During a group therapy session, a nurse notes several clients using multiple defense mechanisms. Which of the following client statements demonstrates the maladaptive use of regression?

"I don't care about work anymore since I was not given a promotion"

"I wrote a short story about a heroic woman when I was really mad at my boss."

" I still cannot remember the scene of my husband's car accident"

"I mentally separate myself from distractions around me when I paint on canvas. "

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. "I don't care about work anymore since I was not given a promotion":

This statement demonstrates the maladaptive use of regression. Regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development in the face of unacceptable thoughts or impulses. In this case, the client's response to not receiving a promotion is to display a lack of interest in work, which can be seen as regressing to a less mature coping mechanism.

B. "I wrote a short story about a heroic woman when I was really mad at my boss."

This statement describes the defense mechanism of sublimation rather than regression. Sublimation involves channeling unacceptable impulses or emotions into more socially acceptable activities or behaviors. In this case, the client channels their anger into writing a short story, which is a constructive and creative outlet.

C. "I still cannot remember the scene of my husband's car accident":

This statement does not demonstrate regression. Instead, it suggests repression, which involves the unconscious blocking of unpleasant memories, thoughts, or feelings from conscious awareness. The client's inability to remember the scene of the accident may indicate repression as a defense mechanism.

D. "I mentally separate myself from distractions around me when I paint on canvas."

This statement describes the defense mechanism of dissociation rather than regression. Dissociation involves a disconnection between a person's thoughts, identity, consciousness, or memory. In this case, the client mentally separates themselves from distractions while painting, which is a form of dissociative coping.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Decreased auditory and visual acuity: Decreased auditory and visual acuity are not typically associated with primary dementia. While sensory impairments may occur with aging, they are not direct manifestations of dementia.

B. Decreased display of emotions: While individuals with dementia may experience changes in emotional expression, such as mood swings or emotional lability, a decreased display of emotions is not a universal manifestation. Some individuals may exhibit heightened emotional responses or become more emotionally labile as the disease progresses.

C. Forgetfulness gradually progressing to disorientation: This is the correct choice. Forgetfulness is often one of the initial signs of dementia, and it typically progresses to more severe cognitive impairments, including disorientation to time, place, and person. As dementia advances, individuals may become increasingly confused about their surroundings and lose track of time and events.

D. Personality traits that are opposite of original traits: While some changes in personality and behavior may occur in individuals with dementia, such as agitation, irritability, or apathy, personality traits that are opposite of the original traits are not necessarily characteristic of primary dementia. Personality changes in dementia are often more related to cognitive decline and impairment rather than a complete reversal of personality traits.

A. Repression B. Introjection C. Dissociation D. Regression

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Repression: Repression involves unconsciously pushing unwanted thoughts, memories, or feelings out of conscious awareness. It involves burying distressing emotions or memories deep in the unconscious mind to avoid dealing with them consciously. In this scenario, the client's behavior does not suggest the repression of any specific thoughts or memories but rather a coping mechanism related to their current stress and anxiety.

B. Introjection: Introjection occurs when an individual internalizes the values, beliefs, or attitudes of others as if they were their own. It involves incorporating external standards or influences into one's own identity. While introjection may contribute to the client's behavior indirectly by influencing their beliefs about needing external support, the primary defense mechanism at play in this scenario is regression.

C. Dissociation: Dissociation involves a disruption in the integration of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. It often manifests as a detachment from reality or a sense of being disconnected from oneself or the surrounding environment. While dissociation may occur in response to severe stress or trauma, it typically involves more extreme symptoms than those described by the client in this scenario.

D. Regression: Regression involves reverting to earlier, less mature behaviors or stages of development in response to stress or anxiety. It reflects a retreat to a more comfortable or familiar state in an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations. In this scenario, the client's statement about needing someone to take care of them suggests a desire to return to a state of dependency, which is characteristic of regression as a defense mechanism.

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During a group therapy session, a nurse notes several clients using multiple defense mechanisms. Which of the following client statements demonstrates the maladaptive use of regression?

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Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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