Wilkes University | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. What is the primary purpose of group therapy in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice?
A) To provide individual psychotherapy in a group setting for efficiency
B) To facilitate changes by the patient to address identified problems
C) To diagnose mental disorders through collective observation
D) To teach relaxation techniques to multiple patients simultaneously
Correct Answer: To facilitate changes by the patient to address identified problems
Rationale: The primary purpose of group therapy is to facilitate changes by the patient to address
identified problems. Group therapy is efficacious because human beings are social animals who heal in
community, and patients benefit from both giving and receiving feedback. The group serves as a
therapeutic medium where interpersonal learning occurs.
2. Which theorist is credited with identifying the 12 curative (therapeutic) factors in group therapy?
A) Aaron Beck
B) Albert Ellis
C) Irvin Yalom
D) B.F. Skinner
Correct Answer: Irvin Yalom
Rationale: Irvin Yalom identified the 12 therapeutic (curative) factors in group therapy. These factors
include instillation of hope, universality, imparting information, altruism, corrective recapitulation of the
primary family group, development of socializing techniques, imitative behavior, interpersonal learning,
group cohesiveness, catharsis, existential factors, and instillation of hope.
3. A group member shares factual knowledge and personal experiences that assist others in processing
their challenges. Which participant role is this member fulfilling?
,A) Information Seeker
B) Opinion Giver
C) Information Giver
D) Energizer
Correct Answer: Information Giver
Rationale: The "Information Giver" assumes a pivotal role by sharing factual knowledge or personal
experiences that assist other members in processing their own challenges. This role provides guidance
and establishes a sense of trust and authority within the group dynamics. The information giver helps
normalize experiences and provides practical coping strategies.
4. Which Yalom curative factor is considered primary, from which all other therapeutic factors flow?
A) Catharsis
B) Universality
C) Cohesiveness
D) Altruism
Correct Answer: Cohesiveness
Rationale: Group cohesiveness is considered the primary curative factor from which all others flow.
Cohesiveness refers to the sense of belonging, acceptance, and connection among group members.
Without a cohesive group environment, other therapeutic factors such as universality, altruism, and
interpersonal learning cannot develop effectively.
5. Which of the following correctly lists the stages of group development in chronological order?
A) Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning
B) Orientation, Working, Termination, Resolution
C) Pre-interaction, Orientation, Working, Termination
D) Forming, Norming, Storming, Performing, Adjourning
, Correct Answer: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning
Rationale: Tuckman's stages of group development are Forming (orientation), Storming (conflict),
Norming (cohesion), Performing (work), and Adjourning (termination). Understanding these stages helps
the therapist anticipate group dynamics and intervene appropriately at each phase of the group's
development.
6. When an overtalkative client dominates a group session while others remain silent, what is the most
therapeutic intervention?
A) Ignore the talkative client completely to discourage the behavior
B) Make an observation about the group's silence and invite others to comment
C) End the session early to avoid further imbalance
D) Ask the talkative client to leave the group immediately
Correct Answer: Make an observation about the group's silence and invite others to comment
Rationale: Making a conscious observation about the silence of other group members creates an
opportunity for more balanced participation. This technique encourages quieter members to share their
thoughts while addressing the imbalance without shaming the overtalkative member. It promotes a
more inclusive therapeutic environment.
7. Which Yalom curative factor is demonstrated when a group member realizes that others share similar
experiences and feelings?
A) Catharsis
B) Altruism
C) Universality
D) Imitative behavior
Correct Answer: Universality