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Chapter 5: Feminist Contributions to Personality Theory Multiple Choice Questions 1. Feminist theorists believe that individuals A) are products of their biological inheritance. B) have equal opportunities to succeed in any situation. C) may be best understood in relationship to their sociopolitical context. D) must undergo extensive psychotherapy to understand their values. Answer: C Rationale: Feminist theorists argue that understanding individuals requires considering the sociopolitical context in which they exist, including factors like gender, race, class, and sexuality. They reject the idea that individuals are solely products of their biological inheritance or that they all have equal opportunities, emphasizing instead the impact of societal structures and norms on individual lives. 2. Second wave feminism recognized the absence of women as researchers and participants in A) political movements. B) psychological research. C) anthropological surveys. D) academia. Answer: B Rationale: Second wave feminism highlighted the lack of women both as researchers conducting psychological research and as participants in studies, indicating a need to address gender bias and inequality in the field. 3. Liberal feminism A) is a wing of the Democratic Party. B) depends on funding from private citizens and promotes the interests of rural families. C) tends to focus on the academic applications of feminist theory in the liberal arts. D) focuses on legal and social change within existing structures. Answer: D Rationale: Liberal feminism focuses on achieving gender equality through legal and social change within existing structures, advocating for reforms to laws and institutions to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women. 4. Socialist feminists believe that the fundamental structures of oppression are found in A) the United States constitution. B) society’s institutional structures such as work, education, family, and sexuality. C) the minds of educated, white, upper middle class men. D) the emotional experiences of women in childhood, particularly concerning the absence of the father. Answer: B Rationale: Socialist feminists argue that the fundamental structures of oppression are embedded in societal institutions such as work, education, family, and sexuality, rather than solely in individual experiences or psychological factors. 5. Cultural feminists have been criticized for A) focusing on antiviolence legislation. B) presuming that essential feminine qualities are universal. C) attempting to abolish government influence on gender issues. D) embracing an egalitarian ideal that renounces marriage as fundamentally detrimental to women. Answer: B Rationale: Cultural feminists have been criticized for presuming that essential feminine qualities are universal, which can overlook the diversity of women's experiences and reinforce stereotypes about gender roles. 6. Much of the early feminist psychological research was conducted by and generally only included: A) college-aged, white, heterosexual men. B) white, middle-class, heterosexual women. C) college-aged, diverse women and men. D) elderly, middle-class women. Answer: B Rationale: Early feminist psychological research was often conducted by and included mainly white, middle-class, heterosexual women, reflecting the limited diversity and perspectives in the field at that time. 7. Who pointed out the “chauvinism among white women” as a critique of the lack of diversity in early feminism? A) Patricia Hill Collins B) Jean Baker Miller C) Laura S. Brown D) Johnetta B. Cole Answer: D Rationale: Johnetta B. Cole criticized the lack of diversity in early feminism, pointing out the "chauvinism among white women" and highlighting the need for a more inclusive and intersectional feminist movement. 8. Psychology as a field has a long history of pathologizing A) LGBTQ orientation and experience. B) heteronormative social constructs. C) feminist slogans. D) women who work in corporate settings. Answer: A Rationale: Psychology has a history of pathologizing LGBTQ orientation and experience, viewing them as deviations from the norm and often diagnosing them as mental disorders, reflecting societal biases and stigmas. 9. From a developmental perspective, healthy women may A) face different developmental issues than men. B) choose to reject certain pastimes in favor of political activism. C) better understand the cultural roots of racism. D) become more liberal over time. Answer: A Rationale: From a developmental perspective, healthy women may face different developmental issues than men due to societal expectations and gender norms, which can influence their experiences and opportunities throughout life. 10. Feminist psychologists have proposed that the theory itself must be written A) so as to not offend anyone. B) in militaristic language. C) on the walls in every school. D) in particularistic language. Answer: D Rationale: Feminist psychologists have proposed that theory must be written in particularistic language, which acknowledges the diverse experiences and perspectives of individuals, rather than using universalizing language that can marginalize or exclude certain groups. 