Chapter 4- Psychoanalytic Therapy
MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST ITEMS
1. Evidence suggesting the concept of the unconscious includes: (p. 62)
a. dreams.
b. post-hypnotic suggestions.
c. free-association.
d. all of the above.
e. direct observation based on experimental research.
2. A person who unconsciously exhibits overly nice behavior to conceal hostile feelings is probably
using which ego defense? (p. 64)
a. displacement
b. reaction formation
c. introjection
d. projection
e. regression
3. One of the most important Freudian concepts, which consists of pushing unacceptable life events and
painful feelings into the unconscious, is: (p. 64)
a. repression.
b. regression.
c. displacement.
d. rationalization.
e. projection.
4. The ego defense mechanism in which a person exhibits behavior that clearly shows signs of reverting
to less mature stages is ________? (p. 65)
a. fixation
b. rationalization
c. regression
d. introjection
e. reaction formation
5. Attributing to others the qualities or traits that are unacceptable to our own ego is best described as:
(p. 64)
a. displacement.
b. introjection.
c. reaction formation.
d. projection.
e. none of the above
6. Resolution of sexual conflicts and sex-role identity is a critical function of the: (p. 65-66)
a. oral stage.
b. anal stage.
c. phallic stage.
d. genital stage.
7. Feelings of hostility, destructiveness, anger, rage, and hatred are associated with the: (p. 67)
a. oral stage.
b. anal stage.
c. phallic stage.
d. genital stage.
8. The basic aim of psychoanalytic therapy is: (p. 69)
a. to treat specific learning disorders.
b. to change overt behavior.
c. to correct irrational thinking.
d. to make the unconscious material conscious.
e. both (a) and (b)
9. A major characteristic of the classical psychoanalytic therapist is: (p. 69)
a. openness and self-disclosure.
b. a deeply personal and sharing relationship.
c. a sense of being anonymous.
d. a focus on specific behavior and an objective appraisal of learned patterns of behavior.
e. both (a) and (b)
10. The “fundamental rule” for the client in psychoanalysis is: (p. 70)
a. forming a contract with the therapist.
b. willingness to do “homework assignments.”
c. participating in free association.
d. writing down dreams.
e. both (a) and (b)
11. Transference is viewed as: (p. 71-74)
a. the core of the psychoanalytic process.
b. a means to uncover earlier unfinished business from past relationships.
c. a sign that therapy is not progressing well.
d. both (a) and (b)
12. The technique whereby the analyst explains the meaning of certain behavior is known as:
(p. 75)
a. transference.
b. rationalization.
c. countertransference.
d. interpretation.
e. none of the above
13. The concept of resistance can best be described as: (p. 76-77)
a. everything that prevents a client from producing unconscious material.
b. that which needs to be analyzed and interpreted.
c. an inevitable part of psychoanalytic therapy.
d. an unwillingness to freely share with the analyst certain thoughts and feelings.
e. all of the above
14. A person who manages their anxiety by distorting reality and failing to acknowledge painful events is
most likely using: (p. 64)
a. introjection.
b. sublimation.
c. denial.
d. compensation.
e. undoing.
15. Directing energy toward another object or a person (when anxiety is reduced by focusing on a “safer
target”) is known as: (p. 64)
a. sublimation.
b. repression.
c. introjection.
d. displacement.
e. compensation.
16. Manufacturing “good” reasons to explain away a bruised ego, or to explain away failures or losses, is
known as: (p. 64)
a. rationalization.
b. projection.
c. displacement.
d. introjection.
e. reaction formation.
17. The young adult who adopts his parent’s outdated political beliefs to avoid unpleasant feelings of
anxiety is an example of: (p. 65)
a. displacement.
b. reaction formation.
c. sublimation.
d. introjection.
