MCAT Behavioral Sciences Question 243: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 243

6. Which of the following represents a stressor that would be considered a "catastrophe?"

I. A terrorist attack that kills hundreds of people

II. Divorce

III. Death of a child

  • A. I only
  • B. III only
  • C. I and III
  • D. I, II, and III

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Item I is true: catastrophes are unpredictable, large-scale events that include natural disasters and wartime. Catastrophes are events that almost everyone would appraise as dangerous and stress-inducing (choice B can be eliminated). Item II is false: divorce is considered a significant life change, not a catastrophe (choice D can be eliminated). Item III is false: while emotionally devastating, the death of a child would be considered a significant life change, not a catastrophe, because it is not a large-scale event affecting many people (choice D can be eliminated, choice A is correct).

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