Deck 6: Intervention

Question 1

Client-centered therapy (also known PCT and associated with Carl Rogers) is a form of talk therapy in which the therapist encourages and facilitates personal growth in a supportive environment. Which of the following concepts associated with this therapeutic model is NOT correctly defined?

A)Incongruence: conflict between self-awareness and experiences
B)Unconditional positive regard: client learns to fully accept themselves without judgment or disapproval
C)Empathy: understanding a client's internal frame of reference
D)Goal: self-actualization and decreasing incongruence

Answer 1

Unconditional positive regard: client learns to fully accept themselves without judgment or disapproval

Question 2

Behavioral theory postulates that behavior is in response to external factors and situational stimuli; thus, behaviorists believe that psychopathology is a result of learned patterns, not innate deficits. One subset of behavioral intervention, classical extinction, deals with fears and phobias by presenting the conditioned stimulus to the patient. Which technique belongs to this type of intervention?

A)Systematic desensitization
B)Aversive conditioning
C)Flooding
D)Shaping

Answer 2

Flooding

Question 3

Operant conditioning, a behaviorist-based treatment approach, involves using reinforcement and punishment as tools to control and maintain behaviors. There are different intervention strategies that use reinforcement. Stimulus control is one strategy; what does it involve?

A)Removing possible stimuli for the undesirable behavior from the environment
B)Narrowing the range of stimuli that elicit a particular behavior
C)Ignoring the urge to behave in a certain manner when confronted with stimuli
D)Punishment for undesirable behavior that occurs in response to certain stimuli

Answer 3

Narrowing the range of stimuli that elicit a particular behavior

Question 4

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a structured therapy program developed by Marsha Lineham. Although DBT has proven useful in treating a range of disorders, it was developed to treat one specific disorder (and is the first therapeutic method thought to be successful in doing so). Which disorder was DBT developed to treat?

A)Dysthymia
B)Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
C)Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
D)Schizoaffective disorder

Question 5

In the early 20th century, cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT) and a number of new therapy methods were developed as an alternative to behaviorist theory. Donald Meichenbaum developed cognitive behavioral modification (CBM). One method associated with CBM is self-instruction therapy. What disorder has CBM been empirically proven to treat?

A)Dysthymia
B)ADHD
C)PTSD
D)Asperger's

Question 6

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), developed by Ellis, is based on the belief that irrational beliefs are the cause of emotional disturbances. This method of therapy is based on the ABC model (activating events, beliefs about events, and consequences of events). Which of the following is NOT a technique used in REBT?

A)Contingency contracting
B)Decatastrophizing
C)Response prevention
D)Psychoeducation

Question 7

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a structured therapy program developed by Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder. DBT includes attending a skills group where patients work on four skills modules. Which of the following is NOT one of those modules?

A)Mindfulness
B)Confrontation of past trauma
C)Distress tolerance
D)Interpersonal effectiveness

Question 8

When normal coping becomes insufficient to deal with a problem, it is recognized as a crisis and crisis intervention becomes necessary. Which of the following ideas is not part of the basis of crisis intervention?

A)A main goal is to reduce or eliminate symptoms of the crisis in a short period.
B)People are resilient, strong, and capable of change.
C)Confronting past experiences is as essential as confronting the present crisis.
D)Small interventions can lead to systemic change in a person's life.

Question 9

CNS stimulants are the primary drug treatment for ADHD. Which of the following statements is not true regarding this treatment?

A)A higher dose is required to reduce activity levels
B)Not all children improve with stimulant treatment
C)Improvements following initiation of treatment may be short-lived
D)Social behaviors are improved with a lower dose

Question 10

There are different types of antidepressant medications: Tricyclics, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Monoamine-Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), and unclassified types. Which of the following brand name medications is not an SSRI?

A)Strattera
B)Lexapro
C)Wellbutrin
D)Paxil

Question 11

Antipsychotics are one class of drug used to treat certain disorders, such as schizophrenia, brief psychotic disorder, and delusional disorder. Which of the following is considered a novel (or atypical), rather than traditional, antipsychotic?

