A client states: “I am a total failure. I can’t do anything right.” Which of the following cognitive distortions is the client exhibiting?
All-or-nothing thinking
Overgeneralization
Catastrophizing
Personalization
The Correct Answer is A
All-or-nothing thinking is a cognitive distortion where experiences are viewed in extremes, such as complete failure or success, with no middle ground. It’s common in depression and leads to overgeneralized self-judgment and emotional distress, often fueling low self-esteem and hopelessness.
Rationale for correct answers
A. Extreme thinking and lack of nuance indicate all-or-nothing patterns, evident in the client’s total self-rejection.
Rationale for incorrect answers
B. Overgeneralization involves drawing broad conclusions from one event, not labeling the entire self as a failure.
C. Catastrophizing imagines worst-case scenarios, not polar extremes.
D. Personalization blames self for unrelated external events.
Take Home Points
- All-or-nothing thinking exaggerates failure or success.
- It contributes to low self-worth and depression.
- Recognizing this pattern is crucial in cognitive therapy.
- Thought reframing helps restore realistic self-appraisal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Milieu therapy involves using the treatment environment itself as a tool for therapy. A structured, safe setting promotes behavior change and emotional stability through daily routines, peer interaction, and staff support. The primary goal is a therapeutic environment where boundaries and consistency help clients practice adaptive functioning. This framework supports self-regulation and interpersonal growth.
Rationale for correct answers
B. Therapeutic structure and safety define milieu therapy, making the environment itself part of the treatment plan.
Rationale for incorrect answers
A. Independence is a long-term outcome, but not the main purpose.
C. Medication administration is part of care, not the focus of milieu therapy.
D. Behavior control is addressed through structure, but not the sole purpose of the therapy.
Take Home Points
- Milieu therapy uses structured settings for healing.
- Safety and predictability support emotional and behavioral regulation.
- Interaction with peers and staff models healthy relationships.
- It complements pharmacological and individual therapies.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Operant conditioning reinforces behaviors through consequences. In positive reinforcement, a desirable behavior is followed by a reward to increase recurrence. This is commonly used in treating substance use disorders, where praise or tangible rewards encourage sobriety.
Rationale for correct answers
B. Behavioral reinforcement through praise encourages continued abstinence, increasing desired behavior frequency.
Rationale for incorrect answers
A. Administering consequences is punishment, not positive reinforcement.
C. Taking away privileges is negative punishment.
D. Ignoring behavior is extinction, not reinforcement.
Take Home Points
- Positive reinforcement encourages repeated behavior.
- Praise for sobriety is effective in addiction recovery.
- Operant conditioning is foundational in behavior therapy.
- Reinforcement must be timely and meaningful.
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