NRNP 6645 PSYCHOTHERAPY FINAL
EXAM COMPREHENSIVE PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Irvin Yalom identified several curative factors in group therapy. Which factor involves the
realization that one is not alone in their suffering or problems?
A. Altruism
B. Cohesiveness
C. Universality
D. Catharsis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Universality is the recognition that others have similar problems
and experiences, which helps reduce the patient’s sense of isolation.
2. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the process of identifying and challenging irrational
thoughts is known as:
A. Free association
B. Cognitive restructuring
,C. Externalization
D. Systematic desensitization
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cognitive restructuring involves identifying, challenging, and
changing maladaptive or irrational thoughts.
3. A patient in therapy discusses their tendency to see things in ‘black and white’ categories.
This cognitive distortion is best described as:
A. Catastrophizing
B. Overgeneralization
C. Personalization
D. Dichotomous thinking
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dichotomous thinking, also known as all-or-nothing thinking,
involves seeing situations in only two categories rather than on a continuum.
4. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, the process where a two-person system draws in a
third person to relieve tension is called:
A. Triangulation
B. Differentiation
C. Enmeshment
, D. Fusion
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Triangulation occurs when a third person is brought into a
dyadic relationship to stabilize it and reduce anxiety.
5. Which psychotherapeutic approach specifically targets ‘emotional dysregulation’ and was
originally developed for Borderline Personality Disorder?
A. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
B. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
C. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
D. Adlerian Therapy
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DBT, developed by Marsha Linehan, is the gold standard for
treating BPD and focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation.
6. In the Transtheoretical Model of Change, a patient who is considering changing their
behavior in the next six months but is not yet ready to take action is in which stage?
A. Precontemplation
B. Preparation
C. Contemplation
D. Action
EXAM COMPREHENSIVE PREP
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Irvin Yalom identified several curative factors in group therapy. Which factor involves the
realization that one is not alone in their suffering or problems?
A. Altruism
B. Cohesiveness
C. Universality
D. Catharsis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Universality is the recognition that others have similar problems
and experiences, which helps reduce the patient’s sense of isolation.
2. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the process of identifying and challenging irrational
thoughts is known as:
A. Free association
B. Cognitive restructuring
,C. Externalization
D. Systematic desensitization
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cognitive restructuring involves identifying, challenging, and
changing maladaptive or irrational thoughts.
3. A patient in therapy discusses their tendency to see things in ‘black and white’ categories.
This cognitive distortion is best described as:
A. Catastrophizing
B. Overgeneralization
C. Personalization
D. Dichotomous thinking
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dichotomous thinking, also known as all-or-nothing thinking,
involves seeing situations in only two categories rather than on a continuum.
4. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, the process where a two-person system draws in a
third person to relieve tension is called:
A. Triangulation
B. Differentiation
C. Enmeshment
, D. Fusion
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Triangulation occurs when a third person is brought into a
dyadic relationship to stabilize it and reduce anxiety.
5. Which psychotherapeutic approach specifically targets ‘emotional dysregulation’ and was
originally developed for Borderline Personality Disorder?
A. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
B. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
C. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
D. Adlerian Therapy
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: DBT, developed by Marsha Linehan, is the gold standard for
treating BPD and focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation.
6. In the Transtheoretical Model of Change, a patient who is considering changing their
behavior in the next six months but is not yet ready to take action is in which stage?
A. Precontemplation
B. Preparation
C. Contemplation
D. Action
