Class 12 Psychology: Therapeutic Approaches - Questions and Answers

Instructions: Please answer all questions to the best of your ability.

 

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - 1 Mark Each

Choose the most appropriate answer from the given options.

 

The primary purpose of psychological therapy is to:

a) Provide immediate solutions to all life problems.

b) Help individuals understand and overcome psychological difficulties and promote well-being.

c) Diagnose mental disorders and prescribe medication.

d) Offer only moral support without intervention.

Answer: b) Help individuals understand and overcome psychological difficulties and promote well-being.

 

Which of the following therapeutic approaches is based on the idea that psychological problems stem from unconscious conflicts and early childhood experiences?

a) Behavioral Therapy

b) Cognitive Therapy

c) Psychodynamic Therapy

d) Biomedical Therapy

Answer: c) Psychodynamic Therapy

 

Systematic Desensitization is a widely used technique in which type of therapy?

a) Psychodynamic Therapy

b) Cognitive Therapy

c) Behavioral Therapy

d) Humanistic Therapy

Answer: c) Behavioral Therapy

 

A core technique in Cognitive Therapy involves identifying and challenging:

a) Unconscious desires

b) Maladaptive thought patterns

c) Environmental triggers

d) Biological imbalances

Answer: b) Maladaptive thought patterns

 

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a type of:

a) Psychotherapy

b) Behavioral Therapy

c) Cognitive Therapy

d) Biomedical Therapy

Answer: d) Biomedical Therapy

 

The therapeutic approach that focuses on helping clients achieve self-actualization and personal growth by providing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness is:

a) Psychodynamic Therapy

b) Behavioral Therapy

c) Client-Centered Therapy (Humanistic)

d) Cognitive Therapy

Answer: c) Client-Centered Therapy (Humanistic)

 

Aversion therapy is a technique used in which therapeutic approach?

a) Cognitive Therapy

b) Psychodynamic Therapy

c) Behavioral Therapy

d) Biomedical Therapy

Answer: c) Behavioral Therapy

 

Which of these is NOT a common element across different schools of psychotherapy?

a) A therapeutic relationship (alliance)

b) A specific theoretical framework

c) Prescribing medication as a primary treatment

d) Facilitating self-understanding and change

Answer: c) Prescribing medication as a primary treatment

 

The technique where a therapist helps a client replace irrational beliefs with rational ones is central to:

a) Psychoanalysis

b) Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

c) Aversion Therapy

d) Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Answer: b) Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

 

The main goal of psychodynamic therapy is to:

a) Modify observable maladaptive behaviors.

b) Challenge distorted thinking patterns.

c) Bring unconscious conflicts and repressed material to conscious awareness.

d) Directly alter brain chemistry.

Answer: c) Bring unconscious conflicts and repressed material to conscious awareness.

 

Antidepressant medications primarily work by affecting the levels of:

a) Hormones

b) Neurotransmitters

c) Antibodies

d) Enzymes

Answer: b) Neurotransmitters

 

Token economy is a behavioral therapy technique primarily based on principles of:

a) Classical conditioning

b) Operant conditioning

c) Observational learning

d) Cognitive restructuring

Answer: b) Operant conditioning

 

The process in therapy where a client unconsciously redirects feelings and desires (often from childhood experiences) onto the therapist is called:

a) Counter-transference

b) Resistance

c) Transference

d) Free association

Answer: c) Transference

 

Cognitive restructuring is a technique used to:

a) Identify and change negative thought patterns.

b) Confront fears through gradual exposure.

c) Explore past traumatic experiences.

d) Improve communication skills.

Answer: a) Identify and change negative thought patterns.

 

Which therapy type relies on the assumption that observable problematic behaviors are learned and can therefore be unlearned?

a) Psychodynamic therapy

b) Cognitive therapy

c) Behavioral therapy

d) Humanistic therapy

Answer: c) Behavioral therapy

 

Short Answer Questions - 2 Marks Each

Answer the following questions briefly.

 

What is the fundamental difference between 'psychotherapy' and 'biomedical therapy'?

Answer: Psychotherapy involves verbal interaction and psychological techniques to treat mental disorders, focusing on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Biomedical therapy involves direct intervention on the brain or body, such as medication or ECT, to alter brain chemistry or function.

 

 

Briefly explain the concept of 'therapeutic alliance'.

Answer: Therapeutic alliance refers to the collaborative and trusting relationship formed between the client and the therapist. It is considered a crucial factor for the success of any therapeutic intervention, based on shared goals, agreement on tasks, and mutual respect.

 

What is 'free association' in psychodynamic therapy?

Answer: Free association is a core technique in psychodynamic therapy where the client is encouraged to speak whatever comes to mind without censorship or inhibition, allowing unconscious thoughts, memories, and desires to emerge.

