Addiction and Behavioral Psychology MCQs: Exam on Theories and Therapies
Questions: 30
Questions
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1. Which of the following is a central feature of addiction according to behavioral psychology?
- a) Experiencing temporary euphoria from a behavior
- b) Overcoming physiological dependence on a substance
- c) Repeated engagement in a behavior despite negative consequences
- d) Avoidance of behaviors linked to previous rewards
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2. What does the "reward pathway" in addiction refer to?
- a) Brain structures involved in the pleasure response to drugs or rewarding behaviors
- b) The part of the brain that handles withdrawal symptoms
- c) The brain's ability to resist addictive behaviors
- d) The part of the brain that stores memories
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3. In classical conditioning, addiction can develop when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a substance's rewarding effects. What is this process called?
- a) Pavlovian conditioning
- b) Operant reinforcement
- c) Stimulus discrimination
- d) Stimulus generalization
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4. Which of the following best explains "positive reinforcement" in addiction?
- a) Ignoring the addictive behavior to decrease it
- b) The removal of an unpleasant stimulus to reduce a behavior
- c) The addition of a pleasurable stimulus to reinforce a behavior
- d) Punishing the addictive behavior to reduce its occurrence
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5. Which therapeutic approach is most commonly used to treat substance use disorders and is based on principles of operant conditioning?
- a) Contingency management
- b) Psychoanalysis
- c) Dialectical behavior therapy
- d) Cognitive restructuring
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6. What is the main goal of "motivational interviewing" in addiction treatment?
- a) To confront the client about their addictive behaviors
- b) To enhance the client's motivation to change their behavior
- c) To provide a direct solution to the addiction problem
- d) To help clients avoid triggers and stimuli
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7. Which of the following best describes "covert sensitization" as a treatment for addiction?
- a) Pairing the addictive behavior with negative, aversive stimuli to create an aversion
- b) Creating positive associations with a substance
- c) Ignoring the addictive behavior to reduce its frequency
- d) Reinforcing abstinence with rewards
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8. What role does the concept of "tolerance" play in addiction?
- a) It refers to the desire to avoid the substance completely
- b) It occurs when an individual needs more of a substance to achieve the same effect due to repeated use
- c) It is the ability to resist withdrawal symptoms
- d) It means the body no longer reacts to the substance
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9. Which theory suggests that addiction is learned through a combination of positive and negative reinforcement?
- a) The behavioral learning theory
- b) The psychoanalytic theory
- c) The humanistic theory
- d) The cognitive theory
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10. According to the social learning theory, which of the following contributes to addictive behaviors?
- a) A deep understanding of the consequences of addiction
- b) An individual's resistance to peer pressure
- c) A person's genetic predisposition to addiction
- d) Observing and imitating others who engage in addictive behaviors
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11. The process of "extinction" in behavioral therapy for addiction involves:
- a) Rewarding the addictive behavior with increasing intensity
- b) Gradually reducing reinforcement for the addictive behavior
- c) Ignoring the addiction while providing support
- d) Using punishment to reduce the addictive behavior
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12. Which of the following is an example of "operant conditioning" used to treat addiction?
- a) Providing rewards for drug-free behavior to increase abstinence
- b) Pairing the addictive behavior with a negative stimulus
- c) Encouraging the client to express their feelings about their addiction
- d) Using hypnotherapy to erase cravings
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13. In "cognitive-behavioral therapy" for addiction, what is the main focus of treatment?
- a) Replacing addictive substances with less harmful alternatives
- b) Overcoming the physical symptoms of withdrawal
- c) Changing dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction
- d) Discussing the client's family history and background
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14. Which concept in addiction refers to the psychological need to use a substance despite being physically well?
- a) Psychological dependence
- b) Physiological dependence
- c) Tolerance
- d) Withdrawal
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15. What is the primary focus of "12-step programs" like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?
- a) Using medications to reduce addiction symptoms
- b) Providing support through group participation and spiritual growth
- c) Encouraging clients to confront their past trauma
- d) Developing a strong individual relationship with a therapist
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16. Which of the following is a key feature of "aversion therapy" in addiction treatment?
