Question 1

According to Freudian theory, depression results in part from:

Accepted Answer

Freudian theory suggests that depression can result from regression to the oral stage, where individuals may revert to earlier developmental stages due to unresolved conflicts.

Question 2

If people with unipolar depression were found to have higher levels of cortisol, such a finding would support the influence of the:

Accepted Answer

The biochemical orientation is concerned with the biological factors that influence mental health, and cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the body in response to stress. Therefore, if people with unipolar depression were found to have higher levels of cortisol, this would suggest that biological factors play a significant role in the development of depression.

Question 3

One problem with analogue studies of depression is that:

Accepted Answer

Analogue studies often use lab animals to model human conditions, but it's uncertain if the symptoms observed in animals truly reflect human depression.

Question 4

A person suspected of having unipolar depression has a smaller-than-normal hippocampus, although it produces a normal number of new neurons. This is:

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that individuals with unipolar depression often have a smaller-than-normal hippocampus, although the production of new neurons remains normal. This is why option B is the best answer. Options A, C, and D are all incorrect because they do not reflect the current research on the relationship between hippocampus size and depression.

Question 5

Recent research indicates that all of the following brain structures or regions are part of the brain circuits involved in unipolar depression EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

While the corpus callosum is an important brain structure involved in communication between the two hemispheres of the brain, recent research has not found it to be specifically implicated in the brain circuits involved in unipolar depression. The other three brain structures listed, Brodmann Area 25, hippocampus, and amygdala, have all been found to play a role in the development and maintenance of depression.

Question 6

A baby who was separated from its mother at birth, and who subsequently became withdrawn, sad, and tearful, could be experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Anaclitic depression refers to the type of depression that occurs in infants who have suffered from maternal deprivation or separation. Symptoms may include withdrawal, sadness, and tearfulness, which align with the description of the baby in question. Postpartum depression is experienced by mothers after giving birth, so it is not applicable to the baby in this scenario. Posttraumatic depression syndrome is not a recognized disorder. Dysthymic depression refers to a type of chronic depression that lasts for an extended period of time, which is not applicable to a baby who was separated from its mother at birth.

Question 7

Françoise is depressed. Her therapist asks her about her daily experiences, focusing on how often people say nice things to her. Her therapist MOST likely has a:

Accepted Answer

The therapist's focus on Françoise's daily experiences and how often people say nice things to her suggests a behavioral orientation. This approach emphasizes observable behaviors and their relationship to the environment, including social interactions.

Question 8

The belief that the prefrontal cortex has a very important part to play in the development of depression is probably:

Accepted Answer

Current research has shown that there is a correlation between lower activity in the prefrontal cortex and the development of depression. The prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and decision-making, and abnormalities in this region have been linked to depression.

Question 9

If a biochemical imbalance were the cause of a person's depression, the latest research would lead us to expect to find that person to have:

Accepted Answer

The latest research suggests that an imbalance in certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine can play a role in causing depression. Therefore, we would expect to find abnormalities in the levels or activity of these neurotransmitters in individuals with depression. Option B is incorrect as high levels of dopamine and acetylcholine have not been specifically linked to depression. Option C is also incorrect as low levels of cortisol and melatonin are not typically associated with depression. Option D is incorrect as both cortisol and serotonin are actually linked to depression, not absent from it.

Question 10

In general, object relations theorists follow which theoretical perspective?

Accepted Answer

Object relations theorists are part of the psychodynamic perspective, which focuses on understanding unconscious motivations and the impact of early childhood experiences on personality development. Object relations theory specifically explores how individuals internalize and relate to others based on their experiences with primary caregivers.

Question 11

The clinician who would be MOST likely to say, "Tell me about how your parents cared for and protected you," is a:

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic clinicians are known for their focus on childhood experiences and how they may have shaped a person's current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Asking about parental care and protection is in line with this perspective. Behavioral clinicians might ask a different type of question, such as, "What reinforces or punishes your current behavior?" Cognitive clinicians might focus on thoughts and beliefs, while sociocultural clinicians might ask about cultural or social factors that have influenced the person's experiences.

Question 12

Which theoretical model is supported by the finding that monkeys separated from their mothers at birth show signs of depression?

Accepted Answer

The psychodynamic model suggests that disruptions in early attachment relationships can lead to depression later in life. The finding that monkeys separated from their mothers at birth show signs of depression supports this theory.

Question 13

Behaviorists explain the downward spiral of depression by theorizing that:

Accepted Answer

Behaviorists believe that depressed behavior, such as low energy, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal, leads to even fewer opportunities for social rewards. As a result, individuals become trapped in a cycle of negative reinforcement, where their behavior results in less positive social experiences, which further reinforces their depression.

Question 14

As a result of taking antidepressant drugs, a person is experiencing increased production of new neurons in the hippocampus. This is:

Accepted Answer

Increased production of new neurons in the hippocampus is a normal and desired effect of antidepressant drugs. It is believed to help reverse the negative effects of depression on the brain and improve mood and cognitive function. Therefore, it is a positive indication that the treatment is working.

Question 15

An older person retires and begins experiencing health problems. Consequently, the person loses contact with old friends and becomes unpleasant to be around. A behaviorist would explain the resulting depression in terms of:

Accepted Answer

A behaviorist would focus on the loss of positive social rewards, as the person loses contact with friends and experiences less social interaction, which can lead to depression.

Question 16

Assume that a new study suggests the corpus callosum may cause unipolar depression by moving messages too slowly from one cerebral hemisphere to the other. This study would be:

Accepted Answer

Previous studies have most strongly connected other brain areas, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, to depression, making a study focusing on the corpus callosum unusual.

Question 17

Which theoretical orientation would support the finding that there is a significant relationship between positive life events and feelings of life satisfaction and happiness?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which theoretical orientation would support the finding...

Question 18

Which statement accurately reflects current research findings?

Accepted Answer

Current research suggests that stress can dysregulate the immune system, leading to an increased risk for various health problems, including depression. Dysregulated immune systems may then contribute to the development of unipolar depression. Therefore, statement D accurately reflects current research findings.

Question 19

Studies show that less than 10 percent of individuals who experience major losses become depressed. This finding provides what level of support for a psychodynamic explanation of depression?

Accepted Answer

The finding that less than 10 percent of individuals who experience major losses become depressed provides little support for a psychodynamic explanation of depression, as it suggests that external factors are not the sole cause of depression, but rather a combination of environmental, biological, and psychological factors. Additionally, the prevalence of clinical depression is much higher than the percentage of individuals who become depressed after a major loss, further weakening the psychodynamic explanation.

Question 20

The clinician who would be MOST likely to say, "Tell me about any early losses you experienced," is a:

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic clinicians are focused on exploring a person's unconscious thoughts and early life experiences, including losses, that may be shaping their current behavior and emotions.

Quiz 7: Depressive and Bipolar Disorders