GRE Subject Test: Psychology : Causes & Development of Disorders
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Psychology
All GRE Subject Test: Psychology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Causes & Development Of Disorders
Increased melatonin production by the pineal gland and a lack of sunshine can cause which of the following?
Seasonal affective disorder
Major depression
Generalized anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder associated with episodes of depression in the fall and winter months. It appears to be related to a lack of sunshine, causing increased melatonin production by the pineal gland. Seasonal affective disorder can be helped by phototherapy with bright white fluorescent lights.
Example Question #2 : Causes & Development Of Disorders
When a person has experienced a life-threatening accident, loss of a loved one, abuse, or a natural disaster they may present with __________.
generalized anxiety disorder
panic disorder
situational phobias
somatoform disorder
posttraumatic stress disorder
posttraumatic stress disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when a person who has gone through a significant trauma shows stress symptoms that impair the person's ability to function. The trauma can be combat, torture or abuse, a life-threatening accident, a natural disater, or loss of a loved one.
Generalized anxiety disorder consists of persistent, excessive worrying that is not focused on one particular situation. Panic disorder is characterized by sudden, brief attacks of intense fear that rise abruptly, often for no reason. Situational phobias involve a fear of specific situations; crowded spaces, heights, flying, and confined spaces. Somatoform disorder occurs when there is no identifiable physical cause to explain physical symptoms.
Example Question #3 : Causes & Development Of Disorders
The double-bind hypothesis in clinical psychology offers an etiological explanation for which of the following disorders?
Major depressive disorder
None of these
Generalized anxiety disorder
Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
The double-bind hypothesis suggests that in childhood, individuals with schizophrenia received disorganized and contradictory messages from his or her mother. For instance, a child may have been told to eat as much as he wanted, but punished after he finished eating. According to the theory, these individuals internalize the disorganized messages and lead to a warped perception of reality.
Example Question #4 : Causes & Development Of Disorders
Which of the following are considered factors of sensation seeking?
All of these
Experience seeking
Thrill and adventure seeking
Disinhibition
All of these
Sensation seeking is an important factor in understanding the cause and development of addictions—including substance abuse. When sensation seeking is elevated in a given individual, it can sometimes be channeled into healthy avenues that include competitive sports and leadership; however, it often results in seeking pleasurable experiences that end up becoming harmful habits. Individuals with elevated sensation seeking tendencies require more stimulation than the average individual to feel the same amount of pleasure or satisfaction.
Example Question #5 : Causes & Development Of Disorders
Which of the following theorists developed theories associated with the concept of the cognitive triad of depression?
Aaron Beck
Sigmund Freud
Albert Ellis
Carl Jung
Aaron Beck
Aaron Beck—a cognitive psychologist—hypothesized that depression was the result of cognitive errors. In other words, depressed people were more likely to interpret the world in a maladaptive way. They have negative thoughts about themselves, the world around them, and the future. He hypothesized that all three of these cognitive beliefs feed into one another and fuel depressive thoughts that produces a vicious cycle.
All GRE Subject Test: Psychology Resources
