NSG 527 Exam 3 V3 | NSG 527
Psychopathology, Theories, & Advanced
Clinical Modalities | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG527
Exam 3 2026)
1. According to Irvin Yalom, which curative factor is described as the members’ recognition of
shared experiences and feelings?
A. Altruism
B. Cohesiveness
C. Catharsis
D. Universality
Answer: D
Rationale: Universality allows group members to realize that they are not alone in their
struggles or symptoms. This realization helps to decrease feelings of isolation and
stigmatization that often accompany mental health issues. By sharing commonalities, the
group builds a foundation for mutual support and collective healing.
2. In Bowen Family Systems Theory, what is the term for the process where a two-person
system draws in a third person to reduce tension?
A. Triangulation
,B. Differentiation
C. Enmeshment
D. Fusion
Answer: A
Rationale: Triangulation is a key concept in Bowenian therapy used to describe the
stabilization of a stressed dyad by involving a third party. While it temporarily reduces
anxiety between the original two people, it prevents the underlying conflict from being
resolved. Over time, chronic triangulation can lead to rigid family patterns and emotional
dysfunction.
3. Which of the following interventions is a primary component of Salvador Minuchin’s
Structural Family Therapy?
A. The Miracle Question
B. Boundary Making
C. Circular Questioning
D. Externalizing the Problem
Answer: B
Rationale: Boundary making involves the therapist intervening to change the way family
members interact and to establish appropriate levels of distance. This technique aims to
correct enmeshed or disengaged relationships within the family hierarchy. By adjusting
, these boundaries, the therapist helps the family reorganize into a more functional
structure.
4. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the ‘Downward Arrow’ technique is primarily used
to identify what?
A. Automatic thoughts
B. Behavioral triggers
C. Core beliefs and schemas
D. Interpersonal deficits
Answer: C
Rationale: The Downward Arrow technique starts with a superficial automatic thought
and repeatedly asks the patient what that thought means about them. This process peels
back layers of cognition until the underlying core belief or schema is revealed. Identifying
these schemas is essential for long-term cognitive restructuring and personality change.
5. Which Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skill focuses on accepting reality as it is, without
judgment or attempts to change it?
A. Emotional Regulation
B. Radical Acceptance
C. Interpersonal Effectiveness
D. Opposite Action
Psychopathology, Theories, & Advanced
Clinical Modalities | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG527
Exam 3 2026)
1. According to Irvin Yalom, which curative factor is described as the members’ recognition of
shared experiences and feelings?
A. Altruism
B. Cohesiveness
C. Catharsis
D. Universality
Answer: D
Rationale: Universality allows group members to realize that they are not alone in their
struggles or symptoms. This realization helps to decrease feelings of isolation and
stigmatization that often accompany mental health issues. By sharing commonalities, the
group builds a foundation for mutual support and collective healing.
2. In Bowen Family Systems Theory, what is the term for the process where a two-person
system draws in a third person to reduce tension?
A. Triangulation
,B. Differentiation
C. Enmeshment
D. Fusion
Answer: A
Rationale: Triangulation is a key concept in Bowenian therapy used to describe the
stabilization of a stressed dyad by involving a third party. While it temporarily reduces
anxiety between the original two people, it prevents the underlying conflict from being
resolved. Over time, chronic triangulation can lead to rigid family patterns and emotional
dysfunction.
3. Which of the following interventions is a primary component of Salvador Minuchin’s
Structural Family Therapy?
A. The Miracle Question
B. Boundary Making
C. Circular Questioning
D. Externalizing the Problem
Answer: B
Rationale: Boundary making involves the therapist intervening to change the way family
members interact and to establish appropriate levels of distance. This technique aims to
correct enmeshed or disengaged relationships within the family hierarchy. By adjusting
, these boundaries, the therapist helps the family reorganize into a more functional
structure.
4. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the ‘Downward Arrow’ technique is primarily used
to identify what?
A. Automatic thoughts
B. Behavioral triggers
C. Core beliefs and schemas
D. Interpersonal deficits
Answer: C
Rationale: The Downward Arrow technique starts with a superficial automatic thought
and repeatedly asks the patient what that thought means about them. This process peels
back layers of cognition until the underlying core belief or schema is revealed. Identifying
these schemas is essential for long-term cognitive restructuring and personality change.
5. Which Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skill focuses on accepting reality as it is, without
judgment or attempts to change it?
A. Emotional Regulation
B. Radical Acceptance
C. Interpersonal Effectiveness
D. Opposite Action
