A nurse is discussing the diathesis-stress model with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the model?

Choice A Reason: My boyfriend is too passionate for me

This statement indicates that the client is still placing some blame on their boyfriend’s behavior rather than recognizing the assault as a violation of their autonomy and consent. It suggests that the client may not fully understand that the responsibility for the assault lies with the perpetrator, not with their boyfriend’s level of passion. This mindset can hinder the healing process and indicates that the client may still be struggling with self-blame.

Choice B Reason: Next time I won’t wear such a sexy dress

This statement reflects a common misconception that the victim’s clothing or behavior can provoke sexual assault. It indicates that the client is still internalizing blame for the assault, believing that their attire was a contributing factor. This belief can be detrimental to recovery, as it perpetuates the myth that victims are responsible for the actions of their assailants.

Choice C Reason: I know it was not my fault

This statement is a strong indicator of progress in therapy. Recognizing that the assault was not their fault shows that the client is beginning to understand that the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator. This realization is crucial for healing, as it helps to alleviate feelings of guilt and self-blame, allowing the client to move forward in their recovery.

Choice D Reason: I’ll just go on double dates from now on

This statement suggests that the client is still trying to find ways to prevent future assaults by changing their behavior rather than recognizing that the fault lies with the perpetrator. While taking precautions can be a part of feeling safe, it should not be based on the belief that the client could have prevented the assault by altering their actions.

Choice A Reason:

“I’d rather be dead than living like this. I do not want to be alive.”

This statement reflects a common symptom of major depressive disorder, which is suicidal ideation. Individuals with major depressive disorder often experience feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, leading them to believe that life is not worth living. This statement is a clear indication of the severity of the individual’s depressive symptoms and the need for immediate intervention to ensure their safety.

Choice B Reason:

“If I can just keep ignoring feelings.”

This statement is less likely to be heard from a client with major depressive disorder. Ignoring feelings is a coping mechanism that some individuals might use, but it does not directly reflect the core symptoms of major depressive disorder, which include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and significant impairment in daily functioning. Therefore, this choice is not as indicative of major depressive disorder as the other statements.

Choice C Reason:

“I deserve to be this way. I’ve not accomplished anything important in my life.”

This statement reflects feelings of guilt and worthlessness, which are common symptoms of major depressive disorder. Individuals with this disorder often have a negative self-view and believe that they are failures or that they deserve to suffer. This statement highlights the individual’s low self-esteem and the pervasive negative thoughts that characterize major depressive disorder.

Choice D Reason:

“This is a bad episode, but I will be well soon.”

This statement reflects a more optimistic outlook, which is less common in individuals with major depressive disorder. However, it can still be heard from some clients who experience episodic depression and have hope for recovery. This statement indicates that the individual recognizes their current state as temporary and believes in the possibility of improvement, which can be a positive sign in the context of treatment.

Choice E Reason:

“I am determined to fight this episode and get through it.”

This statement reflects a proactive and positive attitude towards managing depression, which is less characteristic of major depressive disorder. While determination and resilience are important for recovery, individuals with major depressive disorder often struggle with motivation and energy, making it difficult for them to adopt such a mindset. Therefore, this choice is less likely to be heard from a client with major depressive disorder.