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AP Psychology Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health

12 questions

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Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health

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Question 1

A study finds that cancer patients who participate in a structured social support group have significantly longer survival times than those who do not. Critics argue the study may confound social support with the effects of patients discussing healthier behaviors. To control for this alternative explanation, the researchers should:

A.Use a larger sample size to increase statistical power.B.Add a control group that meets socially but discusses topics unrelated to health behaviors.C.Measure survival time using a blinded assessor to prevent experimenter bias.D.Survey participants about whether they found the groups helpful.

Question 2

A clinical psychologist is asked whether a particular psychological test measures what it claims to measure — for example, whether a test labeled 'social anxiety scale' actually captures social anxiety and not general neuroticism. The psychologist is evaluating the test's:

A.ReliabilityB.StandardizationC.Construct validityD.Predictive validity

Question 3

Research on optimism and health outcomes consistently shows that dispositional optimists have better immune function and recover more quickly from surgery. The biopsychosocial model best explains this finding by noting that:

A.Optimism directly increases the number of T-cells produced, independent of behavior or psychology.B.Psychological states influence biological health outcomes through behavioral and neuroendocrine pathways.C.Health outcomes are determined entirely by genetics and biological factors regardless of psychological state.D.Optimism is a learned behavior reinforced by health professionals during clinical interactions.

Question 4

In the diathesis-stress model of psychological disorders, a person develops a disorder when:

A.They are exposed to a severe stressor with no prior biological vulnerabilityB.A genetic or biological vulnerability (diathesis) is activated by sufficient environmental stressC.Their neurotransmitter imbalances reach a clinical threshold regardless of environmental factorsD.They learn maladaptive behaviors through repeated classical conditioning

Question 5

A psychiatrist prescribes an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) to a patient with depression. At the synaptic level, this medication works by:

A.Blocking dopamine receptors on the postsynaptic neuronB.Increasing serotonin synthesis in the presynaptic neuronC.Blocking the reuptake transporter so serotonin remains in the synapse longerD.Mimicking serotonin by binding directly to postsynaptic serotonin receptors

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Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which cluster of symptoms is categorized as 'positive symptoms' in DSM-5?

A.Flat affect, alogia (poverty of speech), and avolition (lack of motivation)B.Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speechC.Cognitive deficits in attention, working memory, and processing speedD.Depressed mood, sleep disturbances, and suicidal ideation

Question 7

Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) describes the body's response to prolonged stress in three sequential stages. In the correct order, these stages are:

A.Resistance → Alarm → ExhaustionB.Alarm → Exhaustion → ResistanceC.Alarm → Resistance → ExhaustionD.Exhaustion → Alarm → Resistance

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the hallmark features of major depressive disorder (MDD) according to DSM-5 criteria?

A.Alternating episodes of intense elation (mania) and deep depression lasting at least two yearsB.Persistent depressed mood or loss of interest for at least two weeks, causing significant impairmentC.Recurrent unexpected panic attacks with persistent worry about future attacksD.Intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals that reduce anxiety

Question 9

A client with post-traumatic stress disorder works with a therapist who uses EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). The therapist also helps the client identify distorted thoughts like 'I am permanently ruined.' This cognitive component is most closely associated with which therapy approach?

A.Client-centered (humanistic) therapyB.Psychoanalytic therapyC.Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)D.Drug therapy (pharmacotherapy)

Question 10

A therapist treats a patient with anxiety disorder by teaching deep breathing and relaxation, then gradually exposing the patient to feared stimuli from least to most anxiety-provoking. This technique is called:

A.Flooding (implosive therapy)B.Aversion therapyC.Systematic desensitizationD.Token economy

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Question 11

The DSM-5 is the primary tool used by mental health professionals in the United States to:

A.Prescribe medication dosages for psychiatric disordersB.Classify and diagnose psychological disorders using standardized criteriaC.Assess intelligence and academic achievement levelsD.Determine the causes of psychological disorders through biological testing

Question 12

Albert Ellis developed Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) based on his ABC model. In this model, 'B' stands for:

A.Behavior — the observable actions taken in response to eventsB.Biology — the physiological arousal accompanying emotional distressC.Beliefs — the rational or irrational thoughts about the activating eventD.Background — the early childhood experiences shaping personality

AP Psychology Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health — Free with Answer Explanations | Test Practice Hub