Practice Test
Question 1
A group member states, "I feel like I'm finally part of something where
people accept me for who I am." This best demonstrates which Yalom
therapeutic factor?
A. Altruism
B. Cohesiveness
C. Catharsis
D. Existential factors
Answer: B. Cohesiveness
Rationale: Cohesiveness is the sense of belonging, acceptance, and being
valued by the group. The member is expressing feeling accepted and part of
the group. Altruism (A) involves helping others, catharsis (C) is emotional
release, and existential factors (D) involve life's realities—acceptance and
belonging are the hallmarks of cohesiveness.
Question 2
During a group session, a patient says, "I always thought I was the only one
who had these thoughts. Now I see others struggle too." This statement
reflects:
,A. Imitative behavior
B. Instillation of hope
C. Universality
D. Interpersonal learning
Answer: C. Universality
Rationale: The patient is expressing the realization that others share similar
struggles, reducing feelings of isolation—the core of universality. Imitative
behavior (A) involves copying others, instillation of hope (B) involves gaining
optimism, and interpersonal learning (D) involves relationship patterns—the
"I'm not alone" realization is universality.
Question 3
A group member tells another, "When you were crying, I wanted to reach
out and hug you. I felt your pain." This exchange best illustrates:
A. Altruism
B. Catharsis
C. Empathy and interpersonal learning
D. Existential factors
Answer: C. Empathy and interpersonal learning
Rationale: The member is expressing empathy and learning about their
capacity for connection through group interaction—this is interpersonal
learning through receiving and giving feedback. Altruism (A) involves helping,
catharsis (B) is emotional release, and existential factors (D) involve life's
givens—the interpersonal connection is the key element here.
, Question 4
A group leader who encourages members to make their own decisions and
solve problems collaboratively is demonstrating which leadership style?
A. Autocratic
B. Democratic
C. Laissez-faire
D. Authoritarian
Answer: B. Democratic
Rationale: Democratic leadership encourages group participation, shared
decision-making, and member autonomy. Autocratic (A) and authoritarian
(D) styles are leader-directed, and laissez-faire (C) lacks necessary structure—
collaborative problem-solving is the hallmark of democratic leadership.
Question 5
A patient in group therapy says, "I used to think my life was over after my
divorce, but seeing how others have rebuilt their lives gives me hope." This
is an example of:
A. Altruism
B. Imitative behavior
C. Instillation of hope
D. Universality
Answer: C. Instillation of hope
Rationale: The patient is gaining hope and optimism from observing others'
progress—this is instillation of hope. Altruism (A) involves helping others,
imitative behavior (B) involves copying specific behaviors, and universality (D)
involves shared experiences—the key is gaining hope from others' recovery.