18. The ego defense mechanism that consists of masking perceived weaknesses or developing certain
positive traits to make up for limitations is known as: (p. 65)
a. sublimation.
b. compensation.
c. introjection.
d. reaction formation.
e. none of the above
19. The process of redirecting sexual energy into some form of socially acceptable behavior is known as:
(p. 65)
a. displacement.
b. denial.
c. compensation.
d. sublimation.
e. none of the above
20. The Electra complex and the Oedipus complex are associated with what psychosexual stage of
development? (p. 67)
a. anal stage
b. genital stage
c. oral stage
d. phallic stage
e. latency stage
21. In Freud’s view, an individual experiencing neurotic anxiety feels: (p. 63)
a. he has behaved in a manner that is inconsistent with his moral code.
b. a realistic threat is present in the environment.
c. he will not be able to control his instincts and will behave inappropriately.
d. guilt associated with past actions.
22. The libido is best described as: (p. 61)
a. an aggressive drive.
b. a source of motivation.
c. a source of sexual energy.
d. both (b) and (c) are true
e. none of the above
23. What is the correct sequence of the psychosexual stages? (p. 67)
a. anal/phallic/latency/genital/oral
b. oral/anal/phallic/latency/genital
c. oral/anal/latency/genital/phallic
d. latency/oral/anal/phallic/genital
e. latency/anal/oral/phallic/genital
24. In Erikson’s view, the major developmental task in adolescence is: (p. 68)
a. intimacy vs. isolation.
b. integrity vs. despair.
c. identity vs. role confusion.
d. initiative vs. guilt.
e. identity vs. shame and doubt.
25. A person experiencing persistent feelings of inadequacy has probably had difficulty attaining a sense
of _________ during the_________ stage. (p. 67)
a. intimacy; young adulthood
b. identity; adolescent
c. integrity; later life
d. initiative; preschool age
e. industry; school age
26. The important developmental task during the middle age years is: (p. 68)
a. to be involved in helping the next generation.
b. to look back on one’s life with few regrets.
c. to adjust to the discrepancy between one’s dreams and one’s actual accomplishments.
d. to feel personally worthwhile.
e. both (a) and (c)
27. Self psychology and object-relations theory emphasize: (p. 81-82)
a. the influence of critical factors in early development on later development.
b. the origins, transformations and organizational functions of the self.
c. the differentiation between self and others.
d. all of the above
e. (b) and (c) only
28. Which of the following is not associated with the relational approach to psychoanalysis?
(p. 90)
a. The approach is based on an egalitarian model.
b. There is an exploration of the subjectivities of both client and therapist.
c. Countertransference provides rich information about the client’s dynamics.
d. Therapist anonymity is used to foster the transference relationship.
29. The primary aim of time limited dynamic psychotherapy is to: (p. 86)
a. explore sources of childhood trauma.
b. deal exclusively with a single presenting problem.
c. change the client’s repetitive patterns of relating to others.
d. bring about catharsis.
30. The main function of the ego is: (p. 62)
a. to inhibit id impulses.
b. to seek pleasure in life.
c. to mediate between the instincts and the surrounding environment.
d. to strive for perfection.
31. All of the following are true about the superego except: (p. 62)
a. It is the judicial branch of personality.
b. It is the internalization of the standards of parents and society.
c. It represents the ideal.
d. It inhibits id impulses.
e. It governs, controls and regulates the personality.
32. Which of the following is true about ego psychology (as compared with id Psychology)?
(p. 66)
a. It emphasizes the striving of the ego for mastery and competence throughout life.
b. It deals with both early and later developmental stages.
c. It denies the role of intrapsychic conflicts.
d. All of the above are true.
e. both (a) and (b)
33. If a person becomes fixated in the oral stage of development, later personality problems may include:
(p. 67)
a. rejecting others’ love.
b. fear of intimate relationships.
c. mistrust of others.
d. all of the above
e. all but (a)
34. According to Erickson, the basic struggle of early childhood involves: (p. 67)
a. autonomy vs. shame and doubt.
b. initiative vs. guilt.
c. identity vs. role confusion.
d. trust vs. mistrust.
e. intimacy vs. isolation.
35. The developmental crisis involving initiative vs. guilt occurs during the: (p. 67)
a. school age.
b. early childhood stage.
c. preschool age.
d. adolescence.
e. later life.
36. A person who is suffering from feelings of alienation and isolation has probably failed to achieve a
sense of ___________ during the ___________stage of development. (p. 68)
a. identity; adolescence
b. trust; infancy
c. generativity; middle age
d. intimacy; young adulthood
e. integrity; later life
37. Developmentally, Freud’s latency stage corresponds to Erickson’s stage of: (p. 67)
a. trust versus mistrust.
b. intimacy versus isolation.
c. initiative versus guilt.
d. identity versus role confusion.
e. industry versus inferiority.
38. From a multicultural perspective, classical analysis may: (p. 86-87)
a. discourage clients who do not hold upper-middle-class values.
b. be problematic for clients from cultures that prefer a directive approach.
c. underscore the role of important cultural and political factors in the client’s world.
d. all of the above
e. both (b) and (c) are true
39. All of the following are a part of Jung’s view of development except: (p. 79-80)
a. individuation
b. the shadow.
c. symbiosis.
d. collective unconscious.
e. archetypes.
40. Who developed the object-relations view that focuses on separation and individuation?
(p. 82)
a. Perls
b. Satir
c. Rogers
d. Mahler
e. Erikson
41. Which of the following is not true of the “working–through” process in psychoanalytic therapy? (p.
72)
a. It involves the exploration of unconscious material and defenses.
b. It is achieved by free association.
c. It involves exploring resistances.
d. It is a very demanding phase of therapy.
e. It involves the transference relationship.
42. Countertransference occurs when: (p. 72-73)
a. the client has positive reactions toward his/her therapist.
b. the therapist has reactions toward the client that interfere with his or her objectivity.
c. the therapist’s needs and wants for the client disrupt the treatment.
d. all of the above are true.
e. both (b) and (c) are true.
43. Which of the following is not a component of the brief psychodynamic approaches? (p. 85)
a. use of interpretation early in the therapeutic relationship
b. targeting a specific interpersonal problem during the first session
c. the therapist functions as a blank slate
d. developing a strong working alliance
e. none of the above
44. A therapist’s countertransference reactions: (p. 72-73)
a. should be avoided.
b. have the potential to interfere with effective treatment.
c. can provide rich understanding of the client’s experience.
d. should be carefully monitored by the therapist.
e. all except for (a)
45. Psychodynamic group therapy: (p. 78)
a. provides a conceptual framework for understanding how the past effects members in the present.
b. may evoke transference feelings that remind members of significant others in their lives.
c. is lengthy.
d. is primarily based on therapist interpretation.
e. both (a) and (b) are true
46. In object-relations theory, later relationships build upon: (p. 82)
a. the child’s search for approval from the father.
b. one’s birth order.
c. one’s striving to overcome felt inferiority.
d. the child’s search for a reconnection with the mother.
e. the quality of relationships with one’s siblings.
47. According to object-relations theory, the symbiosis stage is characterized by: (p. 83)
a. the infant’s pronounced dependency on the mother.
b. the infant’s expectation of emotional attunement with the mother.
c. forming attachments to peers.
d. Oedipal and Electra struggles
e. both (a) and (b)
48. Individuals who display exhibitionistic traits, seek attention and admiration from others, and are
extremely self-absorbed might have which of the following personality disorders? (p. 83)
a. narcissistic
b. dependent
c. borderline
d. obsessive-compulsive
49. 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. (p. 83)
a. narcissistic
b. dependent
c. borderline
d. obsessive-compulsive
50. The goal(s) of Freudian psychoanalytic therapy is (are): (p. 69)
a. teaching people problem-solving skills.
b. helping people to change self-defeating cognitions.
c. making the unconscious conscious.
d. strengthening the ego so that behavior is based on reality.
e. both (c) and (d)
51. Analytic therapy is oriented toward: (p. 69)
a. achieving insight.
b. identifying and experiencing feelings and memories.
c. developing an in-depth self-understanding.
d. reconstructing childhood experiences.
e. all of the above
52. As a result of the client/therapist relationship in psychoanalytic therapy: (p. 74)
a. clients acquire insights into their own unconscious psychodynamics.
b. clients are better able to understand the association between their past experiences and their
current behavior.
c. awareness is increased on the client’s part.
d. all of the above
53. The techniques of psychoanalytic therapy are aimed at: (p. 74)
a. gaining insights into the client’s behavior.
b. helping clients to resolve their competitive strivings with their siblings.
c. teaching people social skills such as assertive behavior.
d. helping clients see how their thinking leads to certain emotional and behavioral patterns.
e. all of the above
54. In psychoanalytic therapy, how do clients work with their dreams? (p. 76)
a. They report their dreams and are encouraged to free-associate to the elements of the dream.
b. They look for mystical meanings underlying the dream.
c. They “become” each part of their dream and act out these parts in fantasy.
d. They look to their dreams as signs of prediction of the future.
55. Which of the following is not typically a standard psychoanalytic technique? (p. 75-77)
a. free association
b. interpretation
c. exploration of one’s position in the family
d. exploration of patterns of resistance
e. analysis of transference
ANSWER KEY FOR CHAPTER 4
MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST QUESTIONS
TRUE–FALSE TEST ITEMS
Decide if the following statements are “more true” or “more false” as they apply to psychoanalytic
therapy.
1. The ego is the original structure of personality.
2. The Freudian view of human nature is deterministic.
3. The id is related to the concept of libido.
4. The libido refers to the energy of all the life instincts.
5. Freud postulated the concepts of both life instincts and death instincts.
6. According to Freud, consciousness constitutes the largest part of one’s psychological functioning.
7. Ego-defense mechanisms, by their very nature, imply psychopathology.
8. Freud postulated the theory of infantile sexuality.
9. The major developmental task of the anal stage is acquiring a sense of trust.
10. During the anal stage, children typically experience a range of negative feelings, including rage, hate,
and hostility.
11. According to Freudians, greediness and hoarding may develop as a result of not getting
oral needs properly met.
12. The phallic stage typically occurs during the ages of 1 to 3.
13. The latency stage occurs between the ages of 5 to 12.
14. The Oedipal complex and the Electra complex are associated with the genital stage of development.
15. Analytic therapists view transference as a factor that results from ineffective
intervention on the therapist’s part.
16. All analytically oriented therapists subscribe to the model of the “anonymous therapist” or the “blank
screen” as a necessary way to foster transference.
17. Free association is one of the basic tools used to gain access to the unconscious.
18. Analytically oriented therapists typically interpret free associations, dreams, resistances, and
transferences.
19. Clients in analytic therapy typically free associate to various symbols in their dreams.
20. 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.
21. The analysis of transference is a central technique in psychoanalysis.
22. Psychoanalysis provides therapists with a conceptual framework for looking at behavior and
understanding the origins and functions of present symptoms.
23. The relational model of psychoanalysis regards transference as an interactive process between the
client and therapist.
24. The relational model of psychoanalysis downplays the role of countertransference.
25. Brief psychodynamic therapies target specific interpersonal problems during the initial session.
26. Brief psychodynamic therapists tend to assume an active role in the therapy process.
27. Psychodynamic group leaders do not interpret their client’s transferences.
28. Like psychoanalysis, psychodynamic group work is generally a lengthy process.
29. In psychodynamic group work, symbolic figures from a client’s past may emerge.
30. The psychoanalytic approach provides practitioners with a framework for understanding the origins
and functions of symptoms.
ANSWER KEY FOR CHAPTER 4
TRUE – FALSE QUESTIONS