Question

Which of the following distinguishes between different models of psychopathology?

a) The categorical approach focuses on describing mental disorders, while the dimensional approach explores their causes.
b) The dimensional approach focuses on describing mental disorders, while the categorical approach explores their causes.
c) The aetiological model categorizes mental disorders, while the descriptive model presents dimensions of disorders.
d) The descriptive model categorizes mental disorders, while the aetiological model presents dimensions of disorders.

Answer 1

The descriptive model categorizes mental disorders based on observable symptoms, while the aetiological model looks at underlying causes and dimensions of mental disorders. The answer is 'The descriptive model categorizes mental disorders, while the aetiological model presents dimensions of disorders.'

Step-by-step explanation:

The distinction between different models of psychopathology can be understood by examining the approach each model takes towards mental disorders. The correct answer to the question which distinguishes between different models of psychopathology is: d) The descriptive model categorizes mental disorders, while the aetiological model presents dimensions of disorders. The descriptive model is concerned with identifying and classifying mental disorders based on observable symptoms and traits, similar to what is found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). On the other hand, the aetiological model looks at the underlying causes and contributing factors (dimensions) of mental disorders, such as biological, psychological, and environmental influences. This is reflective of the ongoing debate in the field of psychology about whether mental illness should be viewed through a categorical lens - having a specific, diagnosable disorder - or a dimensional lens - varying degrees of symptoms and traits across a spectrum.