Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX Questions Related

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According to psychodynamic theory, what purpose do delusions serve?

  • A. Delusions are a defense against anxiety caused by real or imagined threats.
  • B. Magical thinking is a delusion that ensures desirable outcomes.
  • C. Delusions are a method of dealing with and interpreting external stimuli.
  • D. Subconsciously, delusions are a way to safely express anger and hostility.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: According to psychodynamic theory, delusions serve as a defense mechanism against anxiety triggered by real or perceived threats. Delusions are the individual's unconscious way of protecting themselves from overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Magical thinking, on the other hand, involves believing that one's thoughts can influence external events. This is not the same as delusions. Delusions are not a way of interpreting external stimuli but rather a defense mechanism. Expressing anger and hostility is typically associated with defense mechanisms like displacement or projection, not delusions.