RASMUSSEN MENTAL HEALTH FINAL EXAM LATEST
2024/2025 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS/
ALREADY GRADED A++
Theory of Object Constancy (MAHLER) - ANSWER Stage 1: (birth to 1
month) Normal autism
Stage 2: (1-5 months) Symbiosis - The infant perceives mother-infant as
single entity.
Stage 3: (5-10 months) Differentiation - The infant recognizes distinction
from the mother.
Stage 4: (11-18 months) Practicing - The ability to walk and explore
expands the child's sense of the separateness.
Stage 5: (18-24 months) Rapprochement - Toddlers move away and come
back for emotional refueling. Need for independence alternates with
dependence.
Stage 6: (2-5 years) Object constancy - The child realizes that the mother
is permanent, even if not physically present.
According to Mahler, in those who later develop borderline personality
disorder, this process is disrupted. It is the rapprochement that is crucial. If
the child wanders and returns to the caregiver who is emotionally
unavailable, the child feels unsafe. If the caregiver has personal issues
related to dependence and abandonment, he/she may be threatened by
the child's attempts at independence and may not be available for
"emotional refueling." The fear of abandonment the child develops carries
over into adulthood. This causes a lack of achievement of object
constancy.
Interpersonal Theory - Harry Stack Sullivan - ANSWER Emphasized the
fact that early relationships with the parenting figure is crucial for
personality development.
According to Sullivan, all human beings are driven for the need for
interaction. The purpose of all behavior is to get needs met through
interpersonal interactions and reduce anxiety.
Theory of Psychosocial Development - Erik Erikson - ANSWER Stage 1:
Infancy (0 -1.5 yr)Trust vs. Mistrust Develops sound basis for relating to
and trusting others.
Stage 2: Early Childhood (1.5 - 3 yr)Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
Develops a sense of self-control and adequacy.
,Stage 3: Preschool (3-6 yr)Initiative vs. shame and doubt Develops the
ability to initiate one's own activities and has a sense of purpose.
Stage 4: School Age (6-12 yr)Industry vs. inferiority Developing social,
physical and school skills. Develops competence and ability to work.
Stage 5: Adolescence (12-20 yr)Identity vs. role confusion Develops a
sense of personal identity
Stage 6: Early Adulthood (20-35 yr)Intimacy vs. isolation Develops an
ability to love deeply and commit.
Stage 7: Middle Adulthood (35-65 yr)Generativity vs. self-absorption
Develops an ability to give and care for others.
Stage 8: Later years (65-death)Integrity vs. despair Has a sense of integrity
and fulfillment
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Cluster A: Behaviors described as odd or eccentric. - ANSWER Paranoid
Personality Disorder Distrust of others Constantly on guard Hypervigilant-
Ready to react to any threat (real or imagined)Insensitive to the feeling of
others Tense and irritable Feels others are trying to take advantage of them
Attribute their shortcomings to others Do not take responsibility for their
own behavior Envious and hostile to others who are successful Can
become aggressive and violent (with outbursts)
Schizoid Personality Disorder Inability to form personal relationships
Inability to respond to others in emotional manner Prefer to work in isolation
Display discomfort in human interaction Cold and aloof Inappropriately
serious about everything No Spontaneity Affect is bland
Schizotypal Personality Disorder Aloof and isolative Live in their own world
May by psychotic under stress Distorted thinking Magical thinking Illusion
Ideas of reference
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Cluster B: Behavior described as dramatic, emotional or erratic. - ANSWER
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Self-centered Lack of empathy Exploit
others to fulfill own desires Fragile self-esteem Feel superior, thus entitled
to special rights and privileges Exaggerated sense of self- worth
Borderline Personality Disorder Lack a clear sense of identity Tense and
chaotic relationships Always in a state of crisis Affective instability
Fluctuating attitudes towards others
,Fear of abandonment Histrionic Personality Disorder Dramatic Attention
seeking Seductive Gregarious Excitable/emotional Need for
approval/attention Easily influenced Dependent-highly suggestable
Antisocial Personality Disorder Exploit and manipulate others Disregard the
law Disregard the rights of others Difficulty establishing stable relationships
Experience no guilt and no remorse
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Cluster C: Behavior described as anxious or fearful. - ANSWER Avoidant
Personality Disorder Sensitive to rejection Lead a socially withdrawn life
Awkward and uncomfortable in social situations Lonely- express feelings of
being unwanted View others as critical betraying
Dependent Personality Disorder Lack of self-confidence
Submissive/passive Feel helpless when alone Have excess need to be
taken care of Allow others to make decisions for them Often tolerate
mistreatment by others Have feelings of low self-worth Easily hurt by
criticism/disapproval
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder Overly disciplined
Perfectionistic Preoccupied with rules Fear making mistakes Inflexible-lack
spontaneity Serious/formal
Borderline Personality Disorder - ANSWER Borderline personality disorder
is the most erratic and dramatic of all personality disorders. It is
characterized by severe impairment in functioning. One with this
personality disorder may experience emotional lability, which indicates
there is rapid movement from one emotional extreme to another.
