Psychoanalysis Assessment and Diagnosis 5

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the psychoanalytic concept of 'working through' as a treatment goal identified during assessment?

Accepted Answer

The repeated examination of a conflict from multiple angles until genuine insight produces lasting characterological change

Answer

Working through involves repeated, deepening engagement with a core conflict across many contexts so that insight becomes integrated into the patient's character, not just intellectually understood.

Question 2

In assessing a patient's suitability for psychoanalytic treatment, which factor is considered most critical by most contemporary analysts?

Accepted Answer

Psychological mindedness — the capacity for introspection and interest in understanding inner experience

Answer

Psychological mindedness — curiosity about one's inner life and capacity for introspection — is widely considered the most essential suitability criterion for analytic work.

Question 3

What does the psychoanalytic concept of 'countertransference diagnosis' involve?

Accepted Answer

Using the analyst's own emotional reactions to the patient as diagnostic data about the patient's unconscious communications

Answer

Countertransference diagnosis uses the analyst's affective responses — especially when unusual or intense — as a window into the patient's unconscious communications and relational patterns.

Question 4

A patient seeking analysis shows capacity for guilt (rather than just shame), concern for others, and awareness of having hurt people they love. These features suggest which level of superego development?

Accepted Answer

Depressive position functioning with mature superego integration

Answer

Capacity for guilt (concern for the damaged object), reparative wishes, and concern for others are hallmarks of Kleinian depressive position functioning and a more mature, integrated superego.

Question 5

When assessing a patient's 'self-cohesion,' a self-psychologist is primarily evaluating:

Accepted Answer

The stability, continuity, and vitality of the patient's sense of self under conditions of stress or narcissistic injury

Answer

Kohut's self psychology centers on self-cohesion — the degree to which the self maintains its integrity, continuity, and vitality rather than fragmenting under narcissistic stress.

(Psychoanalysis) Psychoanalysis Theory Test Practice Test

(Psychoanalysis) Psychoanalysis Theory Test Practice Test

Psychoanalysis Assessment and Diagnosis 5