Psych Theories

A new client on the psychiatric unit is 35 years old. Theoretically, in which level of psychosocial development (according to Erikson) would you expect this client to be?

• Intimacy vs. isolation

• Generativity vs. self-absorption

• Trust vs. mistrust

• Autonomy vs. shame and doubt

Answer explanation

Generativity Versus Stagnation or Self-Absorption: 30 to 65 Years

The major developmental task of this stage is to achieve the life goals established for oneself while also considering the welfare of future generations.

A client who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia refuses to eat and tells the nurse they knew they were “being poisoned.” According to Erikson’s theory, in what developmental stage is this client?

• Intimacy vs. isolation

• Generativity vs. self-absorption

• Trust vs. mistrust

• Autonomy vs. shame and doubt

Answer explanation

Trust Versus Mistrust: Birth to 18 Months

In this stage, the major task is to develop basic trust and be able to generalize it to others.

A client who has been admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of schizophrenia appears very anxious, paces back and forth, and swivels their head from side to side in a continuous scanning of the area. The client has refused to eat, making a barely audible comment related to “being poisoned.” In planning care, which of the following would be the primary focus for nursing?

• To decrease anxiety and develop trust

• To set limits on the client’s behavior

• To ensure that the client gets to group therapy

• To attend to the client’s hygiene needs

Answer explanation

Hildegard Peplau applied interpersonal theory to nursing practice and, most specifically, to nurse-patient relationship development. She established a framework for psychodynamic nursing, the interpersonal involvement of the nurse with a patient in a given nursing situation.

The humanistic theory believes all people are striving towards the realization of their unique potential in the world. This is called:

• Self-Esteem

• Self-Actualization

• Ego

• Superego

Answer explanation

Self-actualizaton is the realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potentials, especially considered as a drive or need present in everyone.

Which Freudian defense mechanism does this statement illustrate: ‘I’m not jealous, you are’?

• Projection

• Repression

• Sublimation

• Denial

Answer explanation

Projection is a form of defense in which unwanted feelings are displaced onto another person, where they then appear as a threat from the external world. A common form of projection occurs when an individual, threatened by his own angry feelings, accuses another of harbouring hostile thoughts.

Which intervention best reflects the nursing role regarding effective implementation of behavioral therapy goals?

• Administering the prescribed medications accurately.

• Interacting effectively with members of the health care team.

• Being aware of all the patient related therapeutic modalities.

• Evaluating patient behaviors to reward economic tokens appropriately.

Answer explanation

The primary role of the nurse who is involved in behavioral therapy is to assess and identify the patient’s problem behaviors in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. A token economy is a system of behavior reinforcements in which patients earn tokens by performing predetermined desired behaviors. The remaining options are generalized responsibilities that are relevant to any therapy format.

Which theory is based on the belief that what we think influences how we feel, behave, and react to our environment.

• Psychoanalytic Theory

• Interpersonal Theory

• Cognitive Theory

• Behavioral Theory

Answer explanation

The assumption of cognitive theory is that thoughts are the primary determinants of emotions and behavior.

Which theory is based on the belief that people's interactions with other people determines their sense of security, sense of self, and motivates their behavior?

• Humanistic Theory

• Psychosocial Development Theory

• Psychodynamic Theory

• Interpersonal Theory

Answer explanation

The interpersonal theory is based on the fact that individuals seek satisfaction and security in interpersonal relationships. Threats to satisfaction and especially to security are anxiety provoking, and individuals are generally motivated to avoid anxiety-provoking interpersonal situations.