PSYCH 111: Introduction to Psychology: Week 4 Quiz: Therapy and Treatments

The Correct Answer is:

B. To interpret dreams to uncover unconscious desires and struggles

In psychoanalysis, dream analysis is a technique where patients recall their dreams, and the psychoanalyst interprets them to reveal hidden thoughts, unresolved conflicts, and unconscious desires. Freud believed that dreams represent a “royal road to the unconscious”, offering insight into repressed emotions and struggles influencing current behavior and mental health.

Why the other options are incorrect:

To identify and change negative thought patterns

This is incorrect because changing negative thought patterns is the focus of cognitive therapy and CBT, not psychoanalytic dream analysis.

To teach relaxation techniques for better sleep

This is incorrect because dream analysis does not aim to improve sleep quality. Its focus is on interpreting dream content, not preventing insomnia or sleep disturbances.

To eliminate the need for talk therapy

This is incorrect because dream analysis is actually part of talk therapy in psychoanalysis. It complements other techniques, such as free association and transference, rather than replacing therapy sessions.

The Correct Answer is:

D. Relapse

Relapse occurs when an individual returns to drug or alcohol use after a period of abstinence or recovery. In John’s case, exposure to old social environments and triggers—such as spending time with friends who abuse substances—led him back to using drugs. Relapse is common in addiction recovery, and treatment often includes relapse prevention strategies to manage high-risk situations and maintain long-term sobriety.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Release

This is incorrect because “release” refers to being set free from custody or treatment, not returning to substance use after recovery.

Reversion

This is incorrect because reversion means reverting to a previous state but is not the proper clinical term used in addiction psychology for returning to drug abuse.

Re-addiction

This is incorrect because “re-addiction” is not a standard term in substance abuse treatment. The widely accepted term for returning to drug use after abstinence is relapse.

The Correct Answer is:

A. Members may feel uncomfortable sharing personal issues with strangers

One limitation of group therapy is that some members may feel anxious or hesitant to open up in front of others. Sharing personal secrets and problems with strangers can feel stressful and overwhelming, which may limit participation and slow progress for certain individuals. Therapists often work to create a safe and supportive environment to reduce these concerns.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Group therapy does not provide any peer support

This is incorrect because one of the main benefits of group therapy is peer support. Members often feel less isolated when hearing others share similar struggles.

Group therapy sessions are always shorter than individual therapy

This is incorrect because session length varies and is not a defining limitation. Some group sessions can actually last longer than individual sessions.

Therapists cannot guide discussions in group settings

This is incorrect because group therapy is led and facilitated by a trained therapist. The therapist structures sessions, manages conflicts, and ensures the group remains supportive and productive.

The Correct Answer is:

B. Visit their primary care physician for an initial evaluation

Most individuals experiencing mental health concerns start by visiting their primary care physician. A primary care doctor can assess symptoms, rule out physical causes, and, if necessary, refer the patient to a mental health professional for further treatment. This approach allows individuals to access care efficiently and begin appropriate treatment without unnecessary hospitalization.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Immediately check into a psychiatric hospital

This is incorrect because hospitalization is typically reserved for severe emergencies, such as suicidal intent or risk of harm. Most people receive outpatient care rather than being admitted immediately.

Call the police to report their symptoms

This is incorrect because the police are not the appropriate first point of contact for mental health treatment. Seeking help from a healthcare professional is the most effective first step.

Begin long-term inpatient treatment without assessment

This is incorrect because inpatient treatment requires a formal evaluation by a qualified professional. Most cases do not require admission, and effective care often begins with outpatient services after proper diagnosis.

The Correct Answer is:

B. Antidepressant medication

Antidepressant medication is an example of a biomedical treatment because it involves using medical interventions to manage symptoms of psychological disorders. Biomedical treatments include medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety drugs, as well as procedures like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). These approaches target biological factors, such as brain chemistry and neurotransmitter imbalances, to improve mental health.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Mindfulness-based therapy

This is incorrect because mindfulness-based therapy is a psychological treatment that focuses on self-awareness, relaxation, and emotional regulation rather than biological interventions.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

This is incorrect because CBT is a psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It does not involve the use of medications or direct biological interventions.

