Nursing Elites

1. Elliot became widowed after nearly 40 years of marriage. He has convinced himself that no one will ever love him again. His irrational thinking has caused him to suffer from depression, and he rarely leaves his house. What perspective might best explain his behavior?

• A. Psychodynamic
• B. Behavioral
• C. Biological
• D. Cognitive

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The cognitive perspective might best explain Elliot's irrational thinking and resulting depression. In this case, Elliot's belief that he will never be loved again is a cognitive distortion, leading to depressive symptoms and social withdrawal. The psychodynamic perspective primarily focuses on unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts from the past, which do not directly address Elliot's current cognitive distortions. The behavioral perspective would focus on observable behaviors and how they are reinforced, which is not the central issue in this scenario. The biological perspective would examine the role of genetics, brain chemistry, and other physiological factors, which are not the primary cause of Elliot's behavior in this context.

2. After cheating on her husband and feeling ashamed, Julia accused her husband of cheating. Such behavior is explained by which of the following defense mechanisms?

• A. Sublimation
• B. Displacement
• C. Projection
• D. Rationalization

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Projection. Projection is the defense mechanism where one attributes their own unacceptable feelings to others. In this scenario, Julia is projecting her feelings of guilt and shame onto her husband by accusing him of cheating. Sublimation (choice A) involves channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities. Displacement (choice B) is redirecting emotions from the original source to a substitute target. Rationalization (choice D) is providing logical explanations to justify unacceptable behavior, which is not applicable in this context.

3. According to Freud, a person who does not appropriately resolve each psychosexual stage would be _________ at that stage.

• A. defended
• B. fixated
• C. repressed
• D. displaced

Correct answer: B

Rationale: According to Freud's theory of psychosexual development, if a person does not resolve a particular stage successfully, they become fixated at that stage. This fixation can lead to behavior patterns characteristic of that stage in later life. In this context, 'defended' is incorrect because it does not align with Freud's theory of fixation. 'Repressed' is not the correct choice as it refers to the unconscious suppression of thoughts or desires. 'Displaced' involves redirecting emotions from their original source to a substitute target, which is not the concept Freud associated with unresolved psychosexual stages.

4. Who took the position that organisms tend to repeat responses that lead to positive outcomes and tend not to repeat responses that lead to neutral or negative outcomes?

• A. Sigmund Freud
• B. B.F. Skinner
• C. Carl Rogers
• D. Abraham Maslow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B.F. Skinner. Skinner proposed the theory of operant conditioning, where behavior is shaped by its consequences. Positive outcomes increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, while neutral or negative outcomes decrease it. Sigmund Freud (choice A) is known for his psychoanalytic theory, Carl Rogers (choice C) for person-centered therapy, and Abraham Maslow (choice D) for the hierarchy of needs.

5. Which school of psychology takes the most positive view of human nature?

• A. Behaviorism.
• B. Functionalism.
• C. Humanism.
• D. Psychoanalysis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Humanism. Humanism is a school of psychology that focuses on the positive aspects of human nature, emphasizing personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness in individuals. Behaviorism (choice A) primarily focuses on observable behaviors and conditioning, functionalism (choice B) emphasizes the functions of consciousness and behavior adaptation, and psychoanalysis (choice D) delves into unconscious thoughts and childhood experiences, rather than having a fundamentally positive view of human nature.

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