NSG527 EXAM 1: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY,
THEORIES, AND ADVANCED CLINICAL
MODALITIES. QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, which component of the personality operates
on the ‘reality principle’ and seeks to mediate between instinctual drives and external
reality?
A. The Id
B. The Ego
C. The Superego
D. The Ideal Self
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Ego develops to mediate between the unrealistic id and the
external real world. It operates on the reality principle, working out realistic ways of
satisfying the id’s demands.
,2. In Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which conflict is central to the adolescent
stage (ages 12-18)?
A. Intimacy vs. Isolation
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Adolescents struggle with ‘Identity vs. Role Confusion’ as they
attempt to develop a sense of self and personal identity.
3. Which cognitive distortion, according to Aaron Beck, involves drawing a general conclusion
based on a single isolated incident?
A. Overgeneralization
B. Catastrophizing
C. Personalization
D. Dichotomous thinking
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Overgeneralization occurs when an individual takes one
negative event and sees it as a never-ending pattern of defeat or a universal rule.
, 4. Jean Piaget’s stage characterized by the development of abstract thinking and
hypothetical-deductive reasoning is known as:
A. Sensorimotor stage
B. Preoperational stage
C. Formal operational stage
D. Concrete operational stage
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The formal operational stage (12+ years) is where individuals
begin to think abstractly and reason about hypothetical problems.
5. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the core tension addressed by the therapist is
between:
A. Past trauma and future goals
B. Acceptance and change
C. Cognition and behavior
D. Individual needs and group norms
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DBT is based on the dialectic of accepting the patient as they are
while simultaneously helping them change maladaptive behaviors.
THEORIES, AND ADVANCED CLINICAL
MODALITIES. QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, which component of the personality operates
on the ‘reality principle’ and seeks to mediate between instinctual drives and external
reality?
A. The Id
B. The Ego
C. The Superego
D. The Ideal Self
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Ego develops to mediate between the unrealistic id and the
external real world. It operates on the reality principle, working out realistic ways of
satisfying the id’s demands.
,2. In Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which conflict is central to the adolescent
stage (ages 12-18)?
A. Intimacy vs. Isolation
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
D. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Adolescents struggle with ‘Identity vs. Role Confusion’ as they
attempt to develop a sense of self and personal identity.
3. Which cognitive distortion, according to Aaron Beck, involves drawing a general conclusion
based on a single isolated incident?
A. Overgeneralization
B. Catastrophizing
C. Personalization
D. Dichotomous thinking
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Overgeneralization occurs when an individual takes one
negative event and sees it as a never-ending pattern of defeat or a universal rule.
, 4. Jean Piaget’s stage characterized by the development of abstract thinking and
hypothetical-deductive reasoning is known as:
A. Sensorimotor stage
B. Preoperational stage
C. Formal operational stage
D. Concrete operational stage
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The formal operational stage (12+ years) is where individuals
begin to think abstractly and reason about hypothetical problems.
5. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the core tension addressed by the therapist is
between:
A. Past trauma and future goals
B. Acceptance and change
C. Cognition and behavior
D. Individual needs and group norms
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DBT is based on the dialectic of accepting the patient as they are
while simultaneously helping them change maladaptive behaviors.
