NSG527 EXAM 2 | PSYCHOPATHOLOGY,
THEORIES, & ADVANCED CLINICAL
MODALITIES
1. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently fluctuates between idealizing
and devaluing their therapist. Which defense mechanism is this patient primarily utilizing?
A. Reaction Formation
B. Projective Identification
C. Splitting
D. Sublimation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a hallmark defense mechanism in BPD where the
individual is unable to integrate positive and negative qualities of self or others into a
cohesive image, viewing them as all good or all bad.
,2. According to Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, an older adult reflecting on
their life and feeling a sense of fulfillment is experiencing which stage?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson’s theory,
occurring in late adulthood, where individuals reflect on their life achievements and
failures.
3. In Murray Bowen’s Family Systems Theory, the process of bringing in a third person to
reduce tension between two family members is known as:
A. Differentiation of Self
B. Triangulation
C. Emotional Cutoff
D. Multigenerational Transmission
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Triangulation occurs when a two-person system is under stress
and recruits a third party to stabilize the relationship and reduce anxiety.
, 4. Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the ‘reward pathway’ and is
implicated in both Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorders?
A. Dopamine
B. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
C. Serotonin
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in reward
and pleasure, and its dysregulation is central to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and
addiction.
5. Jean Piaget’s stage characterized by the ability to think abstractly and use deductive
reasoning is the:
A. Sensorimotor Stage
B. Preoperational Stage
C. Formal Operational Stage
D. Concrete Operational Stage
Answer: C
THEORIES, & ADVANCED CLINICAL
MODALITIES
1. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently fluctuates between idealizing
and devaluing their therapist. Which defense mechanism is this patient primarily utilizing?
A. Reaction Formation
B. Projective Identification
C. Splitting
D. Sublimation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a hallmark defense mechanism in BPD where the
individual is unable to integrate positive and negative qualities of self or others into a
cohesive image, viewing them as all good or all bad.
,2. According to Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, an older adult reflecting on
their life and feeling a sense of fulfillment is experiencing which stage?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Integrity vs. Despair
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson’s theory,
occurring in late adulthood, where individuals reflect on their life achievements and
failures.
3. In Murray Bowen’s Family Systems Theory, the process of bringing in a third person to
reduce tension between two family members is known as:
A. Differentiation of Self
B. Triangulation
C. Emotional Cutoff
D. Multigenerational Transmission
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Triangulation occurs when a two-person system is under stress
and recruits a third party to stabilize the relationship and reduce anxiety.
, 4. Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the ‘reward pathway’ and is
implicated in both Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorders?
A. Dopamine
B. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
C. Serotonin
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in reward
and pleasure, and its dysregulation is central to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and
addiction.
5. Jean Piaget’s stage characterized by the ability to think abstractly and use deductive
reasoning is the:
A. Sensorimotor Stage
B. Preoperational Stage
C. Formal Operational Stage
D. Concrete Operational Stage
Answer: C