Impulsivity is another trait often identified. One defense mechanism used
frequently by an individual with a borderline personality disorder is splitting.
This refers to the inability to view both positive and negative aspects of
others as part of a whole. Another way to interpret this way of considering
others and situations is called dichotomous thinking. Seeing things or
others as all black or white, bad or good. This individual may idealize a
person at the beginning of a relationship, but at the first disappointment, the
individual's status shifts quickly to one of devaluation.
Chronic suicidal ideation is also a common feature of this disorder.
Threatening suicide and attempting may be a way of manipulation, but all
, threats and attempts should be taken seriously. Self-destructive behaviors
such as self-mutilation (cutting), promiscuous behavior, numbing with
substances. The person with borderline personality disorder may seek out
repeat hospitalizations for depression, anxiety, suicide, self-harm behaviors
and substance use.
Criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder - ANSWER Frantic efforts to
avoid real or imagined abandonment.
A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships (alternating
between idealization and devaluation).
Markedly and persistently unstable self-image.
Impulsivity in at least two areas (spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless
driving, binge eating).
Recurred suicidal behavior, gestures, threats or self-mutilation.
Affective instability.
Chronic feelings of emptiness.
Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger.
Transient, stress-related paranoia ideations.
Etiology
Genetic-Borderline Personality Disorder is five times more common in first-
degree biological relatives with the same disorder.
Neurobiological
Serotonin dysfunction
Abnormalities in the limbic system and prefrontal cortex
Antisocial Personality Disorder
In the past, antisocial behavior was categorized as sociopathic or
psychopathic. When the client diagnosed with antisocial personality
disorder is seen in a clinical setting, it is often to avoid legal consequences.
These individuals exploit others for personal gain and are extremely
manipulative. They have a low tolerance for frustration and are unable to
delay gratification. - ANSWER Today the Criteria for Antisocial Personality
Disorder is
A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others.
Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behavior.
Deceitfulness
Impulsivity
Irritability and aggressiveness
2024/2025 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS/
ALREADY GRADED A++
Theory of Object Constancy (MAHLER) - ANSWER Stage 1: (birth to 1
month) Normal autism
Stage 2: (1-5 months) Symbiosis - The infant perceives mother-infant as
single entity.
Stage 3: (5-10 months) Differentiation - The infant recognizes distinction
from the mother.
Stage 4: (11-18 months) Practicing - The ability to walk and explore
expands the child's sense of the separateness.
Stage 5: (18-24 months) Rapprochement - Toddlers move away and come
back for emotional refueling. Need for independence alternates with
dependence.
Stage 6: (2-5 years) Object constancy - The child realizes that the mother
is permanent, even if not physically present.
According to Mahler, in those who later develop borderline personality
disorder, this process is disrupted. It is the rapprochement that is crucial. If
the child wanders and returns to the caregiver who is emotionally
unavailable, the child feels unsafe. If the caregiver has personal issues
related to dependence and abandonment, he/she may be threatened by
the child's attempts at independence and may not be available for
"emotional refueling." The fear of abandonment the child develops carries
over into adulthood. This causes a lack of achievement of object
constancy.
Interpersonal Theory - Harry Stack Sullivan - ANSWER Emphasized the
fact that early relationships with the parenting figure is crucial for
personality development.
According to Sullivan, all human beings are driven for the need for
interaction. The purpose of all behavior is to get needs met through
interpersonal interactions and reduce anxiety.
Theory of Psychosocial Development - Erik Erikson - ANSWER Stage 1:
Infancy (0 -1.5 yr)Trust vs. Mistrust Develops sound basis for relating to
and trusting others.
Stage 2: Early Childhood (1.5 - 3 yr)Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
Develops a sense of self-control and adequacy.
,Stage 3: Preschool (3-6 yr)Initiative vs. shame and doubt Develops the
ability to initiate one's own activities and has a sense of purpose.
Stage 4: School Age (6-12 yr)Industry vs. inferiority Developing social,
physical and school skills. Develops competence and ability to work.
Stage 5: Adolescence (12-20 yr)Identity vs. role confusion Develops a
sense of personal identity
Stage 6: Early Adulthood (20-35 yr)Intimacy vs. isolation Develops an
ability to love deeply and commit.
