NSG 526 Exam 3 Review - Clinical Modalities 2026 – Wilkes University
1. Which of Irvin Yalom’s curative factors describes the realization that one is
not alone in their suffering or experiences?
A. Altruism
B. Catharsis
C. Universality
D. Instillation of hope
Answer: C
Rationale: Universality is the recognition of shared experiences and feelings among group
members, validating that they are not alone in their struggles.
2. In Bowenian Family Therapy, what term describes a three-person emotional
system used to reduce anxiety between two people?
A. Enmeshment
B. Reframing
C. Emotional Cutoff
D. Triangulation
Answer: D
Rationale: Triangulation occurs when a third person is brought into a dyadic relationship
to stabilize the system and reduce tension.
,3. Which therapeutic modality was specifically developed by Marsha Linehan to
treat Borderline Personality Disorder?
A. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
B. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
C. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
D. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Answer: A
Rationale: DBT was designed for individuals with BPD, focusing on mindfulness, distress
tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
4. According to Aaron Beck, the ‘Cognitive Triad’ in depression consists of
negative views about:
A. Self, World, and Future
B. Self, Family, and Friends
C. Past, Present, and Future
D. Self, Society, and Work
Answer: A
Rationale: The Cognitive Triad involves a negative outlook on the self, the world (current
environment), and the future.
5. In Strategic Family Therapy, a therapist might give a ‘paradoxical directive’ to
a client. What is the primary purpose of this?
A. To build rapport through agreement
B. To encourage the family to defy the therapist and change
C. To provide education on healthy boundaries
D. To uncover repressed childhood memories
Answer: B
Rationale: A paradoxical directive asks the client to continue the symptomatic behavior so
that the client either defies it (and stops) or recognizes control over it.
, 6. What is the ‘Miracle Question’ primarily used for in Solution-Focused Brief
Therapy?
A. To identify the root cause of childhood trauma
B. To challenge the client’s irrational beliefs
C. To establish specific, goal-oriented outcomes
D. To assess for suicidal ideation
Answer: C
Rationale: The Miracle Question helps clients envision a future without the problem,
facilitating the identification of goals and solutions.
7. What is the optimal size for an outpatient adult psychotherapy group?
A. 3 to 5 members
B. 15 to 20 members
C. 7 to 10 members
D. Unlimited members
Answer: C
Rationale: A group size of 7 to 10 is generally considered optimal for ensuring enough
interaction while maintaining intimacy.
8. A patient taking St. John’s Wort for depression should be cautioned about the
risk of which condition when combined with an SSRI?
A. Hypertensive Crisis
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Serotonin Syndrome
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: C
Rationale: St. John’s Wort increases serotonin levels; combining it with SSRIs can lead to
potentially fatal Serotonin Syndrome.
1. Which of Irvin Yalom’s curative factors describes the realization that one is
not alone in their suffering or experiences?
A. Altruism
B. Catharsis
C. Universality
D. Instillation of hope
Answer: C
Rationale: Universality is the recognition of shared experiences and feelings among group
members, validating that they are not alone in their struggles.
2. In Bowenian Family Therapy, what term describes a three-person emotional
system used to reduce anxiety between two people?
A. Enmeshment
B. Reframing
C. Emotional Cutoff
D. Triangulation
Answer: D
Rationale: Triangulation occurs when a third person is brought into a dyadic relationship
to stabilize the system and reduce tension.
,3. Which therapeutic modality was specifically developed by Marsha Linehan to
treat Borderline Personality Disorder?
A. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
B. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
C. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
D. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Answer: A
Rationale: DBT was designed for individuals with BPD, focusing on mindfulness, distress
tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
4. According to Aaron Beck, the ‘Cognitive Triad’ in depression consists of
negative views about:
A. Self, World, and Future
B. Self, Family, and Friends
C. Past, Present, and Future
D. Self, Society, and Work
Answer: A
Rationale: The Cognitive Triad involves a negative outlook on the self, the world (current
environment), and the future.
5. In Strategic Family Therapy, a therapist might give a ‘paradoxical directive’ to
a client. What is the primary purpose of this?
A. To build rapport through agreement
B. To encourage the family to defy the therapist and change
C. To provide education on healthy boundaries
D. To uncover repressed childhood memories
Answer: B
Rationale: A paradoxical directive asks the client to continue the symptomatic behavior so
that the client either defies it (and stops) or recognizes control over it.
, 6. What is the ‘Miracle Question’ primarily used for in Solution-Focused Brief
Therapy?
A. To identify the root cause of childhood trauma
B. To challenge the client’s irrational beliefs
C. To establish specific, goal-oriented outcomes
D. To assess for suicidal ideation
Answer: C
Rationale: The Miracle Question helps clients envision a future without the problem,
facilitating the identification of goals and solutions.
7. What is the optimal size for an outpatient adult psychotherapy group?
A. 3 to 5 members
B. 15 to 20 members
C. 7 to 10 members
D. Unlimited members
Answer: C
Rationale: A group size of 7 to 10 is generally considered optimal for ensuring enough
interaction while maintaining intimacy.
8. A patient taking St. John’s Wort for depression should be cautioned about the
risk of which condition when combined with an SSRI?
A. Hypertensive Crisis
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Serotonin Syndrome
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: C
Rationale: St. John’s Wort increases serotonin levels; combining it with SSRIs can lead to
potentially fatal Serotonin Syndrome.
