Deck 14: Communicating Comfort and Support

Question 1

All of the following are characteristics of person-centered comforting messages, EXCEPT:

A) They acknowledge the person's experience.
B) They validate the person's point-of-view.
C) They tell the person how to solve the problem.
D) They invite the person to appraise their circumstances in a new, less stressful, way.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Rodney is trying to comfort his friend Gemma who just lost her job. During their interaction, Rodney tries to demonstrate a lot of warmth and involvement by leaning forward, making a lot of eye contact, and stroking Gemma's back. What aspect of supportive communication did Rodney demonstrate during this interaction?

A) nonverbal immediacy
B) person-centeredness
C) empathy
D) perspective taking

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Which kind of support involves giving someone the resources and knowledge they need to solve their problem?

A) emotional support
B) network support
C) informational support
D) tangible support

Answer 3

C

Question 4

When Colleen was diagnosed with breast cancer, her friend Karen introduced her to one of her colleagues who ran a cancer support group in hope that Colleen could meet more people who were struggling with breast cancer. What type of support did Karen provide?

A) emotional support
B) network support
C) informational support
D) tangible support

Question 5

Margaret has been very discouraged about an unsuccessful job interview she had recently. She has been questioning whether she is actually a desirable candidate for jobs in her field, and whether she has the strength to persevere in her job search. Her friend Cole takes her out for coffee and spends some time reminding her of all the challenges she has persevered through in the past, and her many qualities that make her a desirable job candidate. After their talk, Margaret is encouraged to see herself in a more positive light. Which of the following best reflects Cole's support message?

A) informational support
B) emotional support
C) tangible support
D) esteem support

Question 6

Which of the following refers to the ability to understand a situation from someone else's point of view and adjust your communication to provide messages that would be perceived as appropriate and effective for that person?

A) nonverbal immediacy
B) empathy
C) person-centeredness
D) perspective taking

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a moderately centered-centered support message?

A) "I can tell you're upset by what happened. I know that this hurts, but I also know that you're one of strongest people I know, and I think you're going to come out on the other side of this having grown a lot. If you ever need a listening ear, I here for you."
B) "You really shouldn't feel so bad. Just try to get your mind off of it."
C) "I can tell you're upset by what happened. That really stinks. Why don't we go grab ice cream and talk about something happier?"
D) "You shouldn't take things so personally all the time. Don't let this get you down."

Question 8

All of the following are characteristics of highly person-centered comforting messages, except:

A) They acknowledge the person's experience
B) They validate the person's point of view
C) They tell the person how to solve the problem
D) They invite the person to appraise the circumstances in a new, less stressful, way

Question 9

Which type of support strategy attempts to elicit positive feelings and foster intimacy through approach-based and emotion-focused responses?

A) solace
B) solve
C) escape
D) dismiss

Question 10

When Justin's girlfriend broke up with him, his friends suggested that they go out and play some basketball in order to take his mind off of the situation. What support strategy were Justin's friends using in this situation?

A) solace
B) solve
C) escape
D) dismiss

Question 11

Portia is stressed over a hurtful conversation she recently had with her best friend. Portia's roommate tells her, "I want to help you find a way to patch things up with your friend. Is there anything I can do to help?" What type of supportive communication strategy is her friend using?

A) solace
B) solve
C) escape
D) dismiss

Question 12

When Maria's cat died, her friend Salma burst into tears and said, "I can't believe this is happening to you! You must be devastated! I don't know how you'll ever get over this!" Why is Salma's ineffective for providing support?

A) She put herself first.
B) She minimized the issue.
C) She maximized the issue.
D) She gave cold comfort.

Question 13

When Estelle learned that her brother had failed his chem 101 final, she told him that it wasn't a big deal, he could easily have a different major, and his test score had nothing to do with his ability to succeed in college. What type of ineffective support message is Estelle communicating?

A) She put herself first.
B) She minimized the problem.
C) She maximized the problem.
D) She offered cold comfort.

Question 14

Which type of coping focuses on understanding and resolving a difficult situation?

A) problem-focused coping
B) emotion-focused coping
C) solution-focused coping
D) situation-based coping

Question 15

According to the concept of support gaps, people experience the most benefit when:

A) They give more support than they receive
B) They receive the amount of support they desire
C) They receive more support than they need
D) They receive the kind of support they would typically provide to others