Psychoanalytic Therapy Practice Test

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• To meet the goals of psychoanalytic treatment, Rhonda must help her eating disordered clients to:
• In object-relations theory, later relationships build upon:
• Kohut's concept of selfobjects and deficits in narcissistic pathology.
• Restructuring of personality draws out unconscious through techniques: dreams, free association, art/pictures, etc.
• Which statement best captures a limitation of psychoanalytic approaches?
• What does the holding environment refer to in Winnicott's theory?
• What is the primary purpose of interpretation in psychoanalytic therapy?
• Which pairing correctly attributes a core concept to Klein and a core concept to Winnicott?
• The process of redirecting sexual energy into socially acceptable behavior is called what?
• Which statement best captures the contributions of the psychoanalytic/pyschodynamic approach?
• Which statement best reflects what analytic therapists interpret?
• Define an 'internal object' and discuss its clinical significance in object relations theory.
• A major characteristic of the classical psychoanalytic therapist is:
• Which statement about the superego is true?
• Directing energy toward another object or a person (when anxiety is reduced by focusing on a 'safer target') is known as:
• In dream analysis, the hidden meaning behind a dream is referred to as which content?
• Explain the concepts of 'transitional object' and 'holding environment' with clinical examples.
• Transference interpretation helps clients gain insight into what?
• The primary aim of time-limited dynamic psychotherapy is to:
• Provide an example of projection as a defense mechanism.
• The term libido in Freudian theory primarily refers to:
• Which statement is NOT typically a feature of time-limited psychodynamic psychotherapy?
• Outline the main steps of Freud's dream-work.
• Which statement is NOT true with regard to the relational approach to psychoanalysis?
• What psychoanalytic phenomenon describes the patient's transfer of feelings for a parent onto the therapist?
• Which concepts are attributed to Winnicott?
• The developmental crisis of initiative versus guilt occurs during which life period?
• What is the correct sequence of the psychosexual stages?
• The relational model of psychoanalysis regards therapy as an interactive process between the client and therapist.
• The following statement is true: 'The ego is the original structure of personality.'
• A person who manages his or her anxiety by distorting reality and failing to acknowledge painful events is most likely using:
• The concept of resistance can best be described as all of the following except:
• Which statement correctly describes the role of free association in analytic therapy?
• What is the relationship between resistance and defenses in psychodynamic therapy, and how should a therapist respond?
• Secondary elaboration in Freud's dream analysis refers to
• Jacqueline feels guilty whenever she considers taking a day off from work for personal reasons. Which Freudian psychic structure is fueling her guilt feelings?
• How does mentalization function in psychodynamic therapy, and what clinical benefits does it provide?
• Which mechanism is central to psychodynamic therapy and involves interpreting conscious and unconscious processes to help clients reflect on their mental states?
• Which statement best describes resistance in psychoanalytic therapy?
• The following statement is true: 'The anal stage focuses on issues of control and independence rather than trust.'
• Kohut's mirror hunger is most closely tied to what vulnerability, and therapy aims to provide what?
• Which is not among the core psychoanalytic techniques?
• The following statement is true: 'According to Freudians, greediness and hoarding may develop as a result of not getting oral needs properly met.'
• The following statement is true: 'The major developmental tasks of the anal stage is acquiring a sense of trust.'
• What is the clinical significance of transference in psychoanalytic therapy?
• In dream analysis, distinguish manifest from latent content and explain their clinical significance.
• Which statement is true about the central technique in psychoanalysis?
• In attachment-informed therapy, why is providing a secure base important when working with insecurely attached clients?
• Regarding resistance in analytic theory, which statement is accurate?
• What is meant by 'working through cycles' and how does it relate to insight?
• In contemporary relational psychoanalytic therapy, what is emphasized as central?
• Resolution of sexual conflicts and sex-role identity is a critical function of the:
• Psychodynamic group leaders do not interpret their client's transferences.
