Question

multiple choice 1 point
researchers determined that teenagers were at higher risk of developing ptsd in the wake of the boston marathon bombing if they had shown —— during the earlier mri.
○ diminished amygdala reactions to negative emotional stimuli
○ reduced prefrontal cortex activity
○ increased prefrontal cortex activity
○ heightened amygdala reactions to negative emotional stimuli

Explanation:

Research on PTSD risk in teenagers (post - Boston Marathon bombing) and amygdala/prefrontal cortex function: The amygdala is involved in emotional processing, especially fear/negative emotions. Heightened amygdala reactions to negative stimuli would suggest a more reactive emotional processing system, which is associated with increased PTSD risk. Diminished amygdala reactions (A) would be less likely to relate to higher PTSD risk. Reduced (B) or increased (C) prefrontal cortex activity: the prefrontal cortex is more about regulation, and the key structure linked to emotional reactivity in PTSD risk here is the amygdala, so D is the most appropriate as heightened amygdala reactivity to negative stimuli aligns with vulnerability to PTSD - like reactions after a traumatic event.

Answer:

D. heightened amygdala reactions to negative emotional stimuli (assuming the options are labeled A to D in order: A. diminished amygdala reactions to negative emotional stimuli, B. reduced prefrontal cortex activity, C. increased prefrontal cortex activity, D. heightened amygdala reactions to negative emotional stimuli)