Adaptive vs Maladaptive
True or False
Adaptive coping skills usually help reduce stress without creating bigger problems later.
True
What is a defense mechanism?
A. A conscious plan to manipulate others B. An unconscious psychological strategy used to protect ourselves from distress C. A type of medication D. A coping skill that always works well
An unconscious psychological strategy used to protect ourselves from distress
True or False
Some defense mechanisms can become healthier when used consciously and flexibly.
True
Which skill is associated with intentionally slowing down emotional reactions?
A. Impulsivity B. Mindfulness C. Suppression through substances D. Emotional avoidance
Mindfulness
Motivational Interviewing often focuses on strengthening a person’s own motivation and commitment to __________.
Change
Which of the following is considered an adaptive coping skill?
A. Substance use B. Deep breathing C. Avoiding all problems D. Aggressive outbursts
Deep Breathing
True or False
Defense mechanisms are always intentional.
False
When someone focuses only on facts and avoids emotions during a painful situation, they may be using:
A. Denial B. Intellectualization C. Projection D. Sublimation
Intellectualization
Alex notices thoughts like “I always fail.” They challenge the thought by identifying evidence against it. This is an example of:
A. Catastrophizing B. CBT reframing C. Projection D. Dissociation
CBT reframing
What does CBT stand for?
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Talking to a trusted friend, therapist, or support group is an example of seeking __________.
Support
A person who says, “I don’t care about that relationship anyway,” after being rejected may be using:
A. Sublimation B. Rationalization C. Reaction formation D. Regression
Rationalization
Defense mechanisms often attempt to protect a person from emotional __________.
Distress (or pain/anxiety)
The DBT skill of observing thoughts and feelings without judgment is called __________.
Mindfulness
What does IFS stand for?
Internal Family Systems
Which coping skill is MOST likely to increase anxiety over time?
A. Journaling B. Mindfulness C. Emotional avoidance D. Exercise
Emotional Avoidance
Taylor gets criticized at work and later snaps at family members at home. Which defense mechanism is this?
Displacement
Turning painful emotions into creative or productive activity is called __________.
Sublimation
Which statement reflects cognitive reframing?
A. “Nothing will ever change.” B. “I made a mistake, but I can learn from it.” C. “Everyone hates me.” D. “There’s no point in trying.”
“I made a mistake, but I can learn from it.”
What does DBT stand for?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Which is an example of emotional regulation?
A. Punching a wall B. Taking a pause before reacting C. Shutting down completely D. Blaming others
Taking a pause before reacting
Which defense mechanism involves returning to behaviors from an earlier developmental stage?
A. Regression B. Projection C. Dissociation D. Intellectualization
Regression
Which defense mechanism involves attributing your own feelings to someone else?
Projection
A person notices they want to isolate after conflict but instead chooses to attend group therapy and talk openly. What type of change is this?
Intentional coping change / adaptive coping response
Name one adaptive coping skill that can be used in under five minutes.
breathing exercise, journaling, stretching, grounding exercise, calling support, positive self-talk