• What is the purpose of transference interpretation in psychoanalytic therapy?
• Describe the 'holding environment' in Winnicott's theory and its clinical significance.
• The following statement is true: 'Defense mechanisms are inherently pathological.'
• Which defense mechanism involves redirecting impulses from their original target to a safer or more acceptable substitute?
• The function of neutrality or free-floating attention in classic psychoanalysis, and how has practice evolved?
• The psychoanalytic/psychodynamic approach provides practitioners with a framework for understanding the origins and functions of symptoms.
• Individuals who display exhibitionistic traits, seek attention and admiration from others, and are extremely self-absorbed might have which of the following personality disorders?
• The following statement is true: 'The life instinct and the death instinct are part of Freudian theory.'
• How does free association contribute to case formulation and treatment planning?
• Which statement is true about applying psychoanalytic techniques?
• The described freedom of expression in the client–analyst relationship suggests an attitude of:
• What is Freud's Oedipus complex and its clinical relevance in modern practice?
• Which statement best describes free association?
• A person experiencing persistent feelings of inadequacy has probably had difficulty attaining a sense of ______ during the ______ stage.
• Typically, analytically oriented therapists assume an anonymous stance, which is sometimes called the "blank screen" approach, as a necessary way to foster transference.
• The following statement is true: 'Freud postulated life instincts and death instincts.'
• A person who is suffering from feelings of alienation and isolation has probably failed to achieve a sense of ______ during the ______ stage of development?
• Which statement best describes the interaction among the id, ego, and superego?
• The Oedipal complex and the Electra complex are associated with the genital stage of development.
• All of the following are true about a therapist's countertransference reactions EXCEPT:
• The following statement is true: 'The Freudian view of human nature is deterministic.'
• Which statement is true about the relationship a client has with his or her analyst?
• The following statement is true: 'Ego-defense mechanisms, by their very nature, imply psychopathology.'
• Freud used the term libido in which of the following ways?
• The following statement is true: 'Freud postulated the theory of sexuality.'
• The electra complex and the oedipus complex are associated with what psychosexual stage of development?
• In psychoanalytic theory, which defense mechanism involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others?
• In Freud's dream-work, which process involves transferring emotional significance from a real object to a symbolic image?
• What is the therapeutic alliance and why is it central to the effectiveness of psychoanalytic therapy?
• Why is confidentiality a particular issue in long-term psychoanalytic treatment?
• What is the technique whereby the analyst explains the meaning of certain behavior?
• Which statement below is NOT accurate with regard to the phenomenon of countertransference?
• How does a psychodynamic approach conceptualize the relationship between symptoms and internal conflicts?
• The following statement is true: 'Oral unmet needs can influence later behavior such as greediness and hoarding.'
• Which of the following is NOT evidence for the unconscious?
• The analysis of transference is a central technique in psychoanalysis.
• In long-term psychoanalytic work, which ethical considerations are central?
• The basic philosophy states that early experiences shape later behavior and personality.
• Which psychosocial task is central to adolescence?
• What is transference neurosis and how is it identified in clinical work?
• A person with a __________ personality disorder is characterized by instability, irritability, self-destructive acts, impulsive anger, and extreme mood shifts. this person is lacking a clear sense of identity, has poor impulse control, and an inability to tolerate anxiety.
• From multicultural perspective, which statement would be least characteristic of classical analysis?
• Attributing to others the qualities or traits that are unacceptable to our own ego is best described as:
• Relational psychoanalysis emphasizes understanding the client's subjectivity through what?
• What role do defense patterns play in symptom development?
• The defense mechanism involving redirecting emotion to a safer target is called
• In psychoanalytic theory, how do repression and suppression differ?
• The young adult who adopts his parent's outdated political beliefs to avoid unpleasant feelings of anxiety is an example of:
• What is sublimation as a defense mechanism, and provide a clinical example.
