NAMA Effective Communication in Anger Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which technique involves repeating back what someone said in your own words to confirm understanding?
- Mirroring
- Paraphrasing (Correct answer)
- Summarizing
- Reflecting
Correct answer: Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing restates the speaker's message in your own words to verify accurate understanding and show you are listening.
Question 2: When someone is venting anger at you, the most effective initial response is to:
- Immediately correct factual errors in their account
- Offer solutions to fix the problem right away
- Acknowledge their feelings before addressing content (Correct answer)
- Explain your own perspective to balance the conversation
Correct answer: Acknowledge their feelings before addressing content
Acknowledging feelings first de-escalates emotional intensity and signals that the person feels heard before problem-solving begins.
Question 3: The term 'stonewalling' in communication refers to:
- Using blunt, direct language without softening
- Emotionally withdrawing and refusing to engage (Correct answer)
- Building firm boundaries through assertive statements
- Speaking in monotone to avoid escalating emotion
Correct answer: Emotionally withdrawing and refusing to engage
Stonewalling is a communication pattern where one party shuts down, withdraws, and stops responding, often escalating conflict.
Question 4: In NAMA's framework, 'disarming' as a communication technique means:
- Removing physical objects from an angry person's reach
- Finding truth in the other person's criticism to reduce defensiveness (Correct answer)
- Using humor to deflect a tense conversation
- Lowering your voice to signal calm authority
Correct answer: Finding truth in the other person's criticism to reduce defensiveness
Disarming involves finding a kernel of truth in the other person's complaint, which reduces their need to escalate.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a 'hidden agenda' that can sabotage effective communication?
- Scheduling a difficult conversation in advance
- Pretending to seek feedback while actually wanting validation (Correct answer)
- Using 'I' statements to express feelings
- Taking a brief pause before responding
Correct answer: Pretending to seek feedback while actually wanting validation
A hidden agenda occurs when the stated goal of a conversation differs from the actual goal, undermining genuine dialogue.
Question 6: What does the communication principle of 'specificity' recommend when expressing a complaint?
- Address multiple grievances at once to be efficient
- Describe the precise behavior rather than making character judgments (Correct answer)
- Use strong emotional language to convey the seriousness
- Repeat the complaint until it is acknowledged
Correct answer: Describe the precise behavior rather than making character judgments
Specificity focuses on observable behaviors ('You interrupted me three times') rather than character attacks ('You are rude'), making complaints easier to act on.
Question 7: Which physiological state makes productive communication most difficult during a conflict?
- Mild frustration with heart rate around 80 bpm
- Physiological flooding with heart rate above 100 bpm (Correct answer)
- Calm alertness with controlled breathing
- Moderate sadness following a loss
Correct answer: Physiological flooding with heart rate above 100 bpm
Physiological flooding (heart rate above ~100 bpm) impairs higher-order thinking needed for effective communication, making a time-out necessary.
NAMA Effective Communication in Anger Management 2
Which technique involves repeating back what someone said in your own words to confirm understanding?