Question 1

Which of the following best distinguishes a psychological disorder from normal experiences of stress or sadness?

Accepted Answer

A psychological disorder involves persistent patterns of cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior that are maladaptive and cause significant distress or impairment.

Question 2

The DSM-5 is primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Classify and diagnose psychological disorders based on standardized criteria.

Question 3

Which of the following is a criticism of the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

It may lead to over-diagnosis and labeling of normal behaviors as disorders.

Question 4

Which psychological disorder is characterized by a continuous state of tension, apprehension, and autonomic nervous system arousal?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Question 5

A child receives a sticker on a chart for every day they complete their homework. This is an example of which behavioral therapy technique?

Accepted Answer

Token economy

Question 6

Which of the following is a risk factor for developing major depressive disorder (MDD) according to epigenetic research?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to chronic stress, which can place molecular tags on chromosomes and increase risk.

Question 7

A person who compulsively frets and overthinks about their problems and their causes is exhibiting which cognitive process?

Accepted Answer

Rumination

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the therapeutic alliance?

Accepted Answer

A bond and trusting relationship between therapist and client that contributes to treatment effectiveness.

Question 9

Reducing access to lethal means is considered the most important step in suicide prevention because:

Accepted Answer

It directly decreases the likelihood of a fatal suicide attempt during a crisis.

Question 10

Which of the following is a symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Flat affect, or a lack of apparent emotions.

Question 11

A person who has a fear of being fat and severely restricts their food intake is most likely experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Anorexia nervosa

Question 12

Which of the following statements about gender differences in suicide is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Women are more likely to attempt suicide, but men are more likely to die by suicide.

Question 13

Which therapy involves creating a list of anxiety triggers and training in relaxation techniques to gradually reduce fear?

Accepted Answer

Systematic desensitization

Question 14

A person who has frequent, intrusive recollections of a traumatic event, social withdrawal, nightmares, and increased physical arousal is most likely experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of counterconditioning?

Accepted Answer

Using exposure therapy to help someone overcome a phobia.

Question 16

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An integrative therapy that aims to modify both self-defeating thinking and maladaptive actions.

Question 17

Which biomedical therapy involves stimulation of certain regions of the brain with magnetic pulses?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

Question 18

A person who has a seemingly uncontrollable urge to eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, but does not regularly engage in compensatory behaviors, is most likely experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Binge eating disorder

Question 19

Which of the following is a benefit of group therapy?

Accepted Answer

It provides social support and allows individuals to realize they are not alone in their struggles.

Question 20

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of transference in therapy?

Accepted Answer

A client expresses anger toward their therapist that is actually rooted in unresolved feelings toward a parent.

Psychological Disorders and Therapy: Study Guide for General Psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards