Question 1

The concept of the fearlessness hypothesis of antisocial personality disorder is that individuals with this disorder
A) learn to avoid punishment.
B) have an underactive cortex.
C) under-react to the threat of punishment.
D) have brain damage that inhibits their ability to understand the implications of their actions.

Accepted Answer

The fearlessness hypothesis suggests that individuals with antisocial personality disorder have an underactive amygdala, which leads to an under-reaction to the threat of punishment or danger. This lack of fear or anxiety may lead to impulsive and reckless behavior without regard for consequences.

Question 2

Rob is a 13-year-old boy who has been repeatedly arrested for theft and assault. In addition to shoplifting and other theft, he has been caught stealing money from his parents' wallets and his young sister's piggy bank. Rob shows no guilt or remorse for the many ways that he hurts others. Rob's current diagnosis is most likely
A) antisocial personality disorder.
B) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
C) conduct disorder.
D) narcissistic personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Rob's repeated criminal behavior and lack of guilt or remorse for hurting others are consistent with the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder. Antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder are typically not diagnosed in individuals under the age of 18. While attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be a comorbid condition with conduct disorder, it does not account for the extent or severity of Rob's criminal behavior.

Question 3

The most accurate statement regarding antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy is that they
A) are similar in almost every way except that psychopaths are criminals.
B) completely different populations.
C) overlap in some features but not all.
D) are just different names for the same features.

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy overlap in some features such as impulsivity, disregard for others' rights, and lack of empathy. However, they are not entirely the same, as psychopathy includes additional features such as callousness, superficial charm, and grandiose sense of self-worth. It is important to note that not all individuals with antisocial personality disorder are psychopaths, and vice versa.

Question 4

One of the contributing factors in the developmental history of individuals with antisocial personality disorder appears to be that their parents were more likely to have utilized
A) firm discipline.
B) inconsistent discipline.
C) an overly protective parenting style.
D) physical discipline.

Accepted Answer

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder are more likely to have experienced inconsistent discipline during their developmental years. This can include parents who were sometimes strict and sometimes lenient, or who had unpredictable reactions to their children's behavior. This lack of consistent discipline can lead to confusion about appropriate behavior and a lack of internalization of societal rules and expectations.

Question 5

With which of the following personality disorders is the term psychopath closely associated?
A) Schizotypal
B) Schizoid
C) Paranoid
D) Antisocial

Accepted Answer

The term psychopath is closely associated with antisocial personality disorder. Psychopathy and sociopathy are often used interchangeably with this disorder, and individuals with this diagnosis may exhibit traits such as impulsiveness, lack of empathy, and disregard for the rights of others.

Question 6

Steve steals money from his friends and family, lies to get what he wants, and often hurts others with no sign of guilt or remorse. Steve would most likely be diagnosed with personality disorder.
A) paranoid
B) histrionic
C) antisocial
D) narcissistic

Accepted Answer

The description of Steve's behavior aligns with the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder, which includes disregard for the rights of others, deceitfulness, impulsivity, and lack of remorse or guilt for harmful actions. The other options may have some overlapping symptoms, but the presented behaviors are most indicative of antisocial personality disorder.

Question 7

Some research with psychopaths suggests that these individuals are
A) more likely to quit trying as soon as failure appears imminent.
B) less likely to attempt difficult goals.
C) more likely to keep trying even though failure is certain.
D) less likely to be motivated towards a goal.

Accepted Answer

Research on psychopaths has shown that they are more likely to persist towards a goal even when failure is certain. This may be due to their lack of emotional response and reduced sensitivity to punishment, which allows them to continue pursuing a goal regardless of setbacks or negative outcomes.

Question 8

If you had absolutely no concept or fear of the consequences of your actions (for yourself or others) and were overly motivated by pleasing yourself, you might behave like a person with personality disorder.
A) antisocial
B) narcissistic
C) histrionic
D) schizotypal

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for others' rights and a lack of empathy, often leading to manipulative and aggressive behavior. People with this disorder may engage in criminal or risky behavior without concern for the consequences, and prioritize their own pleasure above all else.

Question 9

Which of the following are the two major theories that have been proposed to explain antisocial personality disorder?
A) Underarousal and fearlessness
B) Underarousal and shamelessness
C) Overarousal and fearlessness
D) Overarousal and shamelessness

Accepted Answer

The two major theories proposed to explain antisocial personality disorder are underarousal (meaning a lack of physiological arousal) and fearlessness. These theories suggest that individuals with antisocial personality disorder have difficulty experiencing and processing emotions, leading them to seek stimulation and engage in impulsive and reckless behaviors.

Question 10

The research examining the cause of antisocial personality disorder suggests that
A) the primary cause is genetics.
B) genetics and environment interact to cause the disorder.
C) the primary cause is poor parenting.
D) there is no evidence of either a genetic or environmental cause.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that both genetics and environment interact to cause antisocial personality disorder. While there may be a biological vulnerability to the disorder, environmental factors such as childhood abuse and neglect also play a role in its development. Poor parenting can be a contributing factor, but it is not the primary cause. There is evidence to suggest both genetic and environmental causes, ruling out option D.

Question 11

Which of the following prevention strategies looks promising for children who are at risk for later antisocial personality disorder?
A) A training program for parents of toddlers (ages 1½ to 2½ years)
B) A program for families with a high degree of family dysfunction
C) A program for families where at least one parent has a history of antisocial personality disorder
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

The training program for parents of toddlers (ages 1½ to 2½ years) has shown promising results in preventing antisocial behavior in children later in life. Programs for families with high dysfunction or where at least one parent has a history of antisocial personality disorder tend to be less effective in preventing antisocial behavior in children.

Question 12

One prominent theory of antisocial personality disorder suggests that the behaviors are caused by an imbalance between the brain's
A) behavioral inhibition system and fight-or-flight system.
B) fight-or-flight system and reward system.
C) cortical stimulation system and behavioral inhibition system.
D) behavioral inhibition system and reward system.

Accepted Answer

The theory suggests that an imbalance between the brain's behavioral inhibition system (which regulates impulses and emotions) and reward system (which reinforces socially appropriate behaviors) leads to the development of antisocial personality disorder.

Question 13

One difference between a psychopath and a person with antisocial personality disorder is that are used in
Diagnosing the psychopath, but
Are used to diagnose antisocial personality disorder.
A) personality traits; observable behaviors
B) observable behaviors; personality traits
C) clinical judgments; objective test scores
D) medical criteria; psychological assessments

Accepted Answer

Psychopathy is often diagnosed based on personality traits such as lack of empathy, superficial charm, and manipulativeness, while antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is diagnosed based on observable behaviors that violate social norms and the rights of others.

Question 14

Marie has a history of being arrested for arson and shows no remorse for her destructive actions; Marion has a perfect legal record, but often manipulates her friends to get what she wants and doesn't feel guilt when she hurts their feelings. Marie most likely has , while Marion most likely has _.
A) schizoid personality disorder; antisocial personality disorder
B) antisocial personality disorder; schizoid personality disorder
C) psychopathy; antisocial personality disorder
D) antisocial personality disorder; psychopathy

Accepted Answer

Marie's lack of remorse and history of criminal behavior suggest that she may have antisocial personality disorder, while Marion's manipulation and lack of guilt indicate that she may also have antisocial personality disorder or psychopathy. However, since psychopathy is often considered a more severe form of antisocial personality disorder, the most likely option is that Marie has antisocial personality disorder and Marion has psychopathy or a milder form of antisocial personality disorder.

Question 15

One of the major problems with treating people with personality disorders is
A) they rarely identify themselves as needing treatment.
B) research suggests that the disorders are almost entirely based in biology and therefore difficult to treat interpersonally.
C) personality disorders are so rare that there is very little research on their treatment.
D) they are extremely unpredictable and difficult to manage in therapy sessions.

Accepted Answer

One of the major challenges in treating individuals with personality disorders is that they often do not see themselves as needing treatment or may be resistant to seeking help. This can make it difficult to engage them in treatment and work towards positive change.

Question 16

According to the DSM-5, cluster B groups which of the following personality disorders?
A) Borderline, compulsive, psychotic
B) Paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal
C) Avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive
D) Antisocial, histrionic, narcissistic

Accepted Answer

Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, emotional or erratic behavior. Antisocial, histrionic and narcissistic personality disorders fall under this cluster. Therefore, option D is correct.

