CART ACEs & Trauma-Informed Anger Work 3

Question 1

A client with an ACE score of 7 presents with chronic anger and reports 'always being on edge.' This hypervigilance is best explained by:

Accepted Answer

A dysregulated HPA axis from chronic early stress

Answer

Chronic early adversity dysregulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in persistently elevated cortisol and a hypervigilant nervous system.

Question 2

Which therapeutic modality is most aligned with trauma-informed anger work because it targets body-level trauma storage?

Accepted Answer

Somatic Experiencing

Answer

Somatic Experiencing addresses how trauma is stored in the body and helps clients complete thwarted survival responses that underlie chronic anger.

Question 3

When a client with high ACEs 'freezes' during a conflict instead of expressing anger, the CART practitioner should recognize this as:

Accepted Answer

A dorsal vagal shutdown response

Answer

Freezing during conflict reflects dorsal vagal shutdown — a primitive survival response activated by perceived inescapable threat, common in trauma survivors.

Question 4

Which statement about trauma and anger in women is most accurate according to trauma-informed research?

Accepted Answer

Women with ACEs more often internalize anger as depression and anxiety

Answer

Research consistently shows women with ACEs are more likely to internalize distress, presenting with depression and anxiety rather than overt aggression.

Question 5

The SAMHSA framework for trauma-informed care includes all of the following principles EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Confrontation and challenge

Answer

SAMHSA's six principles are safety; trustworthiness and transparency; peer support; collaboration; empowerment; and cultural sensitivity — confrontation is not a principle.

(CART) Certified Anger Resolution Therapist Practice Test

(CART) Certified Anger Resolution Therapist Practice Test

CART ACEs & Trauma-Informed Anger Work 3