NSG527 Exam 3: Psychopathology, Theories, & Advanced Clinical
Modalities Questions and Answers and Explanations | Latest-Wilkes
1. According to Sullivan’s Interpersonal Theory, the ‘Not-Me’ part of the
personality is most closely associated with which condition?
A. Normal anxiety
B. Depression
C. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: D
Explanation: Sullivan described the ‘Not-Me’ as aspects of the self that are so anxiety-
provoking they are dissociated, often manifesting as hallucinations or delusions seen in
schizophrenia.
2. In Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Triad, what are the three themes of negative
thoughts seen in depression?
A. Self, family, and future
B. Self, work, and health
C. Past, present, and future
D. Self, world, and future
Answer: D
,Explanation: The cognitive triad consists of a negative view of oneself, the
world/environment, and the future.
3. Which defense mechanism involves a person expressing the opposite of their
true, unacceptable feelings?
A. Sublimation
B. Displacement
C. Projection
D. Reaction Formation
Answer: D
Explanation: Reaction formation is the conversion of undesirable impulses into their
opposite; for example, being overly kind to someone you dislike.
4. In Bowen Family Systems Theory, what term describes the process where a
third person is brought into a two-person relationship to reduce tension?
A. Triangulation
B. Enmeshment
C. Differentiation
D. Coalition
Answer: A
Explanation: Triangulation occurs when a two-person system under stress recruits a third
person to stabilize the relationship and reduce anxiety.
,5. Which of the following is a primary goal of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
(DBT)?
A. Analyzing childhood trauma
B. Balancing acceptance and change
C. Developing a hierarchy of fears
D. Identifying irrational core beliefs
Answer: B
Explanation: DBT is based on the dialectic between acceptance (validation) and change
(behavioral strategies).
6. In Yalom’s group therapy curative factors, ‘Universality’ refers to the
realization that:
A. The therapist is always right
B. Everyone must follow the group rules
C. Problems are global in nature
D. One is not alone in their suffering
Answer: D
Explanation: Universality is the recognition that other people have similar experiences
and thoughts, which reduces isolation.
, 7. According to Erikson, what is the developmental task for individuals in middle
adulthood (ages 40-65)?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Answer: A
Explanation: Generativity involves the need to create or nurture things that will outlast
the individual, often through parenting or contributing to society.
8. Which family therapy modality focuses on restructuring boundaries and
hierarchy within the family?
A. Strategic Family Therapy
B. Narrative Family Therapy
C. Humanistic Family Therapy
D. Structural Family Therapy
Answer: D
Explanation: Structural Family Therapy (Salvador Minuchin) focuses on the family
organization, including boundaries and hierarchies.
Modalities Questions and Answers and Explanations | Latest-Wilkes
1. According to Sullivan’s Interpersonal Theory, the ‘Not-Me’ part of the
personality is most closely associated with which condition?
A. Normal anxiety
B. Depression
C. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: D
Explanation: Sullivan described the ‘Not-Me’ as aspects of the self that are so anxiety-
provoking they are dissociated, often manifesting as hallucinations or delusions seen in
schizophrenia.
2. In Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Triad, what are the three themes of negative
thoughts seen in depression?
A. Self, family, and future
B. Self, work, and health
C. Past, present, and future
D. Self, world, and future
Answer: D
,Explanation: The cognitive triad consists of a negative view of oneself, the
world/environment, and the future.
3. Which defense mechanism involves a person expressing the opposite of their
true, unacceptable feelings?
A. Sublimation
B. Displacement
C. Projection
D. Reaction Formation
Answer: D
Explanation: Reaction formation is the conversion of undesirable impulses into their
opposite; for example, being overly kind to someone you dislike.
4. In Bowen Family Systems Theory, what term describes the process where a
third person is brought into a two-person relationship to reduce tension?
A. Triangulation
B. Enmeshment
C. Differentiation
D. Coalition
Answer: A
Explanation: Triangulation occurs when a two-person system under stress recruits a third
person to stabilize the relationship and reduce anxiety.
,5. Which of the following is a primary goal of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
(DBT)?
A. Analyzing childhood trauma
B. Balancing acceptance and change
C. Developing a hierarchy of fears
D. Identifying irrational core beliefs
Answer: B
Explanation: DBT is based on the dialectic between acceptance (validation) and change
(behavioral strategies).
6. In Yalom’s group therapy curative factors, ‘Universality’ refers to the
realization that:
A. The therapist is always right
B. Everyone must follow the group rules
C. Problems are global in nature
D. One is not alone in their suffering
Answer: D
Explanation: Universality is the recognition that other people have similar experiences
and thoughts, which reduces isolation.
, 7. According to Erikson, what is the developmental task for individuals in middle
adulthood (ages 40-65)?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Integrity vs. Despair
Answer: A
Explanation: Generativity involves the need to create or nurture things that will outlast
the individual, often through parenting or contributing to society.
8. Which family therapy modality focuses on restructuring boundaries and
hierarchy within the family?
A. Strategic Family Therapy
B. Narrative Family Therapy
C. Humanistic Family Therapy
D. Structural Family Therapy
Answer: D
Explanation: Structural Family Therapy (Salvador Minuchin) focuses on the family
organization, including boundaries and hierarchies.
