MFT Trauma and Abuse in Family Systems 3

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a recognized form of child maltreatment?

Accepted Answer

Peer conflict at school

Answer

The four recognized categories of child maltreatment are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, and neglect; peer conflict does not involve an adult caregiver and is not classified as maltreatment.

Question 2

Research on resilience consistently identifies which factor as MOST protective against the negative effects of childhood trauma?

Accepted Answer

Having at least one stable, caring adult relationship

Answer

Research consistently identifies at least one stable, nurturing adult relationship as the single most powerful protective factor buffering children against the harmful effects of adversity.

Question 3

Couples therapy is generally contraindicated when intimate partner violence (IPV) is active because:

Accepted Answer

It can increase danger to the victim by giving the abuser information and framing violence as a mutual problem

Answer

Couples therapy in active IPV contexts is contraindicated because it can increase victim danger — abusers may weaponize session content, and a joint format implies equal responsibility for the violence.

Question 4

Complex PTSD (as recognized in ICD-11) differs from standard PTSD primarily in that it:

Accepted Answer

Results from prolonged, repeated trauma and includes disturbances in self-organization beyond core PTSD symptoms

Answer

Complex PTSD results from prolonged, repeated interpersonal trauma and includes additional features such as affect dysregulation, negative self-concept, and relational disturbances beyond the core PTSD symptom clusters.

Question 5

The fight-flight-freeze response to trauma is primarily regulated by:

Accepted Answer

The autonomic nervous system, including both its sympathetic and parasympathetic branches

Answer

The fight-flight response is driven by the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, while the freeze/immobilization response engages the dorsal vagal branch of the parasympathetic system — both are autonomic.

MFT Exam Practice Test

MFT Exam Practice Test

MFT Trauma and Abuse in Family Systems 3