PYC3702
Exam Pack
MCQs (2019-2020)
,PYC3702 Abnormal Behaviour and
Mental Health Exams
,1 PYC3702 Abnormal Behaviour and Mental Health
This document is a compilation of UNISA Exam Questions and
Answers Answers are motivated by a combination of:
• References
• Short summaries/reasoning regarding the relevant topic(s) in question. (Incorrect
options are also marked where applicable, in order to identify and disregard red-
herring alternatives)
• 2019 May-June
• 2019 October-November
• 2020 May-June
• 2020 October-November
Please note: This document is an additional tool for exam preparation. The Stuvia-user that
compiled and uploaded this document takes no responsibility for incorrect answers. Students must
ensure that they study the prescribed material and understand the content.
, 2 PYC3702 Abnormal Behaviour and Mental Health
May/June 2016
QUESTION 1
In class, Professor Bell defines ___ as the view adopted by a person that regards symptoms
of mental disorders as the same in all cultures and societies.
1) Ukuthwasa
2) Cultural relativism
3) Cultural-bound syndrome
4) Cultural-universality
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: TL501, pg. 35
Reasoning:
• Cultural universality (option 4) refers to behavior being similar across cultures, and
in contrast
• Cultural relativity (option 2) refers to behavior being understood differently according
to each culture.
• Ukuthwasa (option 1) according to the traditional African perspective refers to a ‘’creative
illness’’ following a calling by the ancestral spirits to become a diviner (isangoma).
QUESTION 2
Which assumption about the development of mental disorders is not accurate according to the
underlying principles of the Multipath Model?
1) No one theory is adequate to explain the development of mental disorders.
2) All four dimensions of the model contribute equally to the aetiology of mental disorders.
3) Psychological and biological assets can help protect individuals from the development
of mental disorders.
4) The model acknowledges that aetiological factors combine in reciprocal ways in
the development of mental disorders.
Answer: The correct answer is (2)
Refer: Sue et al., pg. 36
Reasoning: According to the Multipath Model, abnormal behaviour can very seldom be explained
in full by one theoretical model. The Multipath Model proposes the consideration of
combinations of interacting biological, psychological, social and sociocultural factors in explaining
abnormal behaviour.
QUESTION 3
Bina, normally an energetic and optimally coping mother of three young children, recently
became unable to go shopping, prepare meals, or even dress her children. Bina’s current unusual
behavior illustrates Sue et al’s (2016) practical definition of abnormality called ___.
1) disorientation
2) distress
3) dysfunction
4) deviance
Answer: The correct answer is (3)
Refer: Sue et al., pg. 9
Reasoning: Four major means of judging psychopathology include distress, deviance, dysfunction,
and dangerousness.
One way to assess dysfunction is to compare an individual’s performance with the requirements
of a role he is expected to fulfil. Another way to assess dysfunction is to compare and
individual’s performance with his/her potential.
Exam Pack
MCQs (2019-2020)
,PYC3702 Abnormal Behaviour and
Mental Health Exams
,1 PYC3702 Abnormal Behaviour and Mental Health
This document is a compilation of UNISA Exam Questions and
Answers Answers are motivated by a combination of:
• References
• Short summaries/reasoning regarding the relevant topic(s) in question. (Incorrect
options are also marked where applicable, in order to identify and disregard red-
herring alternatives)
• 2019 May-June
• 2019 October-November
• 2020 May-June
• 2020 October-November
Please note: This document is an additional tool for exam preparation. The Stuvia-user that
compiled and uploaded this document takes no responsibility for incorrect answers. Students must
ensure that they study the prescribed material and understand the content.
, 2 PYC3702 Abnormal Behaviour and Mental Health
May/June 2016
QUESTION 1
In class, Professor Bell defines ___ as the view adopted by a person that regards symptoms
of mental disorders as the same in all cultures and societies.
1) Ukuthwasa
2) Cultural relativism
3) Cultural-bound syndrome
4) Cultural-universality
Answer: The correct answer is (4)
Refer: TL501, pg. 35
Reasoning:
• Cultural universality (option 4) refers to behavior being similar across cultures, and
in contrast
• Cultural relativity (option 2) refers to behavior being understood differently according
to each culture.
• Ukuthwasa (option 1) according to the traditional African perspective refers to a ‘’creative
illness’’ following a calling by the ancestral spirits to become a diviner (isangoma).
QUESTION 2
Which assumption about the development of mental disorders is not accurate according to the
underlying principles of the Multipath Model?
1) No one theory is adequate to explain the development of mental disorders.
2) All four dimensions of the model contribute equally to the aetiology of mental disorders.
3) Psychological and biological assets can help protect individuals from the development
of mental disorders.
4) The model acknowledges that aetiological factors combine in reciprocal ways in
the development of mental disorders.
Answer: The correct answer is (2)
Refer: Sue et al., pg. 36
Reasoning: According to the Multipath Model, abnormal behaviour can very seldom be explained
in full by one theoretical model. The Multipath Model proposes the consideration of
combinations of interacting biological, psychological, social and sociocultural factors in explaining
abnormal behaviour.
QUESTION 3
Bina, normally an energetic and optimally coping mother of three young children, recently
became unable to go shopping, prepare meals, or even dress her children. Bina’s current unusual
behavior illustrates Sue et al’s (2016) practical definition of abnormality called ___.
1) disorientation
2) distress
3) dysfunction
4) deviance
Answer: The correct answer is (3)
Refer: Sue et al., pg. 9
Reasoning: Four major means of judging psychopathology include distress, deviance, dysfunction,
and dangerousness.
One way to assess dysfunction is to compare an individual’s performance with the requirements
of a role he is expected to fulfil. Another way to assess dysfunction is to compare and
individual’s performance with his/her potential.
