Abnormal Psychology Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge of Mental Health Disorders

Question 1

In abnormal psychology, which approach highlights the influence of past experiences and unconscious processes on behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic Approach

Answer

Biological Approach

Answer

Cognitive Approach

Answer

Behavioural Approach

Question 2

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Increased emotional expressiveness

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 3

Which perspective on abnormality focuses solely on statistical rarity, without considering societal expectations or norms?

Accepted Answer

Statistical infrequency

Answer

Violation of social norms

Answer

Personal distress

Answer

Dangerousness

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Stable and fulfilling social relationships

Answer

Visual and auditory hallucinations

Answer

Persistent delusions of grandeur

Answer

Disorganized speech and thought patterns

Question 5

What is a defining symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Mood swings

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Compulsive behavior

Question 6

According to the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, which symptom must be present for most of a one-month period?

Accepted Answer

Delusions or hallucinations

Answer

Disorganized speech or behavior

Answer

Negative symptoms, such as reduced emotional expression

Answer

Impaired social or occupational functioning

Question 7

According to the medical model, what is considered the primary cause of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Social and environmental factors

Answer

Psychological factors

Answer

Spiritual or supernatural forces

Question 8

Which perspective on abnormality is NOT widely accepted in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual

Answer

Biological

Answer

Psychological

Answer

Social

Question 9

Which perspective on abnormality focuses on how society's expectations and norms shape what is considered normal and abnormal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social-cultural

Answer

Biological

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral

Answer

Evolutionary

Question 10

Which of these is NOT a primary symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Elevated mood

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Paranoia

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Auditory hallucinations

Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Restlessness or feeling on edge

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced social skills

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Cognitive deficits

Question 13

Which perspective on abnormality emphasizes the degree to which a person's behavior hinders their daily activities?

Accepted Answer

Impairment of functioning

Answer

Statistical deviation

Answer

Social norm violation

Answer

Personal distress

Question 14

Which mental health disorder is primarily characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday events?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Question 15

Within the dimensional model of abnormality, psychological disorders are viewed as:

Accepted Answer

A continuum with no clear distinction between normal and abnormal

Answer

Distinct categories with sharp boundaries between normal and abnormal

Answer

Solely determined by social and cultural influences

Answer

Stemming from unconscious conflicts rooted in early childhood experiences

Question 16

According to the cognitive approach to therapy, what is the primary cause of psychological problems?

Accepted Answer

Faulty or maladaptive thinking patterns

Answer

Deficient parenting

Answer

Chemical imbalances in the brain

Answer

Unresolved emotional conflicts

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a commonly accepted perspective on defining abnormality in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Social conformity

Answer

Statistical deviation

Answer

Personal distress

Answer

Biological dysfunction

Question 18

Which perspective is NOT used to define abnormality in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Moral disapproval

Answer

Statistical infrequency

Answer

Social deviance

Answer

Personal distress

Question 19

Which symptom is typical of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry and difficulty controlling thoughts

Answer

Persistent low mood and lack of pleasure

Answer

Seeing or hearing things that aren't there

Answer

Repeated episodes of overeating followed by actions to get rid of the food

Question 20

Which perspective on abnormality focuses on statistical deviations from the norm?

Accepted Answer

Statistical Perspective

Answer

Medical Model

Answer

Social-Cognitive Perspective

Question 21

Which perspective highlights the influence of culture in determining what is considered abnormal?

Accepted Answer

Cultural

Answer

Statistical

Answer

Biological

Question 22

Which of the following is a common symptom of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent feelings of fear and worry

Answer

Beliefs that you are superior to others

Answer

Excessive handwashing

Answer

Significant weight loss

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Normal social functioning

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Disorganized speech

Answer

Delusions

Question 24

According to the DSM-5, what is a primary diagnostic criterion for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry about various topics most days for at least 6 months

Answer

Frequent panic attacks that occur unexpectedly and without a clear trigger

Answer

Repetitive and intrusive thoughts causing significant distress and functional impairment

Answer

Persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of worthlessness

Question 25

What is the primary distinction between the medical model and social model of abnormality in their explanations for the causes of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Medical model: biological/genetic factors; Social model: social/environmental factors

Answer

Medical model: supernatural/spiritual forces; Social model: societal pressures/discrimination

Answer

Medical model: lack of willpower; Social model: societal neglect/lack of support

Question 26

Which perspective emphasizes the role of external, social factors in the development of abnormal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social model

Answer

Medical model

Answer

Psychoanalytic model

Question 27

Which perspective suggests that mental disorders result from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors?

