Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Related

Review Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions related questions and content

A psychiatric nurse uses Sullivans theories in group and individual therapy. According to Sullivan and other theorists like him, how are client symptoms viewed behaviors that are maintained because they are reinforced?

  • A. Client symptoms are viewed as responses to anxiety arising from interpersonal relationships.
  • B. Client symptoms are viewed as internal conflicts arising from early childhood trauma.
  • C. Client symptoms are viewed as the misinterpretations of experiences.
  • D. Client symptoms are viewed as learned
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Sullivan and other theorists like him believe that client symptoms are viewed as internal conflicts arising from early childhood trauma. Sullivan emphasized the impact of early relationships on personality development, suggesting that unresolved conflicts from childhood can manifest as symptoms in adulthood. This perspective aligns with psychodynamic theories that emphasize the role of unconscious processes and early experiences in shaping behavior.

Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on anxiety arising from interpersonal relationships, which is more aligned with interpersonal theories rather than Sullivan's emphasis on childhood experiences. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests misinterpretations of experiences, which does not fully capture the depth of internal conflicts highlighted by Sullivan. Choice D is incorrect as it simplifies client symptoms as learned behaviors without considering the underlying emotional conflicts rooted in early childhood experiences, as emphasized by Sullivan.