Trauma and Abuse in Family Systems Flashcards
7 cards from real MFT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Trauma and Abuse in Family Systems flashcards as text
What is the primary defining characteristic of trauma according to the MFT framework?
Answer: An overwhelming experience that exceeds one's ability to cope
Trauma is defined as an overwhelming experience that exceeds an individual's capacity to cope, leading to lasting psychological effects regardless of the specific event.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study's key finding was that:
Answer: Higher ACE scores are associated with increased risk of health and mental health problems in adulthood
The ACE study demonstrated a dose-response relationship between cumulative adverse childhood experiences and negative physical and mental health outcomes in adulthood.
A family therapist beginning work with a trauma survivor should prioritize which of the following in the initial treatment phase?
Answer: Establishing safety and stabilization
The phase-based model of trauma treatment (e.g., Herman's model) begins with establishing safety and stabilization before any trauma memory processing occurs.
Secondary traumatic stress (STS) in MFTs is best described as:
Answer: Trauma-like symptoms that develop through empathic exposure to clients' traumatic material
Secondary traumatic stress (also called vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue) occurs when therapists develop PTSD-like symptoms through empathic engagement with traumatized clients.
Which of the following is an evidence-based treatment specifically developed for processing trauma?
Answer: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based treatment for PTSD and trauma that uses bilateral stimulation while processing traumatic memories.
Mandatory reporting laws for child abuse require MFTs to report suspected abuse to:
Answer: Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement
As mandated reporters, MFTs are legally required to report suspected child abuse to Child Protective Services or law enforcement, who have authority to investigate.
The 'window of tolerance' in trauma treatment refers to:
Answer: The optimal zone of arousal in which a client can process trauma without being overwhelmed or shut down
The window of tolerance describes the zone of optimal arousal where clients are neither hyperaroused (flooded) nor hypoaroused (dissociated), enabling effective trauma processing.