Accepted Answer

Biopsychosocial Perspective

Answer

Biological Perspective

Answer

Psychodynamic Perspective

Answer

Social Perspective

Question 28

Which perspective on abnormality views behavior as abnormal if it goes against societal norms?

Accepted Answer

Social Deviance

Answer

Statistical Deviance

Answer

Subjective Distress

Answer

Maladaptive Functioning

Question 29

Which perspective on abnormality highlights the influence of culture and society in determining what is considered abnormal?

Accepted Answer

Sociocultural perspective

Answer

Statistical perspective

Answer

Medical perspective

Answer

Cognitive perspective

Question 30

Which technique is NOT used in the behavioural approach to therapy?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive restructuring

Answer

Systematic desensitization

Answer

Exposure therapy

Answer

Token economy

Question 31

Which perspective on abnormality focuses on the individual's personal experience of distress and difficulty functioning?

Accepted Answer

Subjective distress

Answer

Social deviance

Answer

Statistical rarity

Answer

Biological dysfunction

Question 32

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)?

Accepted Answer

Intense anxiety and excessive worry

Answer

Excessive attention to detail and strict adherence to rules

Answer

Difficulty discarding possessions, even those of little value

Question 33

In assessing psychological disorders, which method involves direct communication between the clinician and the individual?

Accepted Answer

Clinical interview

Answer

Self-report questionnaires

Answer

Brain scans

Question 34

In the humanistic approach to therapy, which principle is considered crucial?

Accepted Answer

Fostering a supportive environment for clients' growth and self-actualization

Answer

Guiding clients to gain insight into their unconscious conflicts

Answer

Providing clients with specific techniques to solve their issues

Question 35

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

Accepted Answer

Stable and enduring relationships

Answer

Intense fear of abandonment

Answer

Unstable relationships with idealization and devaluation

Answer

Impulsivity and self-harm

Question 36

What is a fundamental principle of the humanistic approach to therapy?

Accepted Answer

Individuals can grow and fulfill their potential

Answer

Unconscious conflicts drive behavior

Answer

Behavioral techniques change behaviors

Answer

Societal pressures cause mental disorders

Question 37

What is a defining characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety

Answer

Excessive worry with physical tension

Answer

Sensory experiences like hallucinations or delusions

Answer

Alternating periods of extreme emotions

Question 38

Which of the following is a **positive** symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Answer

Flattened affect

Answer

Alogia

Question 39

Which perspective emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping our understanding of mental health?

Accepted Answer

Social model

Answer

Medical model

Answer

Psychodynamic model

Answer

Cognitive model

Question 40

Which of the following best describes the key differences between the medical model and social model of abnormality?

Accepted Answer

The medical model focuses on biological causes, while the social model emphasizes societal factors.

Accepted Answer

The social model suggests that societal attitudes can contribute to psychological disorders.

Answer

Both models assume that individuals with psychological disorders have deficits that need to be addressed.

Answer

The medical model suggests that psychological disorders are always incurable.

Question 41

Analyze the ethical considerations and potential advantages of assigning diagnostic labels to individuals with mental health conditions.

Accepted Answer

Labeling can facilitate access to necessary treatment and support services.

Accepted Answer

Labeling can reduce stigma and promote a better understanding of mental health conditions.

Accepted Answer

Labeling can empower individuals with a sense of identity and belonging within a supportive community.

Answer

Labeling is inherently harmful and should be avoided in all cases.

Question 42

How can we effectively prevent the development of mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Prevention efforts should target high-risk groups, provide education, and promote resilience-building.

