NRNP 6645 PSYCHOTHERAPY
ADVANCED EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which treatment target is addressed first in the
hierarchy of clinical priorities?
A. Quality of life interfering behaviors
B. Emotional dysregulation
C. Therapy-interfering behaviors
D. Life-threatening behaviors
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In DBT, the hierarchy of targets prioritizes life-threatening
behaviors (suicidality, self-harm) first, followed by therapy-interfering behaviors, and then
quality-of-life interfering behaviors.
2. According to Aaron Beck, the ‘Cognitive Triad’ in depression consists of negative views
about:
A. Family, friends, and career
,B. Self, world, and future
C. Past, present, and future
D. Biological, social, and psychological factors
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Beck’s Cognitive Triad refers to a depressed individual’s
negative view of themselves, the world/environment, and the future.
3. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, the process of ‘triangulation’ is most likely to occur
when:
A. A couple experiences low levels of anxiety
B. Siblings form a coalition against the parents
C. A child becomes the primary leader of the family unit
D. Anxiety between two people increases, leading them to involve a third person
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Triangulation occurs when a two-person system under stress
brings in a third person to stabilize the system and reduce anxiety.
4. Which of the following is a primary goal of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)?
A. Analyzing childhood trauma and unconscious conflicts
B. Resolving current interpersonal problems to improve mood
, C. Restructuring cognitive distortions and schemas
D. Increasing self-actualization through unconditional positive regard
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: IPT focuses on current interpersonal relationships and life
events, aiming to improve social functioning and reduce depressive symptoms.
5. The ‘Miracle Question’ is a signature technique used in which therapeutic modality?
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
B. Psychoanalytic Therapy
C. Gestalt Therapy
D. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Miracle Question is a goal-setting technique in SFBT that
helps clients visualize a future without their problem.
6. In Yalom’s curative factors of group therapy, ‘universality’ refers to:
A. The process of giving support and help to others
B. The realization that one is not alone in their suffering
C. The group functioning as a surrogate family
D. The cathartic release of repressed emotions
ADVANCED EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which treatment target is addressed first in the
hierarchy of clinical priorities?
A. Quality of life interfering behaviors
B. Emotional dysregulation
C. Therapy-interfering behaviors
D. Life-threatening behaviors
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In DBT, the hierarchy of targets prioritizes life-threatening
behaviors (suicidality, self-harm) first, followed by therapy-interfering behaviors, and then
quality-of-life interfering behaviors.
2. According to Aaron Beck, the ‘Cognitive Triad’ in depression consists of negative views
about:
A. Family, friends, and career
,B. Self, world, and future
C. Past, present, and future
D. Biological, social, and psychological factors
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Beck’s Cognitive Triad refers to a depressed individual’s
negative view of themselves, the world/environment, and the future.
3. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, the process of ‘triangulation’ is most likely to occur
when:
A. A couple experiences low levels of anxiety
B. Siblings form a coalition against the parents
C. A child becomes the primary leader of the family unit
D. Anxiety between two people increases, leading them to involve a third person
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Triangulation occurs when a two-person system under stress
brings in a third person to stabilize the system and reduce anxiety.
4. Which of the following is a primary goal of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)?
A. Analyzing childhood trauma and unconscious conflicts
B. Resolving current interpersonal problems to improve mood
, C. Restructuring cognitive distortions and schemas
D. Increasing self-actualization through unconditional positive regard
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: IPT focuses on current interpersonal relationships and life
events, aiming to improve social functioning and reduce depressive symptoms.
5. The ‘Miracle Question’ is a signature technique used in which therapeutic modality?
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
B. Psychoanalytic Therapy
C. Gestalt Therapy
D. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Miracle Question is a goal-setting technique in SFBT that
helps clients visualize a future without their problem.
6. In Yalom’s curative factors of group therapy, ‘universality’ refers to:
A. The process of giving support and help to others
B. The realization that one is not alone in their suffering
C. The group functioning as a surrogate family
D. The cathartic release of repressed emotions