- a) Pairing the addictive behavior with negative stimuli to create an aversion
- b) Reinforcing the addictive behavior through positive feedback
- c) Ignoring the addictive behavior until it disappears
- d) Creating a social support system to reinforce the addiction
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17. In "theory of planned behavior, "which factor predicts the likelihood of an individual engaging in addictive behavior?
- a) Genetic factors related to addiction
- b) Childhood experiences with addiction
- c) Attitude toward the behavior, subjective norms and perceived control
- d) The availability of substance use in the community
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18. The "self-medication hypothesis" suggests that individuals with mental health issues may engage in addiction for what reason?
- a) To cope with psychological pain or discomfort
- b) To enhance social status and fit in with a group
- c) To increase performance at work or school
- d) To avoid engaging in therapy or counseling
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19. What is the role of "relapse prevention" in addiction recovery?
- a) Teaching individuals strategies to cope with triggers and prevent relapse
- b) Providing immediate relief through medication
- c) Ignoring triggers and focusing on future goals
- d) Punishing individuals for relapsing to teach a lesson
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20. Which of the following therapeutic approaches emphasizes the role of family members in the recovery process?
- a) Family therapy
- b) Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- c) Contingency management
- d) Rational emotive behavior therapy
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21. What is the "cycle of addiction" theory?
- a) A repetitive pattern where individuals relapse after achieving short-term abstinence
- b) A process where addiction is overcome by prolonged positive reinforcement
- c) A situation where addiction occurs only in response to social pressures
- d) A genetic predisposition that leads to addiction without external triggers
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22. Which of the following best describes the "cognitive-behavioral" approach to treating addiction?
- a) Using medication to manage withdrawal symptoms
- b) Identifying and challenging distorted thoughts that contribute to addictive behaviors
- c) Confronting the addict’s family about enabling behaviors
- d) Using a holistic approach to address physical and mental health
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23. Which of the following best describes "token economies" as a treatment for addiction?
- a) Reinforcing desired behaviors with tokens that can be exchanged for rewards
- b) Focusing on drug-free living through a supportive community
- c) Using negative reinforcement to eliminate addictive behaviors
- d) Ignoring the addictive behaviors to let them fade away naturally
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24. What is the focus of "community reinforcement" in addiction treatment?
- a) Providing medications to prevent cravings
- b) Reducing the influence of peers on addictive behaviors
- c) Enhancing the individual’s environment with positive social support and rewards for drug-free behavior
- d) Helping individuals escape negative social influences
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25. Which of the following is a common goal of "relapse prevention training"?
- a) To help individuals identify and manage high-risk situations that could lead to relapse
- b) To completely avoid all forms of temptation
- c) To provide medication to control cravings
- d) To remove all triggers from an individual’s environment
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26. In addiction therapy, what is the purpose of "functional analysis"?
- a) To encourage social engagement and minimize isolation
- b) To focus on improving physical health through fitness programs
- c) To treat the physiological aspects of addiction through medication
- d) To identify the antecedents, behaviors and consequences related to the addictive behavior
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27. According to the "learning theory" of addiction, how are addictive behaviors acquired?
- a) Through reinforcement or punishment from the environment
- b) By genetic predisposition
- c) From early childhood trauma
- d) Through the inherent qualities of a substance
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28. In the context of addiction, "cue exposure therapy" involves which of the following?
- a) Gradually exposing individuals to triggers of their addiction without the ability to use the substance
- b) Encouraging individuals to avoid all triggers entirely
- c) Directly confronting the negative consequences of their addiction
- d) Allowing individuals to experience the highs of their addiction in a controlled setting
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29. The concept of "reinforcer pathology" in addiction suggests what about the reinforcing effects of addictive substances?
- a) Addicts have difficulty finding new sources of reinforcement
- b) The reinforcing properties of a substance can become exaggerated, making it more difficult to resist
- c) Addictive substances have a diminished reinforcing effect over time
- d) Reinforcement is unrelated to the addiction cycle
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30. What is the "abstinence violation effect" in addiction recovery?
- a) A therapeutic intervention designed to prevent relapsing
- b) The process of achieving permanent abstinence through medication
- c) The ability to completely eliminate cravings after treatment
- d) The tendency to feel guilty and defeated after a relapse, which may increase the risk of further substance use
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