 

Describe 'systematic desensitization'.

Answer: Systematic desensitization is a behavioral therapy technique used to treat phobias and anxiety disorders. It involves teaching the client relaxation techniques and then gradually exposing them to increasingly fear-provoking stimuli while maintaining a relaxed state, eventually extinguishing the fear response.

 

What is 'cognitive restructuring' in cognitive therapy?

Answer: Cognitive restructuring is a key technique in cognitive therapy where the therapist helps the client identify, challenge, and replace their irrational, distorted, or maladaptive thought patterns with more rational, realistic, and adaptive ones.

 

Name two types of antidepressant medications.

Answer: Two types of antidepressant medications are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs). (Any two are acceptable, e.g., SNRIs, MAOIs).

 

How does 'aversion therapy' work?

Answer: Aversion therapy is a behavioral technique where an undesirable behavior (e.g., smoking, alcoholism) is paired with an unpleasant stimulus (e.g., electric shock, nausea-inducing drug) to create a negative association and reduce the likelihood of that behavior occurring.

 

What is the main goal of 'Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)'?

Answer: The main goal of REBT is to help clients identify and challenge their irrational beliefs, which are thought to be the root cause of emotional distress, and replace them with rational, self-helping beliefs.

 

Briefly explain the concept of 'resistance' in psychodynamic therapy.

Answer: Resistance in psychodynamic therapy refers to the client's conscious or unconscious opposition or reluctance to explore certain thoughts, feelings, or memories during therapy. It can manifest as missed appointments, silence, changing the topic, or intellectualizing, and is seen as an indicator that sensitive material is being approached.

 

Why is medication often used in conjunction with psychotherapy for certain disorders?

Answer: Medication is often used with psychotherapy because it can help alleviate severe symptoms (e.g., intense anxiety, profound depression, psychotic features) more quickly, making the client more receptive and able to engage effectively in psychotherapy, which then addresses the underlying psychological issues and coping skills.

 

Long Answer Questions - 5 Marks Each

Answer the following questions in detail.

 

Discuss the fundamental nature and core processes of psychological therapy. Explain why therapy is considered a collaborative journey and what factors contribute to its effectiveness across different approaches.

Answer:

 

Nature and Core Processes of Psychological Therapy:

Psychological therapy (or psychotherapy) is a structured, intentional, and collaborative process aimed at helping individuals alleviate psychological distress, resolve personal problems, foster self-understanding, and promote personal growth. It involves a trained mental health professional (therapist) and a client, engaging in a series of verbal and experiential interactions within a confidential and ethical framework.

 

The core processes common across most therapeutic approaches include:

 

Establishing a Therapeutic Relationship (Therapeutic Alliance): This is the foundation of effective therapy. It involves building trust, rapport, mutual respect, and a sense of shared purpose between the therapist and the client. The client needs to feel safe, understood, and accepted.

 

Assessment and Goal Setting: The therapist typically gathers information about the client's presenting problems, history, strengths, and goals. This helps in understanding the client's unique situation and collaboratively setting realistic and measurable therapeutic objectives.

 

Exploration and Insight: Clients are encouraged to explore their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, past experiences, and relationship patterns. Depending on the approach, this might involve delving into unconscious conflicts (psychodynamic), identifying maladaptive thought patterns (cognitive), or understanding unhelpful behavioral responses (behavioral). The aim is to gain new insights into the roots of their difficulties.

 

Intervention and Skill Development: Based on the therapeutic approach and client's needs, the therapist introduces specific techniques or strategies. This could involve challenging irrational beliefs, practicing relaxation techniques, developing communication skills, confronting fears through exposure, or processing traumatic memories. The goal is to equip the client with new coping mechanisms and adaptive behaviors.

 

Practice and Application: Therapy is not just confined to the session. Clients are often encouraged to practice new skills, apply insights, and experiment with different behaviors in their daily lives. Homework assignments are common in many therapies.

 

Termination and Relapse Prevention: Once goals are met, or significant progress is made, therapy concludes. This involves reviewing progress, consolidating gains, and developing strategies for maintaining well-being and preventing relapse in the future.

 

Why Therapy is a Collaborative Journey:

Therapy is fundamentally a collaborative journey because it is an active partnership between the client and the therapist, rather than a passive recipient role for the client.

 

Shared Responsibility: Both parties actively contribute to the process. The therapist provides expertise, guidance, and techniques, while the client brings their unique experiences, motivation for change, and willingness to engage in self-exploration and effort.

 

Client Autonomy: The client is viewed as the expert on their own life. Decisions about goals, pace, and direction are often made jointly, respecting the client's autonomy and empowering them to take ownership of their healing.

 

Active Engagement: Therapy requires the client's active participation, honesty, and willingness to try new ways of thinking and behaving. The therapist cannot "fix" the client; they can only facilitate the client's own capacity for change.

 

Factors Contributing to its Effectiveness Across Different Approaches:

While different therapies have distinct techniques, several common factors contribute to their effectiveness:

 

Therapeutic Alliance: The quality of the relationship between the client and therapist (trust, empathy, genuineness, collaboration) is consistently found to be one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes, regardless of the specific therapeutic model.

 

Client Factors: The client's motivation for change, willingness to engage, openness to new experiences, and belief in the therapy's effectiveness play a significant role.

 

Therapist Factors: The therapist's competence, empathy, warmth, genuineness, and ethical conduct are crucial.

 

Hope and Expectancy: The belief that therapy can help instills hope in the client, which itself can be a powerful therapeutic force.

 

New Learning and Corrective Emotional Experience: Therapy provides an environment where clients can learn new coping skills, challenge old patterns, and experience emotions in a new, corrective way within a safe relationship.

 

Structure and Rationale: Having a clear framework, understanding the rationale behind the interventions, and having defined goals provide a sense of direction and purpose.

 

Describe the core principles and techniques of Behavior Therapy. Discuss how this approach treats psychological disorders, providing specific examples of techniques used for different conditions.

Answer:

 

Core Principles of Behavior Therapy:

Behavior therapy is a practical, action-oriented approach to psychological treatment that is based on the principles of learning theory. Its core principles are:

 

Focus on Observable Behavior: It primarily targets overt, observable maladaptive behaviors, rather than delving into unconscious conflicts or deeply ingrained personality traits.

 

Learning Theory: It assumes that problematic behaviors are learned through processes of classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning, and therefore can be unlearned or replaced with more adaptive behaviors.

 

Present-Oriented: It focuses on the current factors that maintain the problematic behavior, rather than extensively exploring past experiences (though historical context might be acknowledged).

 

Specific and Measurable Goals: Therapy goals are clearly defined, objective, and measurable to track progress effectively.

 

Scientific Rigor: It emphasizes empirical validation, with interventions designed and evaluated based on scientific research.

 

How Behavior Therapy Treats Psychological Disorders:

Behavior therapy treats psychological disorders by applying learning principles to modify dysfunctional behaviors and teach new, more adaptive ones. The general process involves:

 

Behavioral Assessment: Identifying specific target behaviors, their antecedents (what triggers them), and their consequences (what maintains them).

 

Developing a Treatment Plan: Selecting appropriate behavioral techniques based on the assessment and the principles of learning.

 

Implementing Interventions: Applying the chosen techniques to bring about desired behavioral changes.

 

Monitoring and Evaluating: Continuously tracking progress and making adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

 

Specific Examples of Techniques and Conditions:

 

Systematic Desensitization:

 

Principle: Based on classical conditioning (counter-conditioning), where anxiety is unlearned by pairing feared stimuli with relaxation.

 

Process:

 

Relaxation Training: Client learns deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.

 

Anxiety Hierarchy: Client creates a list of fear-provoking situations related to their phobia, ordered from least to most anxiety-inducing.

 

Gradual Exposure: While in a relaxed state, the client is gradually exposed to items on the hierarchy, starting with the least fearful, until anxiety is no longer felt. This can be done in imagination (in vivo exposure).

 

Condition Treated: Highly effective for phobias (e.g., fear of flying, public speaking, spiders), and other anxiety disorders.

 

Aversion Therapy:

 

Principle: Based on classical conditioning, where an undesirable behavior is paired with an unpleasant stimulus to create an aversive association.

 

Process: The client engages in the problematic behavior (e.g., takes a sip of alcohol) immediately followed by an unpleasant stimulus (e.g., an electric shock, a nausea-inducing drug).

 

Condition Treated: Used for addictions (e.g., alcoholism, smoking) or certain sexual deviations, though its use is often limited due to ethical concerns and limited generalizability.

 

Token Economy:

 

Principle: Based on operant conditioning (positive reinforcement). Desirable behaviors are immediately reinforced with "tokens" that can later be exchanged for desired rewards.

 

Process: Individuals earn tokens for engaging in specific target behaviors (e.g., completing chores, participating in group activities, maintaining personal hygiene) in institutional settings. These tokens can then be traded for privileges, goods, or activities.

 

Condition Treated: Widely used in institutional settings (e.g., psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities) to manage behaviors in individuals with severe mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, intellectual disability) and in classroom management.

 

Modeling (Observational Learning):

 

Principle: Learning new behaviors by observing and imitating others (models).

 

Process: The therapist or another individual demonstrates a desired behavior (e.g., handling a feared object, social skills). The client then imitates and practices the behavior.