Stage 7: Middle Adulthood (35-65 yr)Generativity vs. self-absorption
Develops an ability to give and care for others.
Stage 8: Later years (65-death)Integrity vs. despair Has a sense of integrity
and fulfillment
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Cluster A: Behaviors described as odd or eccentric. - ANSWER Paranoid
Personality Disorder Distrust of others Constantly on guard Hypervigilant-
Ready to react to any threat (real or imagined)Insensitive to the feeling of
others Tense and irritable Feels others are trying to take advantage of them
Attribute their shortcomings to others Do not take responsibility for their
own behavior Envious and hostile to others who are successful Can
become aggressive and violent (with outbursts)
Schizoid Personality Disorder Inability to form personal relationships
Inability to respond to others in emotional manner Prefer to work in isolation
Display discomfort in human interaction Cold and aloof Inappropriately
serious about everything No Spontaneity Affect is bland
Schizotypal Personality Disorder Aloof and isolative Live in their own world
May by psychotic under stress Distorted thinking Magical thinking Illusion
Ideas of reference
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Cluster B: Behavior described as dramatic, emotional or erratic. - ANSWER
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Self-centered Lack of empathy Exploit
others to fulfill own desires Fragile self-esteem Feel superior, thus entitled
to special rights and privileges Exaggerated sense of self- worth
Borderline Personality Disorder Lack a clear sense of identity Tense and
chaotic relationships Always in a state of crisis Affective instability
Fluctuating attitudes towards others
,Fear of abandonment Histrionic Personality Disorder Dramatic Attention
seeking Seductive Gregarious Excitable/emotional Need for
approval/attention Easily influenced Dependent-highly suggestable
Antisocial Personality Disorder Exploit and manipulate others Disregard the
law Disregard the rights of others Difficulty establishing stable relationships
Experience no guilt and no remorse
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Cluster C: Behavior described as anxious or fearful. - ANSWER Avoidant
Personality Disorder Sensitive to rejection Lead a socially withdrawn life
Awkward and uncomfortable in social situations Lonely- express feelings of
being unwanted View others as critical betraying
Dependent Personality Disorder Lack of self-confidence
Submissive/passive Feel helpless when alone Have excess need to be
taken care of Allow others to make decisions for them Often tolerate
mistreatment by others Have feelings of low self-worth Easily hurt by
criticism/disapproval
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder Overly disciplined
Perfectionistic Preoccupied with rules Fear making mistakes Inflexible-lack
spontaneity Serious/formal
Borderline Personality Disorder - ANSWER Borderline personality disorder
is the most erratic and dramatic of all personality disorders. It is
characterized by severe impairment in functioning. One with this
personality disorder may experience emotional lability, which indicates
there is rapid movement from one emotional extreme to another.
Impulsivity is another trait often identified. One defense mechanism used
frequently by an individual with a borderline personality disorder is splitting.
This refers to the inability to view both positive and negative aspects of
others as part of a whole. Another way to interpret this way of considering
others and situations is called dichotomous thinking. Seeing things or
others as all black or white, bad or good. This individual may idealize a
person at the beginning of a relationship, but at the first disappointment, the
individual's status shifts quickly to one of devaluation.
Chronic suicidal ideation is also a common feature of this disorder.
Threatening suicide and attempting may be a way of manipulation, but all
, threats and attempts should be taken seriously. Self-destructive behaviors
such as self-mutilation (cutting), promiscuous behavior, numbing with
substances. The person with borderline personality disorder may seek out
repeat hospitalizations for depression, anxiety, suicide, self-harm behaviors
and substance use.
Criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder - ANSWER Frantic efforts to
avoid real or imagined abandonment.
A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships (alternating
between idealization and devaluation).
Markedly and persistently unstable self-image.
Impulsivity in at least two areas (spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless
driving, binge eating).
Recurred suicidal behavior, gestures, threats or self-mutilation.
Affective instability.
Chronic feelings of emptiness.
Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger.
Transient, stress-related paranoia ideations.
Etiology
Genetic-Borderline Personality Disorder is five times more common in first-
degree biological relatives with the same disorder.
Neurobiological
Serotonin dysfunction
Abnormalities in the limbic system and prefrontal cortex
Antisocial Personality Disorder
In the past, antisocial behavior was categorized as sociopathic or
psychopathic. When the client diagnosed with antisocial personality
disorder is seen in a clinical setting, it is often to avoid legal consequences.
These individuals exploit others for personal gain and are extremely
manipulative. They have a low tolerance for frustration and are unable to
delay gratification. - ANSWER Today the Criteria for Antisocial Personality
Disorder is
A pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others.
Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behavior.
Deceitfulness
Impulsivity
Irritability and aggressiveness
