Author Question: While lecturing on the psychodynamic theory behind symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ... (Read 19 times)

vicky · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

While lecturing on the psychodynamic theory behind symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a faculty member mentions reaction formation. Which of the statements below is characteristic of this theory?

A) When parents are too harsh during potty training, the child may feel dirty and ashamed. Then the child may deliberately soil his or her clothes as an act of rebellion.
B) Fear in individuals with OCD will trigger a fear associated with unwashed hands that are very unlikely to cause real harm. However, they keep washing their hands frequently.
C) Compulsions are rewarded by the immediate reduction of distress or anxiety. Clients carrying out the compulsive rituals never get to test out their faulty thinking that there is not a dire consequence if they make a mistake.
D) Clients report their symptoms. Such report is retrospective and so may not be accurately recalled, and it yields subjective data that are vulnerable to bias and distortion.

Question 2

Parents of a child who is exhibiting obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may notice the child:

A) Is failing classes due to a lack of concentration.
B) Spending excessive amount of time in their room.
C) Frequently stares off into space.
D) Is jittery and nervous all the time.

jointhecircus · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
The psychodynamic theory hypothesizes that OCD symptoms and character traits arise from three unconscious defense mechanisms: isolation, undoing, and reaction formation. The answer is an example of reaction formation, which is when behavior and consciously stated attitudes oppose underlying impulses. Distractors B and C are based on behavioral explanations, whereas distractor D is based on cognitive theory,

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
Because children subscribe to myths, superstition, and magical thinking, obsessive and ritualistic behaviors may go unnoticed. Behaviors such as touching every third tree, avoiding cracks in the sidewalk, or consistently verbalizing fears of losing a parent in an accident may have some underlying pathology but are common behaviors in childhood. Typically, parents notice that a child's grades begin to fall as a result of decreased concentration and great amounts of time spent performing rituals. Isolating themselves, staring off into space, and being nervous could be considered normal behavior at certain developmental ages.