 

Condition Treated: Useful for treating social anxiety, teaching social skills, or overcoming specific fears by observing others cope.

 

Behavior therapy's focus on clear, measurable outcomes and its strong empirical basis make it a highly effective approach for a wide range of psychological disorders.

 

Compare and contrast Cognitive Therapy and Biomedical Therapy in terms of their underlying assumptions, primary techniques, and the types of psychological disorders they are best suited to treat. Discuss how these two approaches might be used in conjunction.

Answer:

 

Comparison and Contrast of Cognitive Therapy and Biomedical Therapy:

 

Feature	Cognitive Therapy	Biomedical Therapy
Underlying Assumptions	Psychological problems stem from irrational beliefs, distorted thinking patterns, and maladaptive cognitive schemas. Changing these thoughts will change emotions and behaviors.	Psychological problems have biological roots (e.g., genetic predispositions, neurotransmitter imbalances, brain structural abnormalities). Changing brain chemistry/physiology will alleviate symptoms.
Primary Techniques	- Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying, challenging, and replacing irrational/distorted thoughts. - Thought Records/Diaries: Monitoring thoughts and their associated emotions/behaviors. - Socratic Questioning: Using questioning to help clients discover illogical thinking. - Behavioral Experiments: Testing the validity of thoughts in real-life situations. - Activity Scheduling: Planning engaging activities to combat inactivity (e.g., in depression).	- Pharmacotherapy (Medication): Use of drugs (e.g., antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers) to alter brain chemistry. - Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Inducing a brief brain seizure for severe depression or bipolar disorder. - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. - Psychosurgery: (Rare) Brain surgery to alleviate severe symptoms.
Focus	Changing maladaptive thought processes and related behaviors.	Directly altering brain function or chemistry.
Role of Therapist	Collaborative guide, educator, and challenger of irrational thoughts.	Prescriber, monitor of medication effects, and medical professional.
Client Involvement	Highly active; clients learn and practice new cognitive skills.	Relatively passive; involves taking medication as prescribed.
Treatment Pace	Often time-limited and structured, focusing on present issues.	Can be long-term (chronic conditions) or short-term (acute episodes).
Long-term Outcome	Aims to equip clients with skills for long-term self-management and relapse prevention by changing core thought patterns.	Manages symptoms, but may not address underlying psychological coping skills; often requires ongoing use or management.

Types of Psychological Disorders Best Suited For:

 

Cognitive Therapy: Highly effective for disorders where cognitive distortions play a central role:

 

Mood Disorders: Especially Major Depressive Disorder (challenging negative thoughts about self, world, future).

 

Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (challenging excessive worry), Panic Disorder (misinterpretation of bodily sensations), Social Anxiety Disorder (irrational fears of negative evaluation).

 

Eating Disorders: (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa) by addressing distorted body image and thoughts about food.

 

Biomedical Therapy: Best suited for disorders with significant biological components or severe symptoms:

 

Severe Mood Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder (especially severe or recurrent episodes), Bipolar Disorder (mania and depression).

 

Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders: Antipsychotic medications are often the primary treatment for managing symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

 

Severe Anxiety Disorders: Anxiolytics can provide short-term relief for intense anxiety.

 

How These Two Approaches Might Be Used in Conjunction (Combined Treatment):

 

For many psychological disorders, particularly those that are severe, chronic, or resistant to a single approach, combined treatment using both cognitive therapy and biomedical therapy is often the most effective strategy. This approach is based on the biopsychosocial model, recognizing that mental disorders have biological, psychological, and social dimensions.

 

Medication for Symptom Reduction: Biomedical therapy, particularly medication, can quickly alleviate severe symptoms like profound depression, intense anxiety, or psychotic features. This symptom reduction can make the client more stable, receptive, and capable of engaging effectively in psychotherapy. For example, an individual with severe depression might be too lethargic or hopeless to engage in cognitive restructuring until antidepressants reduce their anhedonia and improve their energy.

 

Therapy for Skill Development and Relapse Prevention: Cognitive therapy then helps the client address the underlying maladaptive thought patterns, develop coping skills, improve problem-solving abilities, and learn strategies for managing stress and preventing future relapses. While medication manages the biological symptoms, therapy teaches the individual how to deal with life's challenges and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving that might otherwise lead to a recurrence of symptoms even after medication.

 

Addressing Different Aspects: Medication targets the biological imbalances, while therapy addresses psychological vulnerabilities and environmental interactions. This comprehensive approach provides a more holistic and durable solution for many complex conditions, leading to better long-term outcomes and an improved quality of life. For instance, an individual with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder might benefit from SSRIs to reduce anxiety while also using Exposure and Response Prevention (a behavioral-cognitive technique) to break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions.