Missouri Psychology Licensing Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A client reports persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue for 3
weeks. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I disorder
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: B. Major depressive disorder
Rationale: Persistent depressed mood and anhedonia for at least 2
weeks strongly indicate major depressive disorder.
2. Which structure of the brain is primarily responsible for regulating
emotion?
A. Cerebellum
B. Hippocampus
C. Amygdala
, D. Medulla
Answer: C. Amygdala
Rationale: The amygdala plays a key role in processing emotions
such as fear and aggression.
3. Which therapy is most associated with changing maladaptive thought
patterns?
A. Psychoanalysis
B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
C. Humanistic therapy
D. Gestalt therapy
Answer: B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Rationale: CBT focuses on identifying and modifying distorted
thinking and behaviors.
4. A psychologist is required to maintain confidentiality except when:
A. A client misses an appointment
B. A client requests records
C. There is risk of harm to self or others
D. A client is angry
Answer: C. There is risk of harm to self or others
Rationale: Duty to warn or protect overrides confidentiality in cases
of imminent danger.
5. Which neurotransmitter is most associated with depression?
A. Acetylcholine
, B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: C. Serotonin
Rationale: Low serotonin levels are strongly linked to depressive
symptoms.
6. Classical conditioning was first demonstrated by:
A. Skinner
B. Freud
C. Pavlov
D. Bandura
Answer: C. Pavlov
Rationale: Pavlov demonstrated classical conditioning through
experiments with dogs.
7. Which disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and
depression?
A. Cyclothymic disorder
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Dysthymia
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: B. Bipolar disorder
Rationale: Bipolar disorder involves both manic and depressive
episodes.
, 8. Informed consent must include:
A. Therapist personal beliefs
B. Risks and benefits of treatment
C. Insurance approval only
D. Family approval
Answer: B. Risks and benefits of treatment
Rationale: Clients must understand treatment nature, risks, and
alternatives before consenting.
9. Which test measures personality traits using self-report?
A. WAIS
B. MMPI
C. Bender-Gestalt
D. Rorschach
Answer: B. MMPI
Rationale: The MMPI is a standardized self-report personality
assessment tool.
10. Which stage in Erikson’s theory involves identity vs role
confusion?
A. Adolescence
B. Early childhood
C. Late adulthood
D. Infancy
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A client reports persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue for 3
weeks. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I disorder
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: B. Major depressive disorder
Rationale: Persistent depressed mood and anhedonia for at least 2
weeks strongly indicate major depressive disorder.
2. Which structure of the brain is primarily responsible for regulating
emotion?
A. Cerebellum
B. Hippocampus
C. Amygdala
, D. Medulla
Answer: C. Amygdala
Rationale: The amygdala plays a key role in processing emotions
such as fear and aggression.
3. Which therapy is most associated with changing maladaptive thought
patterns?
A. Psychoanalysis
B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
C. Humanistic therapy
D. Gestalt therapy
Answer: B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Rationale: CBT focuses on identifying and modifying distorted
thinking and behaviors.
4. A psychologist is required to maintain confidentiality except when:
A. A client misses an appointment
B. A client requests records
C. There is risk of harm to self or others
D. A client is angry
Answer: C. There is risk of harm to self or others
Rationale: Duty to warn or protect overrides confidentiality in cases
of imminent danger.
5. Which neurotransmitter is most associated with depression?
A. Acetylcholine
, B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: C. Serotonin
Rationale: Low serotonin levels are strongly linked to depressive
symptoms.
6. Classical conditioning was first demonstrated by:
A. Skinner
B. Freud
C. Pavlov
D. Bandura
Answer: C. Pavlov
Rationale: Pavlov demonstrated classical conditioning through
experiments with dogs.
7. Which disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and
depression?
A. Cyclothymic disorder
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Dysthymia
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: B. Bipolar disorder
Rationale: Bipolar disorder involves both manic and depressive
episodes.
, 8. Informed consent must include:
A. Therapist personal beliefs
B. Risks and benefits of treatment
C. Insurance approval only
D. Family approval
Answer: B. Risks and benefits of treatment
Rationale: Clients must understand treatment nature, risks, and
alternatives before consenting.
9. Which test measures personality traits using self-report?
A. WAIS
B. MMPI
C. Bender-Gestalt
D. Rorschach
Answer: B. MMPI
Rationale: The MMPI is a standardized self-report personality
assessment tool.
10. Which stage in Erikson’s theory involves identity vs role
confusion?
A. Adolescence
B. Early childhood
C. Late adulthood
D. Infancy