• Identify two defense mechanisms frequently observed in anxiety disorders and describe their clinical features.
• Clients in analytic therapy typically free associate to various symbols in their dreams.
• Repetition compulsion in psychoanalytic theory refers to what?
• How can countertransference experiences be used constructively in psychoanalytic therapy?
• In Freud's view, an individual experiencing neurotic anxiety feels:
• Psychoanalysis provides therapists with a conceptual framework for looking at behavior and understanding the origins and functions of present symptoms.
• How does attachment theory inform psychodynamic technique with adults who have insecure attachment?
• Feelings of hostility, destructiveness, anger, rage, and hatred are associated with the:
• The ego defense mechanism that consists of masking perceived weaknesses or developing certain positive trains to make up for limitations is known as:
• The ego defense mechanism in which a person exhibits behavior that clearly shows signs of reverting to less mature stages is:
• In Freudian dream analysis, symbolization refers to
• How should a clinician approach personality disorders within a psychodynamic case formulation?
• Which of the following lists represents the key techniques of psychoanalytic therapy?
• What psychoanalytic technique is used to reveal the unconscious meaning of behavior?
• Analytically oriented therapists typically interpret free associations, dreams, resistances, and transferences.
• Which defense mechanism involves redirecting impulses to a safer target?
• Which of the following explains the psychoanalytic view of anxiety?
• How do affect regulation difficulties relate to psychodynamic therapy, and what interventions support improved regulation?
• Which statement best describes the contributions of the psychoanalytic approach?
• In Erikson's view, the major developmental task in adolescence is:
• Countertransference can provide rich understanding of the client's experience.
• Brief psychodynamic therapists tend to assume an active role in the therapy process.
• How does ego psychology differ from object relations theory in focus and assumptions?
• Unconscious motives and conflicts are central in present behavior.
• The following statement is true: 'The unconscious constitutes the largest part of mental life according to Freud.'
• Which Jungian concept represents the hidden, disowned aspects of the personality?
• Which term best describes a more flexible variant of psychoanalysis?
• What are the 'true self' and 'false self' in Winnicott's theory, and how might they present clinically?
• Resistance, in the analytic view, results from either a conscious unwillingness on the part of the client to cooperate, or from the ineptness of the therapist in developing a sound therapeutic program.
• Brief psychodynamic therapies target specific interpersonal problems during the initial session.
• What role does interpretation play in psychoanalytic therapy, and what is a common pitfall?
• From multicultural perspective, classical analysis may display all of the following characteristics except:
• Analytic therapists view transference as a factor that results from ineffective intervention on the therapist's part.
• In object-relations theory, the process described as the child's gradual differentiation and independence from the mother is known as what?
• In the psychodynamic framework, how do transference and countertransference differ?
• Which items are typically included in a psychodynamic formulation?
• What is time-limited psychodynamic psychotherapy and what are its typical structural features?
• Which statement best differentiates projection from projective identification?
• All of the following are part of Jung's view of development except:
• Cathexis in Freudian theory refers to what concept?
• The range of emotionally charged responses such as withdrawal, anger, love, annoyance, powerlessness, avoidance, over-identification, control, and sadness of the therapist are often associated with:
• Manufacturing 'good' reasons to explain away a bruised ego, or to explain away failures or losses, is known as:
• Which of the following is NOT among the five Freudian defense mechanisms listed in the material?
• According to Erikson, the basic psychosocial struggle of early childhood is which of the following?
• When a therapist notices countertransference feelings during sessions, what is the recommended course of action?
• Self psychology and object relations theory emphasize all of the following except:
• Which statement about attachment and transference is most accurate in guiding psychodynamic work with insecurely attached clients?
• Freud's latency stage corresponds to Erikson's Industry vs Inferiority; which of the following best describes latency?
• Which slogan is described as the revised aim of psychoanalysis in the material?
• Which statement best describes how transference functions in psychodynamic therapy?