Exposure therapy

This is incorrect because exposure therapy, a form of behavioral therapy, helps individuals confront fears or phobias in a controlled environment. While effective, it is a psychological technique, not a biomedical treatment.

The Correct Answer is:

C. To gradually reduce fear by repeatedly exposing clients to the feared object or situation

Exposure therapy is a behavioral treatment used to reduce fear and anxiety by gradually and safely exposing clients to the object, situation, or memory that causes distress. Over time, repeated exposure helps individuals desensitize to the trigger, making it less frightening and allowing them to regain control over their emotional responses. It is commonly used for phobias, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Why the other options are incorrect:

To help clients avoid situations that cause anxiety

This is incorrect because avoidance reinforces fear and prevents learning that the feared situation is not as dangerous as perceived. Exposure therapy focuses on confronting fears instead.

To teach clients to suppress their fears

This is incorrect because suppressing fear does not resolve anxiety and can make symptoms worse. Exposure therapy works by facing the fear directly in a controlled way, helping the client adapt emotionally.

To replace therapy sessions with medication

This is incorrect because exposure therapy is a behavioral technique, not a pharmacological approach. While medication can complement treatment, the therapy itself focuses on behavioral change through controlled exposure.

The Correct Answer is:

C. Culture and background

The sociocultural perspective in psychology focuses on understanding how a person’s culture, background, social environment, and community norms influence their behaviors, emotions, and mental health. Therapists using this perspective consider factors like traditions, beliefs, language, and societal expectations when assessing symptoms and designing treatment plans to ensure care is culturally sensitive.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Education

This is incorrect because education level may influence opportunities and knowledge but is only one small factor. The sociocultural perspective looks more broadly at cultural identity and environment.

Socioeconomic status

This is incorrect because while financial status can impact access to care and stress levels, the perspective focuses on overall cultural and social contexts, not income alone.

Age

This is incorrect because age is studied under developmental psychology, not the sociocultural perspective. Culture and background play a larger role in shaping behaviors and experiences within this framework.

The Correct Answer is:

C. Bipolar disorder

Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, are primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. These medications help regulate mood, prevent severe highs and lows, and reduce the frequency and intensity of mood episodes.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Anxiety disorders

This is incorrect because anxiety disorders are typically treated with anti-anxiety medications or certain antidepressants, not mood stabilizers like lithium.

Depression

This is incorrect because depression is commonly treated with antidepressants, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. While mood stabilizers may sometimes be used alongside other medications, they are not the primary treatment for depression alone.

ADHD

This is incorrect because ADHD is primarily treated with stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamine-based drugs, as well as behavioral therapy. Mood stabilizers like lithium are not typically used for ADHD treatment.

The Correct Answer is:

B. Encouraging personal growth and self-actualization

Humanistic therapy, developed by psychologists such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, and self-actualization. It focuses on helping individuals reach their full potential by fostering a supportive, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment. A central principle is unconditional positive regard, where the therapist accepts and values the client without conditions, empowering them to make positive life changes.

Why the other options are incorrect:

Treating unconscious conflicts

This is incorrect because addressing unconscious conflicts is the primary goal of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy, not humanistic therapy. Humanistic approaches focus more on present experiences and personal growth.

Modifying brain chemistry

This is incorrect because altering brain chemistry is the focus of biomedical treatments, such as using medications to manage symptoms. Humanistic therapy is talk-based and does not involve medical or pharmacological interventions.

Altering conditioned responses

This is incorrect because changing conditioned behaviors is the main goal of behavioral therapy, which uses reinforcement, exposure, and learning techniques. Humanistic therapy instead prioritizes self-exploration and personal meaning rather than behavior modification alone.