Psychology Chapter on Personality Disorders

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes a personality as defined in the provided text?

A consistently changing pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving, influenced by culture.

A temporary pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that vary across situations.

A typical and common way of thinking, feeling, and behaving that is similar across all persons.

A unique and relatively stable way of thinking, feeling, and behaving across various contexts and time. (correct)

What is the key characteristic that distinguishes a personality disorder from typical personality traits?

The flexible and adaptable nature of the behaviors displayed.

The presence of negative emotions during social interactions.

The complete absence of any distress or difficulty in social situations.

The extreme and inflexible nature of the personality traits, causing distress or impairment. (correct)

According to the information given, which of the following factors contributes to the development of personality?

Only childhood experiences and family dynamics

A combination of genetic predispositions, temperament, childhood experiences, and family environment (correct)

Solely the influence of cultural expectations

Only genetic predispositions and temperament

An individual with paranoid personality disorder is most likely to exhibit which of the following behaviors?

Extreme suspicion and mistrust of others without justification. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a person with Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Detachment from social relationships and a lack of desire for them, including with close family. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are the defining characteristics of a cluster of personality disorders?

A pattern of inflexible traits that disrupt relationships and cause distress. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is most likely to be associated with someone who has Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Low levels of dopamine, contributing to their disinterest in social relationships. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavioral trait observed in those with paranoid personality disorder, according to the provided text?

Argumentativeness, complaining, or hostility (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of avoidant personality disorder?

Desire to avoid social relationships while cringing from attention (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a key feature of schizotypal personality disorder?

Acute discomfort with and reduced capacity for close relationships (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which cluster of personality disorders is often described as 'wild' due to emotional instability?

Cluster B (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishing feature is associated with antisocial personality disorder?

A consistent pattern of irresponsible and deceitful behavior (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about dependent personality disorder is accurate?

They tend to feel inadequate and are overly sensitive to criticism (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible outcome for individuals diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder?

They may be at an increased risk of developing schizophrenia (A) Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response is often exhibited by children with avoidant personality disorder?

Hypersensitivity to criticism (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common behavior associated with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder?

Pursuing perfectionism and rigidity in thought (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common form of domestic violence according to the provided information?

Bilateral violence matched for severity (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT associated with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Grandiose sense of self-importance (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is commonly associated with individuals diagnosed with Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Desire for constant reassurance (B) Signup and view all the answers

What underlying cause of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is mentioned?

Failure of empathetic mirroring from parents (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes a characteristic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Need for admiration and lack of empathy (D) Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder are often perceived to view situations in which manner?

Global, black-and-white terms (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of impulsivity is NOT indicated as a symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder?

Emotional outbursts during conversations (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is often a misconception about Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Individuals with this disorder are merely attention-seeking. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of criminals are believed to have Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)?

80% (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately represents the relationship between Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) and psychopathy?

APD is not psychopathy. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant predictor of suicide risk in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Instability in self-image (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Emptiness or 'zero' identity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the general Canadian population is estimated to be psychopaths?

15-25% (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition often co-occurs with Borderline Personality Disorder according to the information provided?

Bipolar II Disorder (D) Signup and view all the answers

Dutton's research suggests a link between Borderline Personality Disorder and which of the following?

Intimate partner violence (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated mortality rate related to suicide for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder?

10% (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes personality disorders in contrast to typical personality traits?

They involve extreme, inflexible traits that cause distress. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is indicative of Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Extreme suspicion of others' intentions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the social preferences of individuals with Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Indifferent to social relationships and emotionally aloof. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects early temperament stability?

Early temperament remains highly stable throughout life. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which personality trait is considered one of the 'Big 5' that reflects a person's thoroughness and dependability?

Conscientiousness (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is personality defined in the context of psychological disorders?

A unique way of thinking, feeling, and behaving over time. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What emotional characteristic is commonly associated with individuals who have a personality disorder?

Frequent experiences of distress or turmoil. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential consequence of having inflexible traits associated with personality disorders?

Subjective distress and impaired functioning. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct percentage of male inmates believed to have Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)?

44% (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which percentage range is cited for the estimated prevalence of psychopaths in the general Canadian population?

15-25% (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which mental health issue has been shown to co-occur with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

Anorexia (D) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is NOT associated with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Stable sense of identity (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of psychopathy as defined in the content?

Lack of empathy (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is indicated as a risk contributor to intimate partner violence in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Excessively high standards for themselves (C) Signup and view all the answers

The estimated percentage of those with Antisocial Personality Disorder that are also considered psychopaths is what?

20% (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trait observed across individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Low impulse control (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Schizotypal Personality Disorder from other disorders?

Experiencing psychotic-like symptoms and acute discomfort in relationships (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is commonly exhibited by individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Strong desire to form close relationships but fear rejection (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Engaging in behaviors that are considered socially unacceptable (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant trait associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder?

Necessity for control, leading to poor interpersonal relationships (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why are Cluster B Personality Disorders often referred to as the 'wild' cluster?

They exhibit impulsive behaviors and emotional instability (C) Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state is often observed in children with Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Overwhelming anxiety about evaluations from others (C) Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder typically exhibit which of the following characteristics?

A strong need for reassurance and emotional support (B) Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is most likely not associated with the impulsive behaviors found in Cluster B Disorders?

Planning and forethought in actions (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content provided, which of these statements about domestic violence is accurate in general?

Domestic violence is evenly split between men and women as perpetrators, with equal severity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder?

Exaggerated sense of self-importance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception about Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Histrionic Personality Disorder may be overdiagnosed in women. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavioral trait observed in individuals diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

A tendency to manipulate or exploit others for personal gain. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided information, what potential cause is attributed to the development of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

A lack of empathetic 'mirroring' from parents. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common characteristic of individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder?

A need for constant attention and admiration from others. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the potential cause of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, stemming from a lack of empathetic 'mirroring' from parents?

Emotional neglect. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following personality disorders is characterized by dramatic, theatrical, and attention-seeking behavior?

Histrionic Personality Disorder. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Personality Disorders Overview

Personality disorders are a class of disorders characterized by extreme, inflexible personality traits.
These traits deviate significantly from cultural norms and expectations.
They cause significant distress or impairment in occupational functioning.
Personality disorders are often chronic and may manifest in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotional reactions.

Determining Factors

Genes, temperament, and environment, including childhood experiences and family dynamics, influence personality development.
Some traits are more stable than others.

The Range of Human Personality

Personality ranges on a spectrum from high conscientiousness and agreeableness (better traits) to psychopathy and lack of conscience (worse traits).
Personality is a unique way of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

The Three Clusters of Personality Disorders

Cluster A (odd/eccentric): Paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders.
Cluster B (dramatic/erratic): Antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.
Cluster C (anxious/fearful): Avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

Characteristics of Specific Personality Disorders

Paranoid Personality Disorder: Extreme suspicion and mistrust of others, without justification.
Schizoid Personality Disorder: Detachment from social relationships, and lack of desire for close relationships. (often low dopamine, possible anhedonia or asexual)
Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Social deficits, odd/unusual beliefs, and some psychotic-like symptoms.
Antisocial Personality Disorder: Disregard for and violation of the rights of others. Irresponsible, impulsive, and deceitful behaviors.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions. Impulsivity, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
Histrionic Personality Disorder: Excessive emotionality, attention-seeking behaviors, and a need for reassurance.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.
Avoidant Personality Disorder: Avoidance of social relationships due to fear of rejection, low self-esteem, and sensitivity to others' opinions.
Dependent Personality Disorder: Submissive behavior, fear of separation, and an excessive need for reassurance and support.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: Rigidity, preoccupation with perfection, and difficulty with interpersonal relationships.
Psychopathy: Often seen in criminals, primary characteristic is a lack of conscience. 80% of criminals display some APD (Antisocial Personality Disorder) traits.

Borderline Personality Disorder (cont.)

Associated with unstable relationships, unstable moods, self-mutilation, impulsivity, poor self-image, and suicide risk.
Often comorbid (occurs together) with other disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse.

Further Considerations

Domestic Violence: Borderline personality disorder may be linked to intimate partner violence. Studies suggest high standards and blame in people with BPD.
Gender Dynamics: Common myths about domestic violence exist, including that it's predominantly male-on-female violence. Research shows that bilateral violence, with similar levels of severity from both parties, is far more common.
Diagnostic Criteria: Clear diagnostic criteria exist for Borderline Personality Disorder, including specified patterns of interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotional reactions, and problematic patterns of impulsivity. Symptoms are pervasive and affect many key life areas and patterns.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the definitions, characteristics, and behaviors associated with various personality disorders, including paranoid and schizoid types. It explores the key differences between typical personality traits and personality disorders, along with contributing factors to their development. Test your understanding of these psychological concepts!