NSG 526 Exam 1: Clinical Modalities Study Guide 2026 – Wilkes
University
1. Which psychotherapeutic approach focuses primarily on the connection
between automatic thoughts, emotions, and behaviors?
A. Interpersonal Psychotherapy
B. Dialectical Behavior Therapy
C. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
D. Psychodynamic Therapy
Answer: C
Rationale: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the premise that thoughts
influence feelings and behaviors, focusing on identifying and challenging cognitive
distortions.
2. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the primary goal of mindfulness is to:
A. Resolve childhood trauma
B. Increase metabolic rate
C. Avoid all negative emotions
D. Foster awareness of the present moment without judgment
Answer: D
Rationale: Mindfulness in DBT is a core skill designed to help patients participate in the
present moment non-judgmentally.
,3. Which of Yalom’s curative factors describes the realization that one is not
alone in their suffering?
A. Altruism
B. Instillation of hope
C. Catharsis
D. Universality
Answer: D
Rationale: Universality is the recognition that others share similar experiences and
struggles, reducing feelings of isolation.
4. According to Murray Bowen, ‘differentiation of self’ refers to:
A. Separating oneself physically from family members
B. The ability to distinguish between intellectual and emotional processing
C. The process of blaming others for personal stress
D. Adapting one’s personality to fit a group
Answer: B
Rationale: Differentiation of self involves the capacity to remain objective and separate
thought from feeling within the family system.
5. In Structural Family Therapy, the goal of the therapist is to:
A. Analyze the family’s dreams
B. Restructure family boundaries and hierarchies
C. Teach families how to use genograms
D. Focus solely on the identified patient’s behavior
Answer: B
Rationale: Salvador Minuchin’s Structural Family Therapy focuses on modifying the
family’s organization, including boundaries and subsystems.
, 6. A patient becomes angry with the nurse because the nurse reminds them of
their controlling mother. This is an example of:
A. Countertransference
B. Transference
C. Resistance
D. Sublimation
Answer: B
Rationale: Transference occurs when a patient displaces feelings for a significant person
from their past onto the clinician.
7. Which stage of group development is characterized by conflict, competition,
and challenges to the leader’s authority?
A. Storming
B. Forming
C. Norming
D. Performing
Answer: A
Rationale: The storming stage involves interpersonal conflict as group members test
boundaries and compete for status.
8. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) uses the ‘Miracle Question’ primarily
to:
A. Identify past failures
B. Evaluate the patient’s religious beliefs
C. Diagnose complex mental disorders
D. Help the patient envision a future where the problem is resolved
Answer: D
Rationale: The miracle question helps patients shift focus from problems to future
possibilities and goals.
University
1. Which psychotherapeutic approach focuses primarily on the connection
between automatic thoughts, emotions, and behaviors?
A. Interpersonal Psychotherapy
B. Dialectical Behavior Therapy
C. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
D. Psychodynamic Therapy
Answer: C
Rationale: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the premise that thoughts
influence feelings and behaviors, focusing on identifying and challenging cognitive
distortions.
2. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the primary goal of mindfulness is to:
A. Resolve childhood trauma
B. Increase metabolic rate
C. Avoid all negative emotions
D. Foster awareness of the present moment without judgment
Answer: D
Rationale: Mindfulness in DBT is a core skill designed to help patients participate in the
present moment non-judgmentally.
,3. Which of Yalom’s curative factors describes the realization that one is not
alone in their suffering?
A. Altruism
B. Instillation of hope
C. Catharsis
D. Universality
Answer: D
Rationale: Universality is the recognition that others share similar experiences and
struggles, reducing feelings of isolation.
4. According to Murray Bowen, ‘differentiation of self’ refers to:
A. Separating oneself physically from family members
B. The ability to distinguish between intellectual and emotional processing
C. The process of blaming others for personal stress
D. Adapting one’s personality to fit a group
Answer: B
Rationale: Differentiation of self involves the capacity to remain objective and separate
thought from feeling within the family system.
5. In Structural Family Therapy, the goal of the therapist is to:
A. Analyze the family’s dreams
B. Restructure family boundaries and hierarchies
C. Teach families how to use genograms
D. Focus solely on the identified patient’s behavior
Answer: B
Rationale: Salvador Minuchin’s Structural Family Therapy focuses on modifying the
family’s organization, including boundaries and subsystems.
, 6. A patient becomes angry with the nurse because the nurse reminds them of
their controlling mother. This is an example of:
A. Countertransference
B. Transference
C. Resistance
D. Sublimation
Answer: B
Rationale: Transference occurs when a patient displaces feelings for a significant person
from their past onto the clinician.
7. Which stage of group development is characterized by conflict, competition,
and challenges to the leader’s authority?
A. Storming
B. Forming
C. Norming
D. Performing
Answer: A
Rationale: The storming stage involves interpersonal conflict as group members test
boundaries and compete for status.
8. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) uses the ‘Miracle Question’ primarily
to:
A. Identify past failures
B. Evaluate the patient’s religious beliefs
C. Diagnose complex mental disorders
D. Help the patient envision a future where the problem is resolved
Answer: D
Rationale: The miracle question helps patients shift focus from problems to future
possibilities and goals.
