FREE Master of Counseling: Psychological Theories and Therapeutic Approaches Questions and Answers
What is the core focus of cognitive therapy?
Cognitive therapy aims to modify dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs, as therapists believe that changing thoughts can lead to changes in emotions and behaviors.
What do grand theories seek to explain?
Grand theories, proposed by major thinkers, aim to explain broad aspects of human behavior, although they may be considered outdated by modern research.
Which approach to psychotherapy focuses on understanding unconscious meanings and motivations behind problematic behaviors, feelings, and thoughts?
Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies aim to uncover unconscious meanings and motivations underlying behaviors and emotions. This approach involves exploring interactions in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate self-discovery.
What is the primary emphasis of behavior therapy?
Behavior therapy emphasizes learning and changing both normal and abnormal behaviors through techniques like classical and operant conditioning, as well as cognitive-behavioral approaches.
What is the main purpose of a theory of psychotherapy?
A theory of psychotherapy serves as a guide for psychologists to understand clients, their problems, and to develop effective solutions for therapeutic interventions.
Which psychological theory proposes a hierarchy of human needs, from physiological to self-actualization?
Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory categorizes human needs from basic physiological needs to self-actualization, reflecting the order in which they need to be satisfied.
Which thinker made important contributions to behavior therapy by discovering classical conditioning?
Ivan Pavlov's discovery of classical conditioning, demonstrated through his experiments with dogs and their conditioned response to stimuli, contributed to the foundation of behavior therapy.
Which psychological theory emphasizes that behaviors are acquired through conditioning?
Behavioral theory, also known as behaviorism, is based on the idea that behaviors are acquired through conditioning, as advocated by psychologists like John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner.
According to humanistic theories, what do these theories emphasize about human behavior?
Humanistic theories emphasize the positive and intrinsic qualities of human beings, focusing on the basic goodness of individuals.
Psychodynamic theories examine which concepts that shape emotions, attitudes, and personalities?
Psychodynamic theories explore the unconscious concepts that shape emotions, attitudes, and personalities, often linked to Sigmund Freud's ideas.
What is a central theme of humanistic therapy?
Humanistic therapy emphasizes the capacity of individuals to make rational choices, develop to their potential, and focuses on respecting and understanding each person's uniqueness.
What is the term used to describe a concept or idea that is testable and backed by evidence?
A psychological theory is based on a hypothesis that is backed by evidence and can be tested through empirical research.
Biological theories attribute human emotion and behavior to which factors?
Biological theories in psychology attribute human behavior and emotion to biological factors, such as genetics and evolutionary influences.
Which category of psychological theories provides a framework for thinking about human growth and development?
Developmental theories offer guiding principles and concepts for understanding human growth, development, and learning throughout the lifespan.
Which type of therapy focuses on free will, self-determination, and the search for meaning?
Existential therapy emphasizes concepts like free will, self-determination, and the quest for meaning, exploring individual experiences in the context of existential philosophy.
Which major psychological theory focuses on internal mental processes such as problem-solving and decision-making?
Cognitive theories of psychology are centered on internal states and mental processes, including motivation, thinking, and attention.