor in the development of mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Interaction between vulnerability and environmental stressors

Answer

Genetic factors only

Answer

Environmental factors only