Answer

Prevention is not possible due to the complexity and limited understanding of mental disorders.

Answer

Prevention should focus only on early detection and intervention, as preventing the onset of disorders is not feasible.

Answer

Prevention is solely the responsibility of mental health professionals, as they are the only ones qualified to assess and diagnose.

Question 43

How does culture impact the understanding and definition of abnormal behavior in different societies?

Accepted Answer

Culture plays a significant role in shaping both the perception and definition of abnormal behavior across different societies.

Answer

Culture has no influence on the definition of abnormal behavior.

Answer

Culture only affects the perception of abnormal behavior, not its definition.

Question 44

Involuntary commitment is a legal and ethical issue in mental health care. What are the arguments for and against it?

Accepted Answer

It's justified if a person is a danger to themselves or others.

Accepted Answer

Ethical considerations should be prioritized in decisions about involuntary commitment.

Accepted Answer

It's an effective way to provide treatment and protect individuals from harm.

Answer

It's only justified if a person has committed a crime.

Question 45

Who played a pivotal role in establishing the medical model of abnormal psychology?

Accepted Answer

Emil Kraepelin

Answer

Sigmund Freud

Answer

Carl Rogers

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Memory impairment

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Question 47

According to the biopsychosocial model, mental disorders are caused by:

Accepted Answer

An interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Biological factors only

Answer

Psychological factors only

Answer

Social factors only

Question 48

Which neurotransmitter is strongly implicated in the development of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Noradrenaline

Answer

GABA

Question 49

The purpose of the DSM-5 is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a standardized system for diagnosing mental disorders

Answer

Classify physical disorders

Answer

Diagnose neurological conditions

Answer

Assess personality traits

Question 50

According to the humanistic perspective in psychology, mental disorders are primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Unfulfilled psychological needs

Answer

Biological imbalances

Answer

Social pressures

Answer

A combination of all of the above

Question 51

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which psychotherapeutic approach has been shown to be the most effective?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Humanistic Therapy

Question 52

Which of the following is **not** a diagnostic criterion for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms lasting for less than 6 months

Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Answer

Physical symptoms (e.g., muscle tension, fatigue)

Answer

Anxiety interferes with daily functioning

Question 53

The primary neurotransmitter implicated in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders is:

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 54

The term **comorbidity** in mental health refers to:

Accepted Answer

The presence of multiple mental health conditions co-occurring in the same individual

Answer

The severity of symptoms within a single mental health condition

Answer

The relationship between mental health disorders and physical illnesses

Answer

The effectiveness of treatment for mental health disorders

Question 55

Which type of psychotherapy has been found to be most effective for treating anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Humanistic Therapy

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Question 56

In the United Kingdom, which legal principle safeguards the privacy of individuals with mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Right to Treatment

Answer

Informed Consent

Question 57

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary perspective in the study of abnormal psychology?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual

Answer

Biological

Answer

Psychological

Answer

Social

Question 58

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which of the following is a characteristic symptom of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness

Answer

Increased energy levels and euphoria

Answer

Delusions of grandeur and persecution

Answer

Hallucinations and disorganized speech

Question 59

Which type of therapy aims to alter unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Art therapy

Question 60

Which symptom is characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent, unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors

Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety

Answer

Withdrawal from social situations

Answer

Feeling detached from reality

Question 61

According to the biopsychosocial model, which factors are believed to contribute to the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

A combination of biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Biological factors only

Answer

Psychological factors only

Answer

Social factors only

Question 62

Which of the following is a type of dissociative disorder?

Accepted Answer

Depersonalization-derealization disorder

Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Question 63

What is the primary objective of humanistic therapy?

Accepted Answer

Assisting clients in achieving their full potential

Answer

Modifying maladaptive thought patterns

Answer

Resolving unconscious conflicts

Answer

Reducing symptoms of mental illness

Question 64

Which of the following is a defining symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Auditory hallucinations

Answer

Obsessive thoughts

Answer

Compulsive rituals

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness