Question 1

Which of the following is NOT true of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised?

Accepted Answer

The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is not consistently able to discriminate between antisocial personality disorder and other personality disorders, as it focuses specifically on psychopathic traits rather than general personality traits. The other statements are true, as the PCL-R is used as both a research instrument and clinical tool, is highly reliable over time, is used in assessments to inform judicial decisions, and has good predictive validity regarding recidivism.

Question 2

Borderline personality disorder has a lifetime prevalence of approximately ___________ % of the population.

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 2% of the population.

Question 3

Borderline personality disorder typically begins in ___________ and is thought to be more common in __________.

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder typically begins in adolescence and is thought to be more common in women.

Question 4

David has been described as flamboyant and overly dramatic in his emotional displays. He constantly seeks the spotlight in social situations and strongly dislikes being ignored. Judging from this description, which personality disorder is David most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

The description of David as flamboyant, overly dramatic, seeking the spotlight, and disliking being ignored are all characteristics commonly associated with histrionic personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by excessive attention-seeking behavior and emotional expression, as well as a need for constant validation and approval from others.

Question 5

Which of the following is false regarding the relationship of psychopathy to crime and aggression?

Accepted Answer

This statement is false because psychopaths who are incarcerated tend to have committed more violent crimes such as murder and assault, whereas non-psychopaths who are incarcerated tend to have committed more property crimes like theft and burglary.

Question 6

Research has found that the relatives of men with dependent personality disorder are more likely to experience ___________, whereas the relatives of females with dependent personality disorder are more likely to have __________.

Accepted Answer

Research has found that the relatives of men with dependent personality disorder are more likely to experience depression, whereas the relatives of females with dependent personality disorder are more likely to have panic disorder.

Question 7

Several researchers have reported that the symptoms of antisocial behaviour eventually end, often around the fourth decade of life. This occurrence has been called the __________factor.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Several researchers have reported that the symptoms...

Question 8

Which of the following is true regarding the relationship between nonsuicidal self-injury and borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Nonsuicidal self-injury is a behavior that exists outside of borderline personality disorder. While self-injury is a common feature of borderline personality disorder, not all individuals with borderline personality disorder engage in self-injury and not all individuals who engage in self-injury have borderline personality disorder.

Question 9

Schmauk has suggested that psychopaths are not unresponsive to physical punishment, but rather respond opposite to the punisher's intention, presumably as a way of exercising some degree of control in the face of aversive experiences. This behaviour has been referred to as _____ behaviour.

Accepted Answer

This behaviour has been referred to as oppositional behaviour, as it is characterized by a persistent pattern of defiance, resistance, and noncompliance with authority figures. Psychopaths may engage in oppositional behaviour as a way of asserting their autonomy and maintaining a sense of control, even in the face of punishment. This type of behaviour is often associated with conduct disorder, a diagnosis that is frequently applied to children and adolescents who engage in rule-breaking, aggressive, or antisocial behaviour.

Question 10

Sarah finds it very difficult to make decisions, and feels that she desperately needs others to assume responsibility for important aspects of her life. She accepted a job as a store clerk after asking her husband what job he felt she was best suited for. Judging from this description, which personality disorder is Sarah most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

Sarah's inability to make decisions and her reliance on others to make decisions for her indicate a dependent personality disorder. People with this disorder have a strong fear of being alone and a need to be taken care of by others, often leading to submissive and clinging behavior.

Question 11

Heather shows frequent fluctuations in her mood and great instability in her personal relationships. She is uncertain about who she "really is" and what she would like to do with her life. Judging from this description, which personality disorder is Heather most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

The description provided fits the diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder, which is characterized by instability in mood, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with identity issues and have intense fear of abandonment. The other personality disorders listed do not fit the description provided.

Question 12

Many people with borderline personality disorder strongly desire intimacy with others, but once they begin to get close to their partner they become anxious and back away. This interpersonal style has been referred to as

Accepted Answer

This behavior is characteristic of the anxious ambivalent attachment style, where individuals desire closeness but fear intimacy, leading to a push-pull dynamic in relationships.

Question 13

Joe is extremely sensitive to criticism and disapproval, and as a result actively avoids intimacy with others. However, he is lonely and would like to have more friends. Judging from this description, which personality disorder is Joe most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

The description of being extremely sensitive to criticism and disapproval and actively avoiding intimacy with others fits the criteria for avoidant personality disorder. The fact that Joe is lonely and desires more friends also suggests that he may have difficulty forming relationships due to this avoidant behavior.

Question 14

Clara considers herself extremely talented at all that she does. She is excessively preoccupied with her own interests and demands that others treat her as special. Judging from this description, which personality disorder is Clara most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

The description given fits the criteria for narcissistic personality disorder, which is characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. People with this disorder often believe that they are entitled to special treatment and may exploit others to achieve their goals.

Question 15

In Porter's (1996) theory, fundamental psychopathy is seen as the result of ___________ factors, whereas secondary psychopathy is believed to result from ___________ factors.

Accepted Answer

Porter's theory posits that fundamental or primary psychopathy is rooted in biological factors, such as genetic predispositions or neurological differences, while secondary psychopathy is thought to stem from psychological factors, including trauma or other adverse life experiences.

Question 16

Hare gives an estimate that ___________ percent of the Canadian population is psychopathic.

Accepted Answer

Hare estimates that about 1 percent of the Canadian population is psychopathic. This figure is often cited in discussions about the prevalence of psychopathy in the general population.

Question 17

Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that psychopathy, as measured by the PCL-R, is a more reliable and valid construct than antisocial personality disorder. The PCL-R was actually developed to measure psychopathy specifically, and while it does include some elements of antisocial behavior, it is considered a distinct construct. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Question 18

Egocentricity is the hallmark feature of which of the following personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Egocentricity and self-importance are central features of this disorder.

Question 19

Reviews of the literature on treatment efficacy for antisocial personality disorder patients have been _____ about the prognosis for those with this disorder.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Reviews of the literature on treatment efficacy...

Question 20

What has been proposed to be the difference between avoidant personality disorder and the anxiety disorder, social phobia?

Accepted Answer

Social phobia and avoidant personality disorder are both characterized by fear of social situations and negative evaluation, but they differ primarily in the severity and pervasiveness of these symptoms. Avoidant personality disorder is considered more pervasive and enduring, affecting many areas of an individual's life, whereas social phobia might be more specific to certain social situations or performance-related anxieties.

Quiz 12: The Personality Disorders