D564 Exam 4 Actual Exam Style V2 | WGU
D564 Theories of Personality | Western
Governors University
1. Which of the following is considered the core characteristic of Borderline Personality
Disorder (BPD)?
A. Pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others
B. Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior
C. A pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects
D. A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental control
Answer: C
Rationale: Borderline Personality Disorder is defined by significant instability in various
life areas including relationships and mood. Individuals often experience frantic efforts to
avoid real or imagined abandonment. This instability frequently leads to impulsive
behaviors and a fragile sense of self-identity.
2. To be diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) in the DSM-5, an individual
must be at least how old?
A. 18 years old
B. 21 years old
C. 15 years old
,D. 16 years old
Answer: A
Rationale: While symptoms of conduct disorder must be present before age 15, a formal
diagnosis of ASPD requires the individual to be at least 18 years old. This requirement
ensures that the personality pattern is stable and not part of adolescent development.
Clinicians look for a long-standing disregard for the rights of others throughout the
assessment process.
3. Which cluster of personality disorders is characterized by odd or eccentric behaviors?
A. Cluster B
B. Cluster A
C. Cluster C
D. Cluster D
Answer: B
Rationale: Cluster A includes Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal personality disorders.
These conditions are grouped together because they share common features of social
detachment and unusual perception. Understanding these clusters helps clinicians organize
diagnostic criteria and treatment plans effectively.
4. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was specifically developed by Marsha Linehan to treat
which disorder?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
, B. Avoidant Personality Disorder
C. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: A
Rationale: DBT is the gold standard for treating BPD by focusing on the balance between
acceptance and change. It incorporates mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion
regulation skills to help patients manage crises. Research consistently shows its
effectiveness in reducing self-harm and suicidal behaviors in this population.
5. What is the primary difference between Schizoid and Avoidant personality disorders?
A. Avoidant individuals desire social contact but fear rejection, while Schizoid individuals
prefer isolation.
B. Schizoid individuals desire social contact but fear it, while Avoidant individuals do not.
C. Schizoid is a Cluster B disorder, while Avoidant is a Cluster A disorder.
D. There is no functional difference between the two in clinical practice.
Answer: A
Rationale: Individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder are often lonely and want to
connect with others but are held back by extreme social anxiety. In contrast, those with
Schizoid Personality Disorder generally have no interest in forming close relationships and
prefer solitary activities. Distinguishing between the ‘desire’ for connection is a key
diagnostic milestone for clinicians.
D564 Theories of Personality | Western
Governors University
1. Which of the following is considered the core characteristic of Borderline Personality
Disorder (BPD)?
A. Pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others
B. Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior
C. A pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects
D. A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental control
Answer: C
Rationale: Borderline Personality Disorder is defined by significant instability in various
life areas including relationships and mood. Individuals often experience frantic efforts to
avoid real or imagined abandonment. This instability frequently leads to impulsive
behaviors and a fragile sense of self-identity.
2. To be diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) in the DSM-5, an individual
must be at least how old?
A. 18 years old
B. 21 years old
C. 15 years old
,D. 16 years old
Answer: A
Rationale: While symptoms of conduct disorder must be present before age 15, a formal
diagnosis of ASPD requires the individual to be at least 18 years old. This requirement
ensures that the personality pattern is stable and not part of adolescent development.
Clinicians look for a long-standing disregard for the rights of others throughout the
assessment process.
3. Which cluster of personality disorders is characterized by odd or eccentric behaviors?
A. Cluster B
B. Cluster A
C. Cluster C
D. Cluster D
Answer: B
Rationale: Cluster A includes Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal personality disorders.
These conditions are grouped together because they share common features of social
detachment and unusual perception. Understanding these clusters helps clinicians organize
diagnostic criteria and treatment plans effectively.
4. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was specifically developed by Marsha Linehan to treat
which disorder?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
, B. Avoidant Personality Disorder
C. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: A
Rationale: DBT is the gold standard for treating BPD by focusing on the balance between
acceptance and change. It incorporates mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion
regulation skills to help patients manage crises. Research consistently shows its
effectiveness in reducing self-harm and suicidal behaviors in this population.
5. What is the primary difference between Schizoid and Avoidant personality disorders?
A. Avoidant individuals desire social contact but fear rejection, while Schizoid individuals
prefer isolation.
B. Schizoid individuals desire social contact but fear it, while Avoidant individuals do not.
C. Schizoid is a Cluster B disorder, while Avoidant is a Cluster A disorder.
D. There is no functional difference between the two in clinical practice.
Answer: A
Rationale: Individuals with Avoidant Personality Disorder are often lonely and want to
connect with others but are held back by extreme social anxiety. In contrast, those with
Schizoid Personality Disorder generally have no interest in forming close relationships and
prefer solitary activities. Distinguishing between the ‘desire’ for connection is a key
diagnostic milestone for clinicians.
