A patient with a specific phobia is avoiding situations that trigger their fear. This avoidance behavior is most likely a result of:
Genetic predisposition and neurochemical imbalances.
Traumatic experiences and learned associations.
Cultural influences and family dynamics.
Negative self-beliefs and cognitive distortions.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Genetic predisposition and neurochemical imbalances. While genetics and neurochemistry can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders, they are not the primary factors behind avoidance behaviors associated with specific phobias. Phobias are often learned responses.
Choice B rationale:
Traumatic experiences and learned associations. This choice is the correct answer. Avoidance behaviors seen in specific phobias are usually a result of traumatic experiences that lead to the formation of strong fear responses through learned associations. For instance, if someone had a traumatic experience with spiders, they might develop a phobia of spiders and actively avoid situations involving spiders to prevent the intense fear from reoccurring.
Choice C rationale:
Cultural influences and family dynamics. While cultural factors and family dynamics can impact a person's psychological development, they are not the primary drivers of avoidance behaviors in specific phobias. Phobias are more closely linked to personal experiences and learned responses.
Choice D rationale:
Negative self-beliefs and cognitive distortions. Negative self-beliefs and cognitive distortions are more characteristic of conditions like depression and anxiety disorders, but they are not the central factors driving avoidance behaviors in specific phobias. These behaviors are more strongly connected to learned fear responses.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Psychoeducation involves providing information about psychological conditions, symptoms, and treatment options to clients. However, it is not specifically aimed at helping clients identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs associated with their phobias.
Choice B rationale:
Cognitive therapy aims to help clients identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs associated with their phobias. By addressing cognitive distortions and negative thought patterns, individuals can learn to reframe their thinking, reduce anxiety, and manage their phobias more effectively.
Choice C rationale:
Behavioral therapy focuses on modifying behavior through techniques such as exposure therapy and desensitization. While behavioral therapy is often used in phobia treatment, it doesn't primarily target irrational thoughts and beliefs as cognitive therapy does.
Choice D rationale:
Relaxation therapy teaches individuals relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. While relaxation techniques can be beneficial as a complementary approach, they are not specifically focused on addressing irrational thoughts associated with phobias.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Exposure therapy is indeed a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) It involves systematically exposing individuals to the feared object or situation in a controlled and gradual manner. The goal is to reduce their anxiety or fear response over time through repeated exposures. By confronting their fears, individuals can learn that their anxiety decreases over time, leading to behavioral changes.
Choice B rationale:
While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) often includes challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs, exposure therapy primarily focuses on the behavioral aspect of fear reduction through systematic exposure. Cognitive restructuring, which addresses irrational beliefs, is a distinct component of CBT but not the primary emphasis of exposure therapy.
Choice C rationale:
Exposure therapy does not inherently involve teaching clients relaxation techniques. Instead, it centers on controlled exposure to the feared stimulus to weaken the fear response. Relaxation techniques might be used in some cases to help manage anxiety, but they are not a defining characteristic of exposure therapy.
Choice D rationale:
Although exposure therapy can be effective for various phobias, it is not exclusive to social phobias. It can be applied to specific phobias, agoraphobia, and other anxiety disorders as well.
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