Question 17

An adult diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder is most likely to have met the criteria for child. as a
A) autism
B) conduct disorder
C) a learning disability
D) Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Accepted Answer

An individual with antisocial personality disorder often has a history of conduct disorder in childhood. Conduct disorder is characterized by aggression towards people or animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness, and violation of rules. This disorder often progresses to antisocial personality disorder in adulthood. There is no direct link between autism, learning disability, or ADHD and the development of antisocial personality disorder.

Question 18

Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding the treatment of antisocial personality disorder and related antisocial behaviors?
A) Patients are generally willing participants in their therapy.
B) Most patients refer themselves for treatment because they recognize that they have a problem.
C) There has been greater success in reducing antisocial behavior in children than in adults.
D) Therapy is successful in about half of the cases treated.

Accepted Answer

There has been greater success in reducing antisocial behavior in children than in adults. This is because interventions in childhood can address underlying issues and help prevent the development of antisocial personality disorder. In contrast, adults with antisocial personality disorder often resist treatment and are less likely to change their behavior. Options A, B, and D are inaccurate statements. Patients with antisocial personality disorder often lack insight into their problems and may not see the need for treatment. Therapy is also generally unsuccessful in changing their behaviors.

Question 19

The criminal behavior of those diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder tends to
A) continue to increase throughout the lifespan.
B) increase dramatically at about age 30.
C) decline significantly around age 40.
D) remain stable throughout the lifespan.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that criminal behavior of those with antisocial personality disorder tends to decline significantly around age 40. However, it is still important to note that they may still engage in other forms of deviant or antisocial behavior.

Question 20

According to the underarousal hypothesis, individuals with antisocial personality disorder may engage in their characteristic behaviors as a way to
A) deal with their fears.
B) provide a level of stimulation that most of us receive from more typical behaviors.
C) provide a sense of relief from the feelings of depression that they experience when they are not highly aroused.
D) reduce the generally high level of arousal that they feel.

Accepted Answer

The underarousal hypothesis suggests that individuals with antisocial personality disorder engage in their characteristic behaviors to achieve a level of stimulation that others might obtain from more typical, less harmful activities. This is because they are thought to have lower baseline levels of arousal.

Quiz 1: Abnormal Behavior in Historical Context

The concept of the fearlessness hypothesis of antisocial personality disorder is that individuals with this disorder

The most accurate statement regarding antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy is that they

One of the contributing factors in the developmental history of individuals with antisocial personality disorder appears to be that their parents were more likely to have utilized

With which of the following personality disorders is the term psychopath closely associated?

Steve steals money from his friends and family, lies to get what he wants, and often hurts others with no sign of guilt or remorse. Steve would most likely be diagnosed with personality disorder.

Some research with psychopaths suggests that these individuals are

If you had absolutely no concept or fear of the consequences of your actions (for yourself or others) and were overly motivated by pleasing yourself, you might behave like a person with personality disorder.

Which of the following are the two major theories that have been proposed to explain antisocial personality disorder?

The research examining the cause of antisocial personality disorder suggests that

Which of the following prevention strategies looks promising for children who are at risk for later antisocial personality disorder?

One prominent theory of antisocial personality disorder suggests that the behaviors are caused by an imbalance between the brain's

One difference between a psychopath and a person with antisocial personality disorder is that are used in Diagnosing the psychopath, but Are used to diagnose antisocial personality disorder.

Marie has a history of being arrested for arson and shows no remorse for her destructive actions; Marion has a perfect legal record, but often manipulates her friends to get what she wants and doesn't feel guilt when she hurts their feelings. Marie most likely has , while Marion most likely has _.

One of the major problems with treating people with personality disorders is

According to the DSM-5, cluster B groups which of the following personality disorders?

An adult diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder is most likely to have met the criteria for child. as a

Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding the treatment of antisocial personality disorder and related antisocial behaviors?

The criminal behavior of those diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder tends to

According to the underarousal hypothesis, individuals with antisocial personality disorder may engage in their characteristic behaviors as a way to