A)Haldol
B)Clozaril
C)Navane
D)Prolixin

Question 12

Family therapy has been most influenced by general systems theory and by cybernetics. Cybernetics focuses on feedback loops-the circular nature of events and consequences. Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback loop?

A)A family maintains current dynamic by working on problems in therapy.
B)A family changes dynamic by working on problems in therapy.
C)A family changes dynamic in response to the loss of a family member.
D)A family reverts to prior dynamic in response to the loss of a family member.

Question 13

Working with object relations theory, James Framo developed new approaches to family therapy. What specific method is Framo known for in this field?

A)Family-of-origin therapy
B)Systems therapy
C)Re-story relationship therapy
D)Solution-focused therapy

Question 14

Salvador Minuchin developed structural family therapy, which assesses a family along different dimensions. This theory considers a family to be a single system and identifies chronic boundary problems in that system. Which of the following is NOT one of the boundary problems identified by Minuchin?

A)Individuation
B)Triangulation
C)Stable coalition
D)Detouring

Question 15

Communications family therapy was developed by a group of therapists, known as the MRI group, for their work done at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto. Who among the following therapists was NOT part of the MRI group?

A)Virginia Satir
B)Gregory Bateson
C)Jay Haley
D)Theodore Lidz

Question 16

Communications family therapy, developed by the MRI group, developed specific techniques to address communication problems, some of which were paradoxical. Which of the following techniques might be implemented by a communications family therapist for a couple with marital problems and disagreements?

A)Stop talking completely about their problems for one week
B)Fight about their problems for at least two hours a day
C)Utilize problematic communication methods to approach disagreements from a new angle
D)Point out problematic communication patterns and suggest alternatives

Question 17

Systemic family therapy, developed by the Milan group, involves elements of systems theory as well as elements of strategic theory. Which of the following therapeutic techniques is a key part of systemic therapy?

A)Circular questioning
B)Reverse psychology
C)Caring days
D)Differentiation

Question 18

Steve de Shazer developed a type of family therapy known as solution-focused therapy based on the idea that expectations are powerful and can impact behavior and life events. What is the initial key technique employed in this style of therapy?

A)The miracle question
B)The coping question
C)De-triangulation
D)Circular questioning

Question 19

Steve de Shazer developed a type of family therapy known as solution-focused therapy based on the idea that expectations are powerful and can impact behavior and life events. Solution-focused therapy uses several types of questions to discover wants and set goals. What type of question asks patients to rate their problem?

A)Scaling question
B)Miracle question
C)Coping question
D)Exception question

Question 20

Community psychology uses organized community programs to support the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. Prevention is divided into three levels, primary, secondary, and tertiary. Which of the following is an example of primary prevention?

A)Twelve-step programs
B)Drug and alcohol education
C)Emergency hotlines
D)Screening children for disabilities

Question 21

Community psychology uses organized community programs to support the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. Prevention is divided into three levels, primary, secondary, and tertiary. Which of the following is an example of tertiary prevention?

A)Vaccinations
B)Twelve-step programs
C)Competence training
D)Treatment for trauma victims

Question 22

Meta-analysis is used to study outcomes of psychotherapy and evaluate effectiveness. What were the findings of a 1978 study of psychotherapy outcomes?

A)Spontaneous improvement rate is roughly 40%
B)Improvement with treatment rate is roughly 40%
C)Spontaneous improvement rate is roughly 60%
D)Both spontaneous improvement and improvement with treatment rates are roughly 60%

Question 23

Benzodiazepines are typically used to treat anxiety disorders or sleep problems. They are considered anxiolytics when used to treat anxiety. Which of the following anxiolytics is NOT a benzodiazepine?

A)Chlordiazepoxide
B)Lorazepam
C)Halazepam
D)Buspirone

Question 24

Approximately what percentage of children and adolescents in the United States today meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder?

A)1%
B)5%
C)Between 5% and 10%
D)Between 10% and 20%

Question 25

What are the guidelines concerning the authorization of a licensed clinical psychologist who is not an MD to prescribe medication for patients?

