IES FINAL: DASS AND GORMAN
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What is "the helping prison" that Dass and Gorman discuss in the text? (Chapter 5) -
Answers -Entrapment of helper v. helped
1. Dass and Gorman state "So many times each day we support each other without
ever becoming 'helper' or 'helped.' ... But a situation defined is a situation confined. The
moment the act requires a definition of the roles involved, we risk entrapment" (p. 122).
What is the author's message in this quote? - Answers -They are times when we
support each other through natural compassion. We feel compassion towards an old
lady crossing the street so we help. We see someone needing medical assistance so
we call for help. But the moment roles are defined i.e., doctor and patient - natural
compassion can sometimes dissipate. The helper begins to expect something in return
for being in that role.
1. According to Dass and Gorman fear, anger, and quilt can become toxin emotions.
What do these authors say can be "the fallout" or impact of carrying these emotions
when related to helping? (Chapter 6) - Answers -Yet left to themselves, fear, anger,
and guilt are unwholesome states of mind. How many of us have them fully in control in
our private lives? They pull us into a cycle of reactivity and feed on themselves. We
begin to lose sight of the conditions that might have provoked them in the first place. In
addition, they tend to be addictive and toxic. History is filled with examples of how these
attitudes, which initially may have stirred people to action, went on to poison and
destroy well-intentioned movements for social changes.
Moreover, these states of mind blur our judgment and blind us to tactics that might be
more reliable sources of action. Our hearts grow cold.
Describe four characteristics associated with burnout. (Chapter 7) - Answers -Growing
burden of personal responsibility leads to exhaustion and frustration.
We feel as if we're putting out more than we're getting back.
We're tired of being with needy people, and embarrassed or guilty about feeling that
way.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What is "the helping prison" that Dass and Gorman discuss in the text? (Chapter 5) -
Answers -Entrapment of helper v. helped
1. Dass and Gorman state "So many times each day we support each other without
ever becoming 'helper' or 'helped.' ... But a situation defined is a situation confined. The
moment the act requires a definition of the roles involved, we risk entrapment" (p. 122).
What is the author's message in this quote? - Answers -They are times when we
support each other through natural compassion. We feel compassion towards an old
lady crossing the street so we help. We see someone needing medical assistance so
we call for help. But the moment roles are defined i.e., doctor and patient - natural
compassion can sometimes dissipate. The helper begins to expect something in return
for being in that role.
1. According to Dass and Gorman fear, anger, and quilt can become toxin emotions.
What do these authors say can be "the fallout" or impact of carrying these emotions
when related to helping? (Chapter 6) - Answers -Yet left to themselves, fear, anger,
and guilt are unwholesome states of mind. How many of us have them fully in control in
our private lives? They pull us into a cycle of reactivity and feed on themselves. We
begin to lose sight of the conditions that might have provoked them in the first place. In
addition, they tend to be addictive and toxic. History is filled with examples of how these
attitudes, which initially may have stirred people to action, went on to poison and
destroy well-intentioned movements for social changes.
Moreover, these states of mind blur our judgment and blind us to tactics that might be
more reliable sources of action. Our hearts grow cold.
Describe four characteristics associated with burnout. (Chapter 7) - Answers -Growing
burden of personal responsibility leads to exhaustion and frustration.
We feel as if we're putting out more than we're getting back.
We're tired of being with needy people, and embarrassed or guilty about feeling that
way.
