Ch 12.1 Understanding Psychological Disorders

What is the definition of a psychological disorder according to the American Psychiatric Association?

• A condition that is always associated with physical illness.

• Any deviation from cultural norms.

• Any behavior that is atypical and distressful.

• A syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior.

What does the term 'psychopathology' refer to?

• The study of personality traits.

• The study of physical illnesses.

• The study of psychological disorders, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment.

• The study of cultural norms.

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for defining a psychological disorder?

• Dysfunctional behavior.

• Dangerous behavior.

• Atypical behavior.

• Cultural approval.

What is the 'harmful dysfunction' model?

• A model that defines disorders as any deviation from the norm.

• A model that defines disorders as a dysfunction in internal mechanisms that is harmful.

• A model that defines disorders as purely biological issues.

• A model that defines disorders as any behavior that is harmful.

According to the text, what is a common misconception about mental health issues?

• They are the same across all cultures.

• They are always caused by genetic factors.

• They are less important than physical illnesses.

• They can be cured by medication alone.

What does the text suggest about cultural expectations and psychological disorders?

• Cultural expectations are the same worldwide.

• Violating cultural expectations always indicates a disorder.

• Cultural expectations have no impact on psychological disorders.

• Cultural expectations can vary, affecting the perception of disorders.

What is the significance of Thomas Szasz's views on mental illness?

• He believed mental illness should be treated with medication only.

• He supported the idea that all mental illnesses are genetic.

• He argued that mental illness is purely a biological issue.

• He believed mental illness was a myth used to control behavior.

What is an example of a behavior that might be considered a psychological disorder?

• Having red hair.

• Washing hands 40 times a day.

• Feeling sad after a breakup.

• Feeling nervous before a test.

What does the text say about the relationship between mental health and daily functioning?

• Mental health has no impact on daily functioning.

• Mental health is only important for social interactions.

• Mental health is critical to functioning in relationships, education, and work.

• Mental health issues are always visible and easy to diagnose.

What is the role of cultural norms in defining psychological disorders?

• Cultural norms are the sole determinant of psychological disorders.

• Cultural norms can influence what is considered a disorder.

• Cultural norms are the same in every society.

• Cultural norms are irrelevant to psychological disorders.