PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH INDIVIDUALS
(NRNP 6645) COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently idealizes the therapist one week
and devalues them the next. This phenomenon is best described by which psychodynamic
concept?
A. Splitting
B. Reaction Formation
C. Projective Identification
D. Introjection
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a primitive defense mechanism common in BPD
where the individual fails to integrate positive and negative qualities of self and others into
a cohesive image, resulting in ‘all-good’ or ‘all-bad’ perceptions.
2. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the ‘Downward Arrow Technique’ is primarily used
to uncover which of the following?
A. Automatic thoughts
,B. Cognitive distortions
C. Core beliefs or schemas
D. Behavioral triggers
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The downward arrow technique involves asking the patient
what a specific automatic thought means to them until the underlying core belief or schema
is revealed.
3. According to Marsha Linehan’s Biosocial Theory, Borderline Personality Disorder is the
result of which interaction?
A. Genetic predisposition and chemical imbalance
B. Early childhood trauma and repressive parenting
C. Biological emotional vulnerability and an invalidating environment
D. Insecure attachment and lack of mirroring
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Linehan’s biosocial theory posits that BPD emerges from a
transaction between a biologically vulnerable individual (high sensitivity, high reactivity)
and an invalidating developmental environment.
, 4. A therapist in a Humanistic framework provides ‘Unconditional Positive Regard.’ This is
best defined as:
A. Agreeing with all the patient’s choices and actions
B. Offering constant praise to boost the patient’s self-esteem
C. Expressing sympathy for the patient’s hardships
D. Maintaining a non-judgmental and accepting attitude regardless of what the patient
shares
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Unconditional positive regard, defined by Carl Rogers, is the
basic acceptance and support of a person regardless of what the person says or does, which
creates a safe environment for change.
5. In Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), which of the following is NOT one of the four primary
problem areas identified?
A. Grief or complicated bereavement
B. Role transitions
C. Interpersonal deficits
D. Self-actualization deficits
Answer: D
(NRNP 6645) COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently idealizes the therapist one week
and devalues them the next. This phenomenon is best described by which psychodynamic
concept?
A. Splitting
B. Reaction Formation
C. Projective Identification
D. Introjection
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a primitive defense mechanism common in BPD
where the individual fails to integrate positive and negative qualities of self and others into
a cohesive image, resulting in ‘all-good’ or ‘all-bad’ perceptions.
2. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the ‘Downward Arrow Technique’ is primarily used
to uncover which of the following?
A. Automatic thoughts
,B. Cognitive distortions
C. Core beliefs or schemas
D. Behavioral triggers
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The downward arrow technique involves asking the patient
what a specific automatic thought means to them until the underlying core belief or schema
is revealed.
3. According to Marsha Linehan’s Biosocial Theory, Borderline Personality Disorder is the
result of which interaction?
A. Genetic predisposition and chemical imbalance
B. Early childhood trauma and repressive parenting
C. Biological emotional vulnerability and an invalidating environment
D. Insecure attachment and lack of mirroring
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Linehan’s biosocial theory posits that BPD emerges from a
transaction between a biologically vulnerable individual (high sensitivity, high reactivity)
and an invalidating developmental environment.
, 4. A therapist in a Humanistic framework provides ‘Unconditional Positive Regard.’ This is
best defined as:
A. Agreeing with all the patient’s choices and actions
B. Offering constant praise to boost the patient’s self-esteem
C. Expressing sympathy for the patient’s hardships
D. Maintaining a non-judgmental and accepting attitude regardless of what the patient
shares
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Unconditional positive regard, defined by Carl Rogers, is the
basic acceptance and support of a person regardless of what the person says or does, which
creates a safe environment for change.
5. In Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), which of the following is NOT one of the four primary
problem areas identified?
A. Grief or complicated bereavement
B. Role transitions
C. Interpersonal deficits
D. Self-actualization deficits
Answer: D
