PSYCHIATRIC- MENTAL HEALTH ACROSS LIFESPAN
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES WEEK 5- 8 LATEST STUDY GUIDE 2026
1. During a trauma therapy session, the therapist taps the client’s hands while
rapidly alternating between the left and right sides. Which therapeutic
approach is the therapist using?
A. Cognitive behavioral therapy
B. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
C. Motivational interviewing
D. Structural family therapy
Correct Answer:
B. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Expert Rationale:
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as alternating taps or eye movements, to help
clients process traumatic memories and reduce distress associated with those
memories.
2. A client reports difficulty forming meaningful adult relationships. The client
says an ex-boyfriend described them as immature. According to Freud’s
psychosexual theory, unresolved conflict in which stage may be suggested?
A. Oral stage
B. Anal stage
C. Phallic stage
D. Latency stage
Correct Answer:
C. Phallic stage
Expert Rationale:
Freud’s phallic stage is associated with development of identity, gender roles, and
relationship patterns. Fixation or unresolved conflict may affect later interpersonal
functioning.
,3. A trauma therapist asks a child to focus attention on the present moment for 30
seconds by noticing what is happening in the room. Which trauma resilience
model skill is being used?
A. Grounding
B. Catharsis
C. Transference
D. Interpretation
Correct Answer:
A. Grounding
Expert Rationale:
Grounding helps clients shift attention from traumatic memories or emotional distress to
the present moment. It promotes emotional regulation and safety.
4. A couple participates in therapy focused on emotional bonding, attachment
needs, and the human experience within the relationship. Which type of family
therapy is grounded in the humanistic-existential school of thought?
A. Emotionally focused therapy
B. Strategic family therapy
C. Structural family therapy
D. Bowenian family systems therapy
Correct Answer:
A. Emotionally focused therapy
Expert Rationale:
Emotionally focused therapy emphasizes attachment, emotional experience, and
relational connection. It is grounded in humanistic and experiential principles.
5. A group of individuals undergoing chemotherapy meets regularly to discuss
strategies for maintaining hope, optimism, and a positive attitude during
treatment. Which type of group is most likely being described?
A. Acute inpatient therapy group
B. Self-help group
,C. Psychoeducational group
D. Task group
Correct Answer:
B. Self-help group
Expert Rationale:
Self-help groups are often peer-led and focus on shared experiences, encouragement,
coping, and mutual support among individuals facing similar challenges.
6. A client says, “I have not heard from my son since school let out today. I am
sure he has been in a car accident.” Which cognitive distortion is the client
displaying?
A. Filtering
B. All-or-nothing thinking
C. Catastrophizing
D. Overgeneralization
Correct Answer:
C. Catastrophizing
Expert Rationale:
Catastrophizing occurs when a person assumes the worst possible outcome without
sufficient evidence. The client immediately concludes a serious accident occurred.
7. Kesha told the group that the most important aspect of therapy was just
having a group of people she could talk to, that wouldn't walk out on her. Which
principle of group therapy is this an example of?
A. Universality
B. Group cohesiveness
C. Catharsis
D. Altruism
Correct Answer:
, B. Group cohesiveness
Expert Rationale
: Group cohesiveness occurs when members feel that they belong to the group and are
accepted by other members. A strong sense of belonging and acceptance promotes
therapeutic engagement and is associated with positive treatment outcomes.
8. At home, Tuan used communication strategies he observed in group therapy
to try to improve his relationship with his daughter. Which principle of group
therapy is this an example of?
A. Interpersonal learning
B. Universality
C. Imitative behavior
D. Instillation of hope
Correct Answer:
C. Imitative behavior
Expert Rationale
: Imitative behavior occurs when group members observe useful behaviors
demonstrated by the therapist or other members and then experiment with those
behaviors themselves. Tuan applied communication strategies he had observed during
group therapy to his relationship with his daughter.
9. Van recently joined group therapy for sexual abuse survivors and listened
to others talk about feelings of shame, guilt, rage, and uncleanliness that
mirrored his own feelings. Which principle of group therapy is this an example
of?
A. Catharsis
B. Universality
C. Altruism
D. Group cohesiveness
Correct Answer: