MH Nursing (2026) Q&A | Wilkes
1. A PMHNP is leading a therapy group and notices that one member dominates the
discussion while others remain silent. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A) Confront the dominant member about their behavior
B) Make an observation about the group's silence and invite others to comment
C) End the session early to avoid conflict
D) Allow the dominant member to continue to avoid disrupting the group
Correct Answer: Make an observation about the group's silence and invite others to
comment
Rationale: When a group member monopolizes the discussion, a therapeutic technique is
to make a nonjudgmental observation about the silence of other members and invite them
to share. This promotes balanced participation without publicly confronting or
embarrassing anyone. Ending the session or allowing monopolization disrupts group
process.
2. According to Yalom, which therapeutic factor involves recognizing that one's feelings and
experiences are shared by others?
A) Altruism
B) Universality
C) Catharsis
D) Cohesiveness
,Correct Answer: Universality
Rationale: Universality is the recognition that one's experiences, feelings, and struggles
are not unique, which reduces isolation and validates the member's experience. Altruism
involves helping others, catharsis involves emotional release, and cohesiveness refers to the
sense of belonging and acceptance within the group.
3. A client in a therapy group states, “I thought I was the only one who felt this way.” Which
of Yalom’s therapeutic factors is the client experiencing?
A) Imitative behavior
B) Existential factors
C) Universality
D) Catharsis
Correct Answer: Universality
Rationale: Universality occurs when group members recognize that their experiences
and feelings are shared by others, reducing isolation and validating their experience.
Imitative behavior involves learning by observing others, existential factors involve taking
responsibility for one's life, and catharsis involves emotional release.
4. Which theorist is credited with identifying the therapeutic factors that operate in group
therapy?
A) Irvin Yalom
B) Aaron Beck
C) Albert Ellis
D) B.F. Skinner
, Correct Answer: Irvin Yalom
Rationale: Irvin Yalom identified the therapeutic factors that make group therapy
effective, including universality, altruism, instillation of hope, and cohesiveness. Beck and
Ellis are associated with cognitive therapies, and Skinner is associated with operant
conditioning.
5. A group member shares that they feel inspired by another member who has overcome
similar struggles. Which therapeutic factor is most directly operating?
A) Altruism
B) Instillation of hope
C) Imparting information
D) Development of socializing techniques
Correct Answer: Instillation of hope
Rationale: Instillation of hope occurs when group members are inspired and encouraged
by observing another member who has successfully navigated similar challenges. Altruism
involves helping others, imparting information involves sharing factual knowledge, and
socializing techniques involve practicing interpersonal skills.
6. In group therapy, which therapeutic factor involves members helping one another and
thereby enhancing their own self-esteem?
A) Universality
B) Altruism
C) Catharsis