Psychosocial Flashcards
Define the psychological defense-
Repression
Feelings/perceptions/memories are lost to consciousness
Define the psychological defense-
Denial
Reality of a situation/perception is not consciously experienced or recognized
Define the psychological defense-
Intellectualization
Emotional responses to a situation are repressed and the situation is addressed through rational, cognitive processes
Define the psychological defense-
Displacement
In which the expression of an emotion to the appropriate recipient is unacceptable/anxiety provoking and the emotion is thus expressed to a more socially acceptable recipient
Define the psychological defense-
Sublimation
Wishes/drives that are deemed unacceptable are channeled into more socially acceptable activities
Define the psychological defense-
Reaction Formation
Individual utilizes the opposite action/emotion to ward off unacceptable emotions/wishes
Define the psychological defense-
Projection
Repressed/unacceptable emotions/wishes are perceived as residing in others
Define the psychological defense-
Projective Identification
Individuals behavior induced a repressed/unacceptable emotion in another person
A patient is angry at their partner for passing on a dominant allele to their child, but outwardly expresses anger to the genetic counselor giving the news instead of their partner.
This is an example of what psychological defense?
Displacement
The pain and anger the mother of your patient feels about their serious disability channels those feelings into committed, thoughtful work for a support group.
This is an example of which kind of psychological defense?
Sublimation
Your patient is compliant and agreeable with you after their devastating diagnosis even though they’re feeling angry.
This is an example of which kind of psychological defense?
Reaction formation
The pregnant woman you are counseling is feeling deep and unacceptable shame but perceives that it is her partner who is ashamed.
This is an example of which psychological defense?
Projection
A parent of your patient with a disability is angry about their diagnosis, however they were taught as a child to repress their anger due to their parents’ reaction to it, so they act towards you (the genetic counselor) in a way designed to make you feel angry.
This is an example of which kind of psychological defense?
Projective Identification
What would you do FIRST (what is MOST important to say) when you have:
Cultural/language differences
Reciprocity (share a bit about yourself)
Interpreter must be available in person or over the phone or else you reschedule
What would you do FIRST (what is MOST important to say) when:
They have an extreme reaction
Inquire about the emotional reaction- “tell me more”
What do you do FIRST (what is MOST important to say) when:
They don’t understand the diagnosis
Ask what they have been told about it (in their own words)
What is the FIRST thing you do (what is MOST important to say) when:
They say “I did everything right”
Validate and reflect
What do you do FIRST (what is MOST important to say) when:
They say “the baby has a heart defect because I am stressed”
Reflect- this is more likely to be guilt than shame
What do you do FIRST (what is MOST important to say) when:
They can’t play sports because of a condition
Ask what they like most about the sport (what part is most valuable to them) and try to explore other options for finding that value elsewhere
What is a needs assessment?
Needs assessments help to identify gaps in knowledge (what is knows vs what is unknown) that would otherwise be filled by assumptions of why things aren’t going correctly
Focus groups/interviews are great tools to conduct a needs assessment
Define psychosocial attending.
Seeing experiences through the eyes of the client rather than your own
Being sensitive to the client’s perspective
Processing client messages
What does the acronym ENCOURAGES stand for?
Eye contact Nods Cultural awareness Open posture “Um hmm” Relaxed Avoids distractions Grammatical style matches client Ear to the client (figuratively, psychological attending) Space is used appropriately as pauses in discussion
Describe the transference reaction:
Counselor as an ideal
Client views the counselor as perfect
Behaviors: excessive compliments, agreeing with everything said
Describe the transference reaction:
Counselor as seer
Client believes the counselor has all the right answers
Behaviors: repeatedly asking what the counselor would do
Describe the following transference strategy:
Counselor as nurturer
Client views the counselor as a source of strength
Behaviors: acting helpless, excessive crying, urgent demands
Describe the following transference reaction;
Counselor as frustrator
Client views the counselor as spoiling their experience
Behaviors: excessively defensive, blaming the counselor
Describe the following transference reaction:
Counselor as nonentity
Client views the counselor as an inanimate figure with no feelings, wishes, or needs
Behaviors: topic shifting, dismissing counselor’s interpretation
Describe the psychological defense:
Magical Thinking
Belief that something will intervene and all will turn out alright