11. Who wrote: “Who gets to decide? Who determines what my...personality is or is not...what is or is not healthy or pathological in personality”? A) Irene Stiver B) Karen Horney C) Karen L. Suyemoto D) Nancy Chodorow Answer: C Rationale: Karen L. Suyemoto wrote the quoted text, reflecting a critical perspective on who has the authority to define and judge aspects of personality, health, and pathology, particularly from a feminist and cultural standpoint. 12. What epistemological framework challenges the strict adherence to scientific method in psychological research? A) Women’s Liberation B) Radical Feminism C) Social Constructionism D) Relational-Cultural Theory Answer: C Rationale: Social Constructionism challenges the strict adherence to the scientific method by emphasizing the role of social and cultural factors in shaping knowledge and reality, including in psychological research. 13. Relational-Cultural Theory is the theoretical orientation of counseling treatment and training at the A) Women’s Liberation Union. B) Stone Counseling Center. C) Center for Social Constructionism. D) Laura S. Brown Center. Answer: B Rationale: The Stone Counseling Center is associated with the theoretical orientation of Relational-Cultural Theory, which emphasizes the importance of relationships in human development and well-being. 14. The Stone Center relational model emphasizes the centrality of what in women’s lives? A) Connection B) Diversity C) Employment D) Motherhood Answer: A Rationale: The Stone Center relational model emphasizes the centrality of connection in women's lives, highlighting the importance of relationships and interpersonal interactions for psychological health and well-being. 15. A misunderstood area in the psychology of women is the struggle for A) fame. B) power. C) wealth. D) equality. Answer: B Rationale: The struggle for power is a misunderstood area in the psychology of women, often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream discourse, which tends to focus more on issues of fame, wealth, or equality. 16. When individuals exercise “power over” others, they seek to ensure their position of A) excellence in spite of resistance. B) authentic supremacy. C) respect and authority. D) dominance and control. Answer: D Rationale: When individuals exercise "power over" others, they seek to ensure their dominance and control, exerting authority and influence to maintain their position of superiority. 17. In lesbian relationships, indications of “fusion” point to intense relational engagement, a sign of A) pathology, not health. B) power over force. C) health, not pathology. D) weak interpersonal boundaries. Answer: C Rationale: In lesbian relationships, indications of "fusion" are viewed as a sign of health, indicating intense relational engagement and emotional connection rather than a pathology, which can be misunderstood due to societal norms and biases. 18. In consistently nonresponsive settings that violate the child’s experience, generally, the child learns that the only way to connect to the significant figures in her life A) is to become what she thinks others want her to be. B) is to turn away from everyone and disappear into her own imaginary world. C) is to perform excellently without expecting encouragement. D) is to do the opposite that she thinks they want. Answer: A Rationale: In consistently nonresponsive settings, a child may learn that the only way to connect with significant figures is to become what she thinks others want her to be, adapting her behavior to seek approval and connection. 19. Research shows that perceived mutuality between mothers and daughters reduces the internal and external behaviors empirically linked to heightened risk of A) conduct disorder. B) suicide attempts. C) academic failure. D) interpersonal violence. Answer: B Rationale: Research indicates that perceived mutuality between mothers and daughters reduces the internal and external behaviors linked to heightened risk of suicide attempts, highlighting the importance of healthy, supportive relationships in mental health outcomes. True False Questions 20. Feminist psychology seeks to examine people in relation to their actual, lived lives. Answer: True Rationale: Feminist psychology emphasizes the importance of understanding individuals in the context of their actual, lived experiences, including the influence of societal structures, norms, and power dynamics on their lives. 21. Several important early books about the feminist movement were written in the 50s and 60s. Answer: True Rationale: The feminist movement gained significant momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, leading to the publication of several important books that laid the foundation for feminist theory and activism. 22. The ideas in women’s liberation are outdated, irrelevant to modern life, and have little or no psychological importance. Answer: False Rationale: The ideas of women's liberation, which focus on achieving gender equality and challenging gender norms, remain relevant to modern life and have significant psychological importance in understanding and addressing issues related to gender inequality. 23. Radical feminists were among the first to start rape crisis centers. Answer: True Rationale: Radical feminists were instrumental in establishing the first rape crisis centers, recognizing the need for support services for survivors of sexual violence and challenging societal attitudes towards rape. 24. Cultural feminists celebrate motherhood. Answer: True Rationale: Cultural feminists often celebrate motherhood as a source of empowerment and identity, highlighting the value of women's roles as caregivers and nurturers. 25. Feminist psychological research has always included diverse women in all relevant research to the field. Answer: False Rationale: While feminist psychology aims to be inclusive, early research often focused on specific groups of women, such as white, middle-class women. Efforts have been made to increase diversity in research, but there is still progress to be made in fully representing the experiences of all women. 26. The diagnosis of homosexuality was removed from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in 1951. Answer: False Rationale: The diagnosis of homosexuality was not removed from the DSM until 1973, reflecting changing attitudes towards sexual orientation and the recognition of homosexuality as a normal variation of human sexuality. 27. Carol Gilligan examined the moral development of girls and emphasized connected moral development. Answer: True Rationale: Carol Gilligan's research focused on the moral development of girls and highlighted the importance of connectedness and relationships in moral reasoning, contrasting with traditional theories that emphasized individual rights and justice. 28. There is recognition in feminist theory that in order to be a truly inclusive movement, theory and research must take all perspectives and possibilities into consideration. Answer: True Rationale: Feminist theory emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and intersectionality, recognizing that understanding the experiences of all individuals requires considering diverse perspectives and possibilities. 29. Suyemoto’s theory of identity is grounded in radical feminist theory. Answer: False Rationale: Karen L. Suyemoto's theory of identity is not grounded in radical feminist theory but rather integrates various perspectives, including feminist and multicultural theories, to understand the complexity of identity development. 30. Cultural context is unimportant in women’s lives. Answer: False Rationale: Cultural context is crucial in understanding women's lives, as it shapes their experiences, identities, and opportunities, highlighting the importance of considering cultural factors in feminist psychology. 31. The need for connection and emotional joining is a primary need; much of human suffering arises from disconnection and isolation. Answer: True Rationale: Relational-Cultural Theory, which emphasizes the importance of relationships and connections in human development and well-being, suggests that much of human suffering can be attributed to disconnection and isolation, highlighting the fundamental need for connection. 32. More recently, feminists have begun to explore the ways in which traditional theories of development also misinterpret men’s experience. Answer: True Rationale: Feminist scholars have started to examine how traditional theories of development, which have often focused on women's experiences, may also misinterpret or overlook aspects of men's experiences, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach to understanding gender development. 33. The Relational-Cultural Model of psychology has the same model of the self as all other forms of psychology. Answer: False Rationale: The Relational-Cultural Model of psychology proposes a different model of the self compared to traditional psychology, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals and the importance of relationships in shaping the self, which differs from the more individualistic models in other forms of psychology. 34. Connection and empathy are unrelated. Answer: False Rationale: Connection and empathy are closely related concepts, as empathy involves understanding and sharing another person's feelings, which can contribute to a sense of connection and closeness in relationships. 35. The process of psychological growth requires the participants to respond empathically to each other. Answer: True Rationale: According to Relational-Cultural Theory, psychological growth and development occur through empathic and mutually responsive relationships, where individuals respond to each other's needs and experiences with empathy and understanding, fostering growth and connection. 36. Clinical experience suggests that perhaps one of the most terrifying human experiences is psychological isolation. Answer: True Rationale: Psychological isolation, or the feeling of being disconnected and alone, is often experienced as deeply distressing and terrifying, highlighting the fundamental human need for connection and relationships. 37. The path of depressive immobilization exists for very few women in patriarchal societies. Answer: False Rationale: The path of depressive immobilization, characterized by feelings of hopelessness and lack of motivation, can be experienced by individuals of any gender in patriarchal societies, as societal pressures and expectations can contribute to feelings of powerlessness and despair. 38. The measurement of mutuality with loved ones can be used as a diagnostic predictor of eating disorders. Answer: True Rationale: Research has suggested that the measurement of mutuality, or the degree of reciprocal responsiveness in relationships, can be used as a diagnostic predictor of eating disorders, as low levels of mutuality may be associated with disordered eating behaviors. 39. No neuroscience research supports relational-cultural theory. Answer: False Rationale: While more research is needed, some neuroscience studies have provided support for the principles of Relational-Cultural Theory, such as the impact of social relationships on brain development and functioning, suggesting that neuroscience can provide insights into relational processes. Essay Questions 40. Considering the tenet “the personal is political,” how have external factors influenced your sense of self? Answer: External factors, such as societal expectations, cultural norms, and systemic inequalities, have significantly influenced my sense of self. These factors have shaped my beliefs, values, and behaviors, impacting how I perceive myself and interact with the world around me. 41. Reflect on the steps early feminist psychologists took to create a flexible and inclusive branch of psychology. Answer: Early feminist psychologists took several steps to create a flexible and inclusive branch of psychology. They challenged traditional theories and methodologies, advocated for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences, and emphasized the importance of addressing power dynamics and social inequalities in psychological research and practice. 42. Explore the significant differences between two of the current branches of feminism. Answer: Two significant branches of feminism, liberal feminism and radical feminism, differ in their approaches to achieving gender equality. Liberal feminism focuses on legal and social reforms within existing structures, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women. In contrast, radical feminism seeks to challenge and dismantle patriarchal systems and institutions, viewing them as the root causes of gender inequality. 43. Reflect on how feminist personality theory treats the experience of men in our culture. Answer: Feminist personality theory acknowledges that men, like women, are also influenced by societal expectations and norms related to gender. It recognizes that men may experience pressure to conform to traditional masculine roles, which can impact their sense of self and emotional well-being. Feminist theory seeks to understand and address these issues, advocating for a more equitable and inclusive society for all genders. 44. If self-experience is a contextual, relational model of the self, what crucial relationships influence your own model of the self? Answer: My own model of the self is influenced by crucial relationships with family members, friends, mentors, and colleagues. These relationships provide me with feedback, support, and different perspectives, shaping how I perceive myself and my place in the world. Additionally, societal and cultural influences also play a role in shaping my self-experience. 45. Reflect on the negative consequences of disconnection and psychological isolation. Answer: Disconnection and psychological isolation can have significant negative consequences on mental health and well-being. They can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety, as well as contribute to a sense of alienation from others. Additionally, prolonged isolation can impact physical health and hinder personal growth and development. Short Answer Questions 46. The radical feminist branch was originally grounded in the writings of ___________. Answer: Simone de Beauvoir 47. One of the six major factors critical in the creation of feminist personality theory is that the theory itself must acknowledge that the internal and external worlds of subjects ___________. Answer: intermingle 48. When people are unable to move from disconnection to connection, the resulting combination of immobilization and isolation may in fact become like a ___________ and contribute to psychological anguish. Answer: prison 49. ___________ occur whenever a child or adult is prevented from participating in a mutually responsive and mutually enhancing relationship. Answer: Disconnections 50. The contradictory situation in which a child or adult, in order to connect in available relationships, withholds the authentic self is called the ___________ of connection-disconnection. Answer: paradox 51. Human behavior is not about self-development, but about ___________ development. Answer: relational Matching Questions 52. Leader in promoting diversity in feminism A. Amy Banks 53. Major inspiration for contemporary feminist psychological theory B. Laura S. Brown 54. Member of interpersonal school of psychoanalysis C. Patricia Hill Collins 55. Study on moral development of girls D. Carol Gilligan 56. Wrote Toward a New Psychology of Women E. Karen Horney 57. Neuroplasticity of the brain F. Hannah Lerman 58. Six pillars inherent to feminist personality theory G. Jean Baker Miller 59. Personality is fluid and changeable H. Minnie Bruce Pratt 60. Power inherent in interrelatedness I. Karen L. Suyemoto 61. A personal account of consciousness-raising J. Clara Thompson Answers: 52. C 53. E 54. J 55. D 56. G 57. A 58. F 59. I 60. B 61. H Test Bank for Personality and Personal Growth Robert Frager, James Fadiman 9780205953752, 9780205254781