• The relational model of psychoanalysis downplays the role of countertransference.
• How do classical psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy differ in duration, structure, and aims?
• The main function of the ego is to:
• What is a noted contribution of psychoanalytic therapy to multicultural counseling?
• If a person is fixated at the oral stage of development, which of the following is NOT a likely later personality problem?
• Which of the following is NOT a component of brief psychodynamic approaches?
• Who developed the object-relations view that focuses on separation and individuation?
• The 'fundamental rule' for the client in psychoanalysis is:
• Techniques such as dreams, free association, and art/pictures are used to draw out the unconscious in psychodynamic therapy.
• In Winnicott's theory, how does the 'true self' differ from the 'false self' in terms of clinical presentation?
• What indicates a robust holding environment in therapy?
• Which statement best describes the primary goal of psychoanalytic therapy?
• Which defense mechanism involves redirecting emotional energy from a prohibited or dangerous object toward a safer target?
• Which statement best describes 'working through' in psychoanalytic therapy?
• Latency stage is characterized by:
• In Kleinian theory, how do splitting and projection operate together in shaping internal objects?
• Which individuals are typically considered candidates for analytic therapy?
• Redirecting aggressive impulses toward a non-threatening substitute object is an example of which defense mechanism?
• What is fixation in psychosexual development?
• Which statement best describes transference in analytic therapy?
• Which statement best differentiates neurosis from psychosis in terms of reality testing?
• In psychoanalytic work, how are transference and countertransference distinct?
• The basic aim of psychoanalytic therapy is to:
• In classic psychoanalytic therapy, a central aspect of the therapeutic relationship is which of the following?
• Which statement about the superego is not true?
• Which defense mechanism involves attributing unacceptable impulses to others?
• What is a transitional object in Winnicott's theory?
• Latent content in Freudian dream analysis refers to the
• Which term describes the therapist's emotional response to the patient?
• Freud's latency stage corresponds developmentally to Erikson's stage of:
• Which components belong to Freud's topographical model?
• Which part of Henry's personality helped him turn down a Las Vegas job to avoid gambling temptation?
• Countertransference is a concept explicitly recognized in psychoanalytic approaches.
• Early development is of critical importance because later, personality problems have their roots in repressed childhood conflicts.
• Which of the following is a limitation of psychoanalytic/pyschodynamic approaches?
• The following statement is true: 'Consciousness constitutes the largest part of one's psychological functioning.'
• The following statement is true: 'During the anal stage, children typically experience a range of negative feelings, including rage, hate, and hostility.'
• In psychoanalytic theory, normal personality development is based on the successful resolution and integration of which stages?
• Free association is one of the basic tools used to gain access to the unconscious.
• Which of the following is NOT a focus of self psychology and object relations?
• The phallic stage typically occurs during the ages of 1 to 3.
• Which statement best describes 'free-floating attention' in psychoanalytic technique?
• The latency stage occurs between the ages of 5 to 12.
• What is splitting in Kleinian object relations theory and what problems can it cause in relationships?
• Countertransference is often considered an inevitable phenomenon because:
• Transference and countertransference definitions.
• In psychodynamic group work, symbolic figures from a client's past may emerge.
• What does Winnicott's 'true self' refer to?
• The following statement is true: 'Traditional analytic therapists interpret transferences more frequently and engage in fewer supportive interventions than is the case with psychodynamic therapists.'
• What best describes projective identification?
• Manifest content is best described as the
• One of the most important Freudian concepts, which consists of pushing unacceptable life events and painful feelings into the unconscious, is:
• The working-through process consists of repetitive and elaborate explorations of unconscious material and defenses, most of which originated in early childhood.
• Which statement about Freud's dream-work is NOT a step in the process?
• What does psychic determinism assert about mental events?
• Which of the following is a primary goal of psychoanalytic therapy?
• Why is countertransference important to monitor, and how can it inform treatment?