A)Psychologists who are not also licensed practitioners of general medicine cannot prescribe medication under any circumstances
B)Some states, but not all, accept the psychologist's Ph.D. in clinical psychology as sufficient qualification to prescribe medication.
C)Some states, but not all, may permit a psychologist to prescribe medication after completing a designated specialized training program in addition to the course of study already completed for the Ph.D.
D)A psychologist in any state may be permitted to prescribe medication after completing a designated specialized training program in addition to the course of study already completed for the Ph.D.

Question 26

Once a child is determined eligible to receive special education and related services, how soon must an Individualized Education Program (IEP) be prepared?

A)1 week
B)30 days
C)60 days
D)90 days

Question 27

Which of the following is an example of a supplementary service or aid that may be provided to children with disabilities in addition to special education itself, and what falls into the category of special education related services?

A)School transportation.
B)Assistive technology specifically designed for students with a certain type of disability.
C)Speech therapy.
D)Psychological, counseling, and social work services.

Question 28

Which of the following is not a parental right with regard to Individualized Education Programs?

A)To attend the first IEP meeting together with school professionals and help develop the IEP.
B)To not allow the IEP to be implemented for the first time without giving written consent.
C)To revoke consent for the IEP at any time thereafter.
D)To pursue the request for special education services for their child at a higher level after both the Committee on Special Education and an Impartial Hearing Officer decide that special education is not necessary.

Question 29

Why is traditional psychoanalysis impractical today in treating most patients- both adults and children?

A)The length of the treatment and prohibitive costs.
B)Clients' inability to remember events in their lives taking place many years ago.
C)De-emphasis on psychoanalytic theory in the curriculum such that psychologists are no longer qualified to practice psychoanalysis.
D)Clients not being given enough guidance and direction in therapy.

Question 30

Play therapy is a technique used for treating children displaying many different kinds of maladaptive behavior patterns. What makes play therapy an effective approach with such a wide variety of children?

A)All children love to play, but probably don't have enough opportunity because their parents won't let them.
B)Play therapy allows children to express what is troubling them symbolically when it is difficult to put their feelings and emotions into words.
C)Unlike in traditional therapy, the therapist really doesn't have to do anything but observe.
D)Both the parents and the child don't view the activity as "therapy" so, for them, there is no stigma in engaging in play therapy.

Question 31

What is the distinct defining characteristic of the innovative approach to child and adolescent psychotherapy known as Evidence-Based Practice?

A)Emphasis on research and collecting data.
B)Emphasis on taking advantage of the knowledge and expertise of the growing number of clinical psychologists.
C)Emphasis on the contributions to the understanding of children's behavior available from other emerging fields of study such as neurobiology and cultural diversity.
D)Emphasis on integrating the data obtained from scientifically conductive predictive validity studies with input from experienced clinical psychologists.

Question 32

The therapy method known as cognitive behavior theory (CBT) has been shown to be particularly effective with children and adolescents diagnosed with what condition?

A)Depression
B)ADHD
C)Schizophrenia
D)Antisocial Personality

Question 33

Research studies show that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), a promising technique in the treatment of aggressive behavior in children, is not as effective in treating what segment of the population?

A)Afro-American boys from low-income households.
B)Hispanic boys from low-income households.
C)Asian-American boys from low-income households.
D)Asian-American boys from middle class households.

Question 34

14-year-old Tiffany has been receiving weekly outpatient therapy for depression for several months. During the last two visits, the therapist noted that Tiffany, besides appearing more despondent, displayed a few instances of suicidal ideation that previously had not been present. Tiffany denied having any concrete plan, however. The psychologist contacted the mother, who didn't seem particularly concerned. "Tiffany talks like that all the time," she said. How should the psychologist proceed with this patient?

A)Arrange to have Tiffany hospitalized because she is at risk of hurting herself.
B)Have Tiffany tested to better assess whether she is high risk or low risk.
C)Schedule sessions with the mother, both alone and in family therapy with Tiffany.
D)Refer Tiffany to another therapist who might be able to work with her better.

Question 35

Most children diagnosed with ADHD display which constellation of symptoms?

A)Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive.
B)Predominantly inattentive.
C)Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive.
D)No predictable pattern-sometimes long periods of one or the other, sometimes both sets of symptoms together.

Question 36

Is it easy or difficult for parents to diagnose probable ADHD, and why?

