MIDTERM EXAM 100 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES LATEST
UPDATES 2026-2027 (VERIFIED ANSWERS) ALREADY
GRADED A+
1.
A therapist using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses primarily on which of the following?
A. Exploring unconscious conflicts
B. Identifying maladaptive thought patterns
C. Interpreting dreams
D. Examining early childhood relationships
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CBT emphasizes identifying and restructuring distorted thinking patterns that contribute to
emotional distress and maladaptive behavior.
2.
Which psychotherapy modality emphasizes self-actualization and personal growth?
A. Psychoanalysis
B. Behavioral therapy
C. Humanistic therapy
D. Cognitive therapy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Humanistic therapy, including person-centered therapy, focuses on self-actualization,
personal growth, and achieving one’s full potential.
3.
,In psychodynamic therapy, transference refers to:
A. Therapist projecting feelings onto the patient
B. Patient projecting feelings onto the therapist
C. Avoidance of emotional topics
D. Resistance to therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transference occurs when patients transfer feelings about significant people in their lives
onto the therapist.
4.
Which technique is commonly used in behavioral therapy?
A. Free association
B. Systematic desensitization
C. Dream interpretation
D. Interpretation of resistance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Behavioral therapy uses techniques like systematic desensitization to reduce anxiety
responses through gradual exposure.
5.
Motivational interviewing is primarily used to:
A. Diagnose psychiatric disorders
B. Increase client motivation for change
C. Explore unconscious conflicts
D. Provide psychoeducation only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Motivational interviewing enhances intrinsic motivation to change behavior, especially in
substance use and ambivalence.
6.
Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts to others?
,A. Denial
B. Projection
C. Displacement
D. Sublimation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to another
person.
7.
A therapist practicing person-centered therapy would most likely:
A. Interpret dreams
B. Provide unconditional positive regard
C. Challenge irrational beliefs directly
D. Assign behavioral homework
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Person-centered therapy emphasizes empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive
regard.
8.
Which modality focuses on changing behavior through reinforcement?
A. Humanistic therapy
B. Behavioral therapy
C. Psychodynamic therapy
D. Existential therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Behavioral therapy is based on learning theory and uses reinforcement to modify behavior.
9.
Cognitive distortions are best addressed using:
A. Psychoanalysis
B. Behavioral therapy
, C. Cognitive therapy
D. Family therapy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cognitive therapy targets distorted thinking patterns and replaces them with more realistic
thoughts.
10.
Which therapy focuses on the here-and-now experience?
A. Gestalt therapy
B. Psychoanalysis
C. Behavioral therapy
D. Narrative therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gestalt therapy emphasizes awareness of present experiences and personal responsibility.
11.
In family therapy, triangulation refers to:
A. Ignoring one family member
B. Involving a third party in a conflict
C. Ending family relationships
D. Diagnosing family members
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Triangulation occurs when a third person is brought into a conflict between two individuals
to reduce tension.
12.
Which therapy is most structured and time-limited?
A. Psychodynamic therapy
B. Cognitive behavioral therapy
C. Humanistic therapy
D. Existential therapy