Question 1

According to Randolph Nesse's evolutionary perspective, why are anxiety and fear responses often hyper-reactive in humans?

Accepted Answer

Because hyper-reactivity increases the likelihood of responding to real threats, even if it means more false alarms.

Question 2

The 'Smoke Detector Principle' in evolutionary psychology is best illustrated by which of the following scenarios?

Accepted Answer

A person who experiences anxiety in response to both real and imagined threats, prioritizing safety over comfort.

Question 3

Which concept explains why traits that were adaptive in ancestral environments may become maladaptive in modern society?

Accepted Answer

Mismatch Theory

Question 4

From an evolutionary perspective, why might depression have been adaptive for our ancestors?

Accepted Answer

It signaled a need for social support and conserved energy during times of loss or defeat.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the evolutionary explanation for the persistence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

OCD traits like hypervigilance and orderliness were once adaptive for survival but can become exaggerated and maladaptive today.

Question 6

The 'Hunter vs. Farmer' hypothesis is used to explain the evolutionary roots of which mental health condition?

Accepted Answer

ADHD

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of an evolutionary trade-off in mental health?

Accepted Answer

A trait that is beneficial in ancestral environments but can be detrimental in modern contexts.

Question 8

According to evolutionary psychology, what is a likely reason for the persistence of schizophrenia in human populations?

Accepted Answer

It is a byproduct of enhanced creativity or complex social cognition.

Question 9

Which of the following best illustrates the 'Specialist Brain' hypothesis for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive strengths in pattern recognition and systematic thinking were advantageous for specialized tasks in ancestral environments.

Question 10

Which of the following is a critique of the evolutionary approach to understanding mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

It is often speculative and difficult to empirically test.

Question 11

A student argues that anxiety is always maladaptive in modern society. Using the evolutionary perspective, how would you respond?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety evolved as a survival mechanism, but its overactivation in modern environments can make it seem maladaptive.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the evolutionary explanation for eating disorders like anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Traits that helped ancestors survive famine may become maladaptive in environments with constant food availability.

Question 13

Which formula best represents the concept of evolutionary fitness as discussed in the context of mental health?

Accepted Answer

$$ 	ext{Fitness} = 	ext{Survival} 	imes 	ext{Reproductive Success} $$

Question 14

A person with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) experiences chronic worry. According to evolutionary psychology, this is best explained as:

Accepted Answer

An overextension of an adaptive worry system that was beneficial in ancestral environments.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of the evolutionary approach to mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

It always provides direct clinical solutions.

Question 16

Which scenario best demonstrates the concept of evolutionary mismatch?

Accepted Answer

A person experiencing chronic stress and depression due to lack of social support in a modern, isolated setting.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of an evolutionary trade-off in mental health?

Accepted Answer

Hypervigilance increasing survival in dangerous environments but leading to anxiety disorders in safe, modern settings.

Question 18

Which of the following best summarizes the evolutionary perspective on mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Many mental disorders may arise from traits that were adaptive in ancestral environments but are mismatched to modern contexts.

Evolutionary Psychology and Abnormal Psychology: An Integrated Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions