NSG 527 Exam 2 V3 | NSG 527
Psychopathology, Theories, & Advanced
Clinical Modalities | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG527
Exam 2 2026)
1. According to Irvin Yalom, the therapeutic factor characterized by the realization that one is
not alone in their suffering is known as:
A. Altruism
B. Universality
C. Catharsis
D. Existential Factors
Answer: B
Rationale: Universality allows group members to understand that their experiences and
symptoms are shared by others. This realization reduces the sense of isolation and stigma
often felt by psychiatric patients. Within the PMHNP scope, fostering universality is a
primary goal during the initial stages of group therapy.
2. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, the process of maintaining one’s own sense of self
while remaining emotionally connected to the family is called:
A. Triangulation
,B. Emotional Fusion
C. Multigenerational Transmission
D. Differentiation of Self
Answer: D
Rationale: Differentiation of self is the ability to distinguish between intellectual processes
and emotional feelings. High levels of differentiation allow individuals to resist being
overwhelmed by the emotional reactivity of the family system. The PMHNP works with
families to increase individual differentiation to reduce overall system anxiety.
3. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently fluctuates between idealizing
and devaluing their therapist. This defense mechanism is known as:
A. Reaction Formation
B. Projective Identification
C. Splitting
D. Intellectualization
Answer: C
Rationale: Splitting is a primitive defense mechanism where individuals view others as
entirely good or entirely bad. This occurs because the individual cannot integrate the
positive and negative qualities of a person into a cohesive whole. It is a hallmark symptom
of Cluster B personality pathology often addressed in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
, 4. Which core module of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on teaching patients how
to tolerate emotional pain without acting on it?
A. Emotional Regulation
B. Interpersonal Effectiveness
C. Core Mindfulness
D. Distress Tolerance
Answer: D
Rationale: Distress tolerance skills provide techniques for surviving immediate crises and
accepting reality as it is. These skills are essential for patients who engage in self-harm or
impulsive behaviors when overwhelmed. The PMHNP utilizes these modules to help
patients build a life worth living by reducing behavioral dysregulation.
5. The ‘Miracle Question’ is a hallmark technique used in which of the following therapeutic
modalities?
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
B. Gestalt Therapy
C. Psychoanalytic Therapy
D. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Answer: D
Psychopathology, Theories, & Advanced
Clinical Modalities | Wilkes University |
2026 Q&A with Rationale (Wilkes NSG527
Exam 2 2026)
1. According to Irvin Yalom, the therapeutic factor characterized by the realization that one is
not alone in their suffering is known as:
A. Altruism
B. Universality
C. Catharsis
D. Existential Factors
Answer: B
Rationale: Universality allows group members to understand that their experiences and
symptoms are shared by others. This realization reduces the sense of isolation and stigma
often felt by psychiatric patients. Within the PMHNP scope, fostering universality is a
primary goal during the initial stages of group therapy.
2. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, the process of maintaining one’s own sense of self
while remaining emotionally connected to the family is called:
A. Triangulation
,B. Emotional Fusion
C. Multigenerational Transmission
D. Differentiation of Self
Answer: D
Rationale: Differentiation of self is the ability to distinguish between intellectual processes
and emotional feelings. High levels of differentiation allow individuals to resist being
overwhelmed by the emotional reactivity of the family system. The PMHNP works with
families to increase individual differentiation to reduce overall system anxiety.
3. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently fluctuates between idealizing
and devaluing their therapist. This defense mechanism is known as:
A. Reaction Formation
B. Projective Identification
C. Splitting
D. Intellectualization
Answer: C
Rationale: Splitting is a primitive defense mechanism where individuals view others as
entirely good or entirely bad. This occurs because the individual cannot integrate the
positive and negative qualities of a person into a cohesive whole. It is a hallmark symptom
of Cluster B personality pathology often addressed in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
, 4. Which core module of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on teaching patients how
to tolerate emotional pain without acting on it?
A. Emotional Regulation
B. Interpersonal Effectiveness
C. Core Mindfulness
D. Distress Tolerance
Answer: D
Rationale: Distress tolerance skills provide techniques for surviving immediate crises and
accepting reality as it is. These skills are essential for patients who engage in self-harm or
impulsive behaviors when overwhelmed. The PMHNP utilizes these modules to help
patients build a life worth living by reducing behavioral dysregulation.
5. The ‘Miracle Question’ is a hallmark technique used in which of the following therapeutic
modalities?
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
B. Gestalt Therapy
C. Psychoanalytic Therapy
D. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Answer: D