A)It is easy because the symptoms are so obvious and pronounced.
B)It is easy to diagnose the hyperactivity component, but not the inattentive component, since the latter might be simply mistaken for quiet, obedient behavior.
C)It is easy to diagnose the inattentive component, but not the hyperactive component, because the hyperactivity is mistaken for lack of obedience on the child's part.
D)Both the attention-deficit and hyperactivity associated with ADHD are often mistaken for other behavior problems.

Question 37

When children with ADHD are brought to clinical psychologists for treatment, what is the main focus on primarily?

A)Curing the disease.
B)Relieving symptoms.
C)Helping parents adopt more realistic expectations.
D)Expediting placement in a special school.

Question 38

Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy is a form of cognitive behavior therapy used primarily in treating children with what mental disorder?

A)Autism
B)Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
C)Anxiety
D)Paranoid Ideation

Question 39

Computer-assisted cognitive behavior therapy such as Camp Cope-A-Lot and BRAVE-ONLINE are a particularly promising mode of treatment for children diagnosed with what type of mental illness?

A)Anxiety disorder
B)Bipolar disorder
C)Obsessive-compulsive disorder
D)Personality disorder

Question 40

Which of the following statements regarding the treatment of childhood schizophrenia is not true?

A)Most schizophrenic children need long term hospitalization.
B)Childhood schizophrenia is a chronic illness which, even though it can be controlled, requires lifelong management.
C)Treatment usually consists of a combination of prescribed antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy.
D)Schizophrenic children can often benefit from an IEP teaching basic social skills.

Question 41

Native American children have been found to show disproportionately high levels of gluten intolerance, which research studies show is sometimes a factor in children's behavior disorders. Suppose you are a psychologist called upon to treat a Native American child with a behavior disorder that lately has gotten worse. You feel a switch to a gluten-free diet certainly can't hurt. Which of the following foods would a gluten intolerant child still be able to eat?

A)Whole-wheat bread.
B)Scrambled eggs.
C)Beef barley soup.
D)Cake prepared from a cake mix.

Question 42

13-year-old Tricia has been picking at her food, double-checking the calorie count of everything she eats, leaving a lot of food uneaten on the plate, and sometimes refusing to eat at all. She was never heavy to begin with, but her mother now thinks she looks at least 10 pounds lighter. She suspects that Tricia might have an eating disorder but she isn't sure. What is the most important thing for her, and other parents in similar situations, to do first if they suspect their child has an eating disorder?

A)Trust their instincts and consult a professional.
B)Read the extensive information online, find what applies to their child, and follow the applicable suggestions.
C)Instead of pushing the panic button, wait a while to see if it is just a temporary finicky eating stage the child will outgrow.
D)Ask the child what is wrong, and insist on an answer.

Question 43

What is an important difference between the treatment of eating disorders in children and adolescents and the treatment of eating disorders in adults?

A)The symptoms tend to be more severe in adults than in children.
B)The symptoms tend to be more severe in children than in adults.
C)With children, the nature of the treatment varies depending on the age and mental development of the child.
D)In adults, the illness is usually associated with other mental health problems, while in children the condition exists on its own.

Question 44

13-year-old Tony's mother discovered accidentally that her son was playing poker online. She had no idea where he was getting the money for this activity. When she confronted him, first he denied gambling; then he changed his story and said he had saved some money from doing some chores for neighbors and then used his winnings to keep playing. After punishing him by taking away his allowance for two weeks, Tony's mother went online herself to learn more about teenage gambling and what parents should do. She found lots of suggestions and decided to run them by her therapist, since she didn't think she could get Tony to go to therapy. Which of the following would the therapist have advised her not to do?

A)Lecture Tony about the evils of gambling so he will think twice before he does it again.
B)Block online gambling sites on Tony's computer.
C)Get to know Tony's friends to see what role they might have played in encouraging Tony to gamble.
D)Suggest other stimulating activities for Tony so he would have less time for gambling.

Question 45

"Rescue plans" developed for children and adolescents experimenting with drugs or alcohol, or even using them more regularly, are primarily designed to do what?

A)Serve as a lifeline-stop a person tempted to use a controlled substance or take a drink from actually doing it.
B)Reduce the incidence of DWIs by setting up arrangements for a designated driver to bring the child or teenager home safely.
C)Get the child or teenager to the hospital immediately if he or she overdoses or there is an accident.
D)Expedite placing the child or teenage substance abuser in rehab.

Question 46

In today's society, children's exposure to psychological trauma is, unfortunately, a common occurrence. Do all children subjected to something terrible (like losing a family member due to a shooting or act of terrorism) need psychotherapy, and why?

A)Yes, because they need professional help coping with the initial shock, rage, and other all-consuming emotions.
B)Yes, the traumatic event will affect them for life.
C)Not necessarily, since initial distress is to be expected and therefore is not cause for concern.
D)Not necessarily, but the child's adjustment does need to be closely monitored, because the possibility of long-term major coping difficulties cannot be ruled out.

Question 47

Multisystem therapy (MST) is a specific type of therapeutic intervention designed for adolescent youth who exhibit a very serious form of deviant behavior called "willful misconduct." Which of the following variables plays a key role in whether or not MST intervention is likely to work with this highly resistant and frequently violent segment of the population?

A)The offender's intelligence level.
B)The offender's motivation to change.
C)The availability of a strong family support system.
D)How long the deviant behavior has been going on.

Question 48

Suppose you are a psychologist in a children's behavior disorders clinic. One of the children who comes to you for therapy shows up in your office with a large bruise that you have reason to believe, but no direct proof, was inflicted by the child's father, who has a drinking problem. The family has an indicated case with Child Protective Services. In fact, it was Preventive Services that referred the child to your clinic for therapy. What do you do?

A)Call the preventive services worker and ask him or her to follow up on your concerns.
B)Make an appointment with the parents to discuss your concerns with them directly.
C)File a report with Child Protective Services.
D)Ask the child how he got the bruise and if he says he fell or bumped into a door, drop the matter.

Question 49

Suppose you are a psychologist at an inner city clinic primarily serving families from low socioeconomic backgrounds. One of your clients is a young mother of a 5-year-old girl. She is now pregnant again, about three months along. During her most recent therapy session, it accidentally slips out that she is having four drinks daily. She may also be using marijuana or cocaine occasionally, though you are not sure. The woman looks okay physically and is not "high" at the therapy session, so you are surprised by the admission. What do you do?

A)Lecture her and give her a pamphlet on the dangers of drinking during pregnancy.
B)Tell her you will look into a possible substance abuse treatment program for her.
C)Tell her you will look into a possible substance abuse treatment program for her, but that you also have to notify Child Protective Services.
D)Tell her you will look into a possible substance abuse treatment program for her, but that you also have to notify Adult Protective Services.

Question 50

Which of the following treatment methods would be inappropriate with a patient with suicidal ideation?

A)Increasing the frequency of therapy.
B)Family therapy.
C)Discussing the child's mental health with the school guidance counselor.
D)Referral to an online self-help chat group.

Question 51

Suicidal ideation is a frequent occurrence among adolescent schizophrenics. What have clinical psychologists found to be the one most effective approach for treating these patients?

A)Helping the patient gain more insight into his or her illness.
B)Increasing the dosage of psychotropic medication.
C)Group therapy.
D)Actively treating symptoms of depression.

Question 52

Suppose you were to look at four different statements, each made in the therapist's office by a different teenager who might be harboring thoughts of suicide. Which statement should raise the biggest red flag?

A)"Every day is a problem. Maybe I'd be better off dead."
B)"Don't worry. I'm definitely not going to do anything crazy tomorrow, but after I leave here, I'm going to buy myself a gun just in case."
C)"I wonder if my mother would be upset if I take an overdose of pills."
D)"Sometimes life just isn't worth living. Don't you agree, doc?"

Question 53

Under what conditions would it be inappropriate for a clinical psychologist to decide to terminate therapy with a client or patient?

A)Upon deciding that the client no longer needs or is likely to benefit from therapy, but the client disagrees.
B)When feeling that continuing therapy is potentially dangerous to either the therapist or patient.
C)When the patient is either coming late to every scheduled appointment or not coming at all.
D)When the patient seems more anxious or depressed than usual and it is making the therapist feel uncomfortable, too.