Question 1

Which of the following is NOT true of schizotypal personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

The statement that the long-term prognosis for those suffering from schizotypal personality disorder is moderate to good is not true. The prognosis is generally poor, with many individuals experiencing chronic social and occupational difficulties.

Question 2

Which of the following personality disorders is characterized by eccentricity of thought and behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by eccentric and odd thinking, behavior, and speech patterns, as well as social and interpersonal difficulties. Individuals with this disorder may experience magical thinking, odd beliefs or perceptions, unusual speech patterns, and difficulties forming close relationships.

Question 3

The DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder presents ___________ exemplars reflecting the violation of the rights of others,and ___________ or more must be met for the diagnosis to be applied.

Accepted Answer

The DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder includes 7 exemplars reflecting the violation of the rights of others, and at least 3 of these exemplars must be met for the diagnosis to be applied.

Question 4

Attachment researchers have found that if parent-child attachments are poor,the child will typically develop adult relationship styles that __________.

Accepted Answer

Researchers have found that if parent-child attachments are poor, the child will typically develop adult relationship styles that are characterized by ambivalence, fear, or avoidance. These individuals often struggle with trust and intimacy in their relationships and may have difficulty forming close, meaningful connections with others. They may also struggle with communication, expressing their emotions, and regulating their feelings.

Question 5

___________ theory states that children learn how to relate to others by the way in which their parents relate to them.

Accepted Answer

The theory described is known as attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of the early relationship between a child and their primary caregiver (usually the mother). The quality of this relationship and the attachment style it fosters sets the stage for how children will approach relationships throughout their lives.

Question 6

Biological accounts of personality disorders have been most thoroughly explored with ___________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Biological research has been most extensive in exploring antisocial personality disorder, with studies suggesting a genetic basis for the disorder and abnormalities in brain structure and function.

Question 7

As paranoid personality occurs quite commonly in the relatives of people with ___________,a genetic link with this disorder has been proposed.

Accepted Answer

Research has suggested that there is a genetic link between paranoid personality disorder and schizophrenia, which is why it is quite common for relatives of people with schizophrenia to also have paranoid personality traits.

Question 8

The relationship between psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder appears to be ______________________ and it has been found that __________.

Accepted Answer

The relationship between psychopathy and APD is asymmetrical, with the majority of people who meet criteria for psychopathy also meeting criteria for APD, but the converse is not always true. Some persons diagnosed with APD do not meet criteria for psychopathy.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT characteristic of a person with schizotypal personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive focus on himself or herself is not a characteristic of schizotypal personality disorder. In fact, people with this disorder tend to be socially isolated and struggle with interpersonal relationships. They may also exhibit eccentric behavior and beliefs, engage in magical thinking, and believe in paranormal phenomena.

Question 10

The most influential book ever published on antisocial personality disorder was The Mask Of Sanity by

Accepted Answer

The Mask of Sanity, written by Hervey Cleckley in 1941, is considered the most influential book ever published on antisocial personality disorder. It was the first comprehensive study of psychopathy and introduced many of the core clinical features of the disorder, including superficial charm, pathological lying, lack of empathy, and impulsivity. The book's impact on the field of psychiatry and forensic psychology has been significant and it remains a classic text in the study of psychopathy today.

Question 11

Psychoanalysts see personality disorders as resulting from

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalysts believe that personality disorders are the result of disturbances in the parent-child relationship, specifically in the individual's early experiences with attachment and separation from their primary caregiver. This can lead to difficulties in developing a cohesive sense of self and in forming healthy relationships with others.  The other options listed here (A, C, D, and E) are all specific to certain psychoanalytic theories and are not generally seen as the primary causes of personality disorders.

Question 12

Studies of brain structure and function in borderline personality disorder have shown dysfunction in the _____________ and _____________.

Accepted Answer

Studies have consistently shown dysfunction in both the prefrontal areas (which are involved in impulse control and decision-making) and the amygdala (which is involved in emotional regulation) in individuals with borderline personality disorder. Dysfunction in these areas may contribute to the impulsive and emotionally dysregulated behaviors characteristic of the disorder.

Question 13

Joan is a psychologist who argues that her client has a personality disorder due largely to the fact that his schemata (i.e. ,beliefs and assumptions)have become rigid and inflexible.Joan is taking a(n)___________ approach to understanding the etiology of personality disorders.

Accepted Answer

Joan's focus on the client's beliefs and assumptions aligns with a cognitive-behavioural approach, which emphasizes the role of thoughts and beliefs in shaping behaviour and emotional experiences. The other options (attachment, psychoanalytic, psychiatric, and behavioural) do not specifically address the role of rigid schemata as a potential cause of personality disorders.

Question 14

What is the key difference between DSM-5 antisocial personality disorder,and psychopathy?

Accepted Answer

Psychopathy encompasses a broader range of emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal traits compared to DSM-5 antisocial personality disorder, which mainly focuses on observable behaviors. Psychopathy is a richer and more comprehensive construct than DSM-5 antisocial personality disorder.

Question 15

The ___________ hypothesis suggests that people with APD have a higher threshold for feeling fear than do other people.

Accepted Answer

The fearlessness hypothesis suggests that people with APD have a higher threshold for feeling fear than do other people.

Question 16

Andrew does not have many friends,and seems determined to avoid involvement with others.He displays little emotional responsiveness,and often seems confused by the emotional displays of others.Judging from this description,which personality disorder is Andrew most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

Andrew's lack of interest in forming relationships and emotional responsiveness are indicative of schizoid personality disorder. Schizoid individuals have limited or no interest in social relationships and lack emotional expression.

Question 17

According to Linehan,individuals who develop borderline personality disorder:

Accepted Answer

Linehan's biosocial theory of borderline personality disorder suggests that individuals who develop BPD have a biological vulnerability to emotional dysregulation, which is exacerbated by a childhood environment that consistently invalidates their emotions and experiences. This invalidation can come in the form of neglect, dismissal, or punishment for expressing emotions. This theory has been supported by research.

Question 18

The specific causes of personality disorders were not considered until the development of

Accepted Answer

The psychoanalytic movement, led by Sigmund Freud, was one of the first to consider the underlying causes of personality disorders, such as unresolved childhood conflicts and unconscious psychological processes.

Question 19

Jane has a tendency to see everything people do as a personal attack on her safety and privacy.Judging from this characteristic,which personality disorder is Jane most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

Jane's tendency to see everything as a personal attack on her safety and privacy is indicative of paranoid personality disorder. People with this disorder often have a pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, and may be quick to assume that others are intentionally trying to harm or deceive them.

Question 20

The essential distinguishing feature of ___________ personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of disregard for,and violation of,the rights of others.

Accepted Answer

The essential distinguishing feature of antisocial personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, while avoidant personality disorder involves feelings of inadequacy and a fear of rejection. Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by odd or eccentric behavior, while histrionic personality disorder involves attention-seeking behaviors.

Quiz 12: The Personality Disorders