Anxiety Theory Flashcards
Which of the following statements about the use of defense mechanisms in persons with anxiety disorders are accurate? Select all that apply.
A) Defense mechanisms are a human’s attempt to reduce anxiety.
B) Persons are usually aware when they are using defense mechanisms.
C) Defense mechanisms can be harmful when overused.
D) Defense mechanisms are cognitive distortions.
E) The use of defense mechanisms should be avoided.
F) Defense mechanisms can control the awareness of anxiety.
Ans: A, C, D, F
Freud described defense mechanisms as the human’s attempt to control awareness of and reduce anxiety. Defense mechanisms are cognitive distortions that a person uses unconsciously to maintain a sense of being in control of a situation, lessen discomfort, and deal with stress.
Because defense mechanisms arise from the unconscious, the person is unaware of using them. Some people overuse defense mechanisms, which prevents them from learning a variety of appropriate methods to resolve anxiety-producing situations. Dependence on one or two defense mechanisms can also inhibit emotional growth, lead to poor problem-solving skills, and create difficulty with relationships.
Which of the following can be a positive outcome of using defense mechanisms?
A) Defense mechanisms can inhibit emotional growth.
B) Defense mechanisms can lead to poor problem-solving skills.
C) Defense mechanisms can create difficulty with relationships.
D) Defense mechanisms can help a person to reduce anxiety.
Ans: D
Defense mechanisms can help a person reduce anxiety. This is the only positive outcome of using defense mechanisms. Dependence on defense mechanisms can inhibit emotional growth, lead to poor problem-solving skills, and create difficulty with relationships. These are all negative outcomes of using defense mechanisms.
Which of the following best explains the etiology of anxiety disorders from an interpersonal perspective?
A) Anxiety is learned in childhood through interactions with caregivers.
B) Anxiety is learned throughout life as a response to life experiences.
C) Anxiety stems from an unconscious attempt to control awareness.
D) Anxiety results from conforming to the norms of a cultural group.
A
Interpersonal theory proposes that caregivers can communicate anxiety to infants or children through inadequate nurturing, agitation when holding or handling the child, and distorted messages. In adults, anxiety arises from the person’s need to conform to the norms and values of his or her cultural group. Psychoanalytic theories describe reducing anxiety through the use of defense mechanisms. Defense mechanisms are cognitive distortions that a person uses unconsciously to maintain a sense of being in control of a situation, to lessen discomfort, and to deal with stress.
Which of the following theories about anxiety is based upon intrapsychic theories?
A) A person’s innate anxiety is the stimulus for behavior.
B) Anxiety is generated from problems in interpersonal relationships.
C) A nurse can help clients achieve health by attending to interpersonal and physiologic needs.
D) Anxiety is learned through experiences.
A
Theories of anxiety can be classified as intrapsychic/psychoanalytic, interpersonal, and behavioral. Freud’s intrapsychic theory views a person’s innate anxiety as the stimulus for behavior. Interpersonal theories include Sullivan’s theory that anxiety is generated from problems in interpersonal relationships and Peplau’s belief that humans exist in interpersonal and physiologic realms. Behavioral theorists view anxiety as being learned through experiences.
Which of the following are interpersonal theories regarding the etiologies of major anxiety disorders?
Select all that apply.
A) Sigmund Freud’s theory
B) Henry Stack Sullivan’s theory
C) Hildegard Peplau’s theory
D) Pavlov’s theory
B, C
Theories of anxiety can be classified as intrapsychic/psychoanalytic, interpersonal, and behavioral. Freud’s intrapsychic theory views a person’s innate anxiety as the stimulus for behavior. Interpersonal theories include Sullivan’s theory that anxiety is generated from problems in interpersonal relationships and Peplau’s belief that humans exist in interpersonal and physiologic realms. Behavioral theorists view anxiety as being learned through experiences.
A client asks how his prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) helps his anxiety disorder. The nurse explains that antianxiety medications such as alprazolam affect the function of which neurotransmitter believed to be dysfunctional in anxiety disorders?
A) Serotonin
B) Norepinephrine
C) GABA
D) Dopamine
C
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the amino acid neurotransmitter believed to be dysfunctional in anxiety disorders. GABA reduces anxiety, and norepinephrine increases it; researchers believe that a problem with the regulation of these neurotransmitters occurs in anxiety disorders. Serotonin is usually implicated in psychosis and mood disorders. Dopamine is indicated in psychosis.
A patient has just been told she has cervical cancer. When asked how this impacts her, she states, “It’s just an infection; it will clear up.” The statement indicates that this patient:
A) needs education on cervical cancer.
B) is unable to express her true emotions.
C) should be immediately referred to a cancer support group.
D) is using denial to protect herself from an emotionally painful thought.
D
Ego defense mechanisms attempt to protect the self and cope with basic drives or emotionally painful thoughts, feelings, or events. Most defense mechanisms operate at the unconscious level of awareness, so people are unaware of what they are doing and often need help seeing the reality. Education and referrals are premature at this point in the patient’s ability to cope.
A teenage patient defies the nurse’s repeated requests to turn off the video game and go to sleep. The teen says angrily, “You sound just like my mother at home!” and continues to play the video game. The nurse understands that this statement likely indicates:
A) the need for stricter discipline at home.
B) early signs of oppositional defiant disorder.
C) viewing the nurse as her mother.
D) expression of developing autonomy.
C
Feedback:
Transference occurs when the client displaces the therapist’s attitudes and feelings that the client initially experienced in other relationships. Transference patterns are automatic and unconscious in the therapeutic relationship. The occurrence of transference does not indicate ineffective parenting or disciplinary practices, nor is it indicative of a disorder. Autonomy is developed much earlier in the toddler years.
What is it called when a nurse or therapist displaces attitudes or feelings from the nurse’s past onto the client, and how does the nurse deal with this?
Countertransference.
The nurse must examine their personal feelings and responses, use self-awareness, and talk with colleagues to process them.
