WEST-E Special Education Practice Test

What are the major categorical factors believed to cause Emotional Behavior Disorders (EBD)?

1. Technology and Environment

2. Biology, Family, and Culture

3. Peer Influence and Social Media

4. Genetics and Personal Choices

The correct answer is: Biology, Family, and Culture

The choice identifying biology, family, and culture as major categorical factors believed to cause Emotional Behavior Disorders (EBD) is based on comprehensive research in the field of psychology and special education. Biology refers to the physiological and neurological aspects, suggesting that certain brain chemistry imbalances, genetic predispositions, or neurological conditions can contribute to emotional and behavioral difficulties. Family dynamics play a critical role, as children raised in environments with inconsistent parenting, high levels of conflict, or inadequate emotional support are at greater risk for developing EBD. Cultural factors encompass the broader context in which a child is raised, including societal expectations, values, and the availability of resources, which can impact emotional development and behavior. In contrast, the other options, while they may play a role in an individual's experience, do not capture the foundational causes of EBD as effectively. Technology and the environment may provide context for behavior but are generally considered secondary to biological and familial influences. Peer influence and social media are factors that might affect an individual's emotional state but do not fundamentally cause EBD. Genetics and personal choices likewise represent influences that may interplay with emotional disorders but are not as comprehensive in addressing the root causal factors of EBD.