Addiction and Behavioral Psychology MCQs: Exam on Theories and Therapies

Test your knowledge of addiction and behavioral psychology with our MCQ exam on theories and therapies. Explore key concepts in addiction treatment, behavioral interventions and therapy techniques.

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1. Which of the following is a central feature of addiction according to behavioral psychology?

  • Experiencing temporary euphoria from a behavior
  • Overcoming physiological dependence on a substance
  • Repeated engagement in a behavior despite negative consequences
  • Avoidance of behaviors linked to previous rewards

2. What does the "reward pathway" in addiction refer to?

  • Brain structures involved in the pleasure response to drugs or rewarding behaviors
  • The part of the brain that handles withdrawal symptoms
  • The brain's ability to resist addictive behaviors
  • The part of the brain that stores memories

3. In classical conditioning, addiction can develop when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a substance's rewarding effects. What is this process called?

  • Pavlovian conditioning
  • Operant reinforcement
  • Stimulus discrimination
  • Stimulus generalization

4. Which of the following best explains "positive reinforcement" in addiction?

  • Ignoring the addictive behavior to decrease it
  • The removal of an unpleasant stimulus to reduce a behavior
  • The addition of a pleasurable stimulus to reinforce a behavior
  • Punishing the addictive behavior to reduce its occurrence

5. Which therapeutic approach is most commonly used to treat substance use disorders and is based on principles of operant conditioning?

  • Contingency management
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Cognitive restructuring

6. What is the main goal of "motivational interviewing" in addiction treatment?

  • To confront the client about their addictive behaviors
  • To enhance the client's motivation to change their behavior
  • To provide a direct solution to the addiction problem
  • To help clients avoid triggers and stimuli

7. Which of the following best describes "covert sensitization" as a treatment for addiction?

  • Pairing the addictive behavior with negative, aversive stimuli to create an aversion
  • Creating positive associations with a substance
  • Ignoring the addictive behavior to reduce its frequency
  • Reinforcing abstinence with rewards

8. What role does the concept of "tolerance" play in addiction?

  • It refers to the desire to avoid the substance completely
  • It occurs when an individual needs more of a substance to achieve the same effect due to repeated use
  • It is the ability to resist withdrawal symptoms
  • It means the body no longer reacts to the substance

9. Which theory suggests that addiction is learned through a combination of positive and negative reinforcement?

  • The behavioral learning theory
  • The psychoanalytic theory
  • The humanistic theory
  • The cognitive theory

10. According to the social learning theory, which of the following contributes to addictive behaviors?

  • A deep understanding of the consequences of addiction
  • An individual's resistance to peer pressure
  • A person's genetic predisposition to addiction
  • Observing and imitating others who engage in addictive behaviors

11. The process of "extinction" in behavioral therapy for addiction involves:

  • Rewarding the addictive behavior with increasing intensity
  • Gradually reducing reinforcement for the addictive behavior
  • Ignoring the addiction while providing support
  • Using punishment to reduce the addictive behavior

12. Which of the following is an example of "operant conditioning" used to treat addiction?

  • Providing rewards for drug-free behavior to increase abstinence
  • Pairing the addictive behavior with a negative stimulus
  • Encouraging the client to express their feelings about their addiction
  • Using hypnotherapy to erase cravings

13. In "cognitive-behavioral therapy" for addiction, what is the main focus of treatment?

  • Replacing addictive substances with less harmful alternatives
  • Overcoming the physical symptoms of withdrawal
  • Changing dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction
  • Discussing the client's family history and background

14. Which concept in addiction refers to the psychological need to use a substance despite being physically well?

  • Psychological dependence
  • Physiological dependence
  • Tolerance
  • Withdrawal

15. What is the primary focus of "12-step programs" like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

  • Using medications to reduce addiction symptoms
  • Providing support through group participation and spiritual growth
  • Encouraging clients to confront their past trauma
  • Developing a strong individual relationship with a therapist

16. Which of the following is a key feature of "aversion therapy" in addiction treatment?

  • Pairing the addictive behavior with negative stimuli to create an aversion
  • Reinforcing the addictive behavior through positive feedback
  • Ignoring the addictive behavior until it disappears
  • Creating a social support system to reinforce the addiction

17. In "theory of planned behavior, "which factor predicts the likelihood of an individual engaging in addictive behavior?

  • Genetic factors related to addiction
  • Childhood experiences with addiction
  • Attitude toward the behavior, subjective norms and perceived control
  • The availability of substance use in the community

18. The "self-medication hypothesis" suggests that individuals with mental health issues may engage in addiction for what reason?

  • To cope with psychological pain or discomfort
  • To enhance social status and fit in with a group
  • To increase performance at work or school
  • To avoid engaging in therapy or counseling

19. What is the role of "relapse prevention" in addiction recovery?

  • Teaching individuals strategies to cope with triggers and prevent relapse
  • Providing immediate relief through medication
  • Ignoring triggers and focusing on future goals
  • Punishing individuals for relapsing to teach a lesson

20. Which of the following therapeutic approaches emphasizes the role of family members in the recovery process?

  • Family therapy
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Contingency management
  • Rational emotive behavior therapy

21. What is the "cycle of addiction" theory?

  • A repetitive pattern where individuals relapse after achieving short-term abstinence
  • A process where addiction is overcome by prolonged positive reinforcement
  • A situation where addiction occurs only in response to social pressures
  • A genetic predisposition that leads to addiction without external triggers

22. Which of the following best describes the "cognitive-behavioral" approach to treating addiction?

  • Using medication to manage withdrawal symptoms
  • Identifying and challenging distorted thoughts that contribute to addictive behaviors
  • Confronting the addict’s family about enabling behaviors
  • Using a holistic approach to address physical and mental health

23. Which of the following best describes "token economies" as a treatment for addiction?

  • Reinforcing desired behaviors with tokens that can be exchanged for rewards
  • Focusing on drug-free living through a supportive community
  • Using negative reinforcement to eliminate addictive behaviors
  • Ignoring the addictive behaviors to let them fade away naturally

24. What is the focus of "community reinforcement" in addiction treatment?

  • Providing medications to prevent cravings
  • Reducing the influence of peers on addictive behaviors
  • Enhancing the individual’s environment with positive social support and rewards for drug-free behavior
  • Helping individuals escape negative social influences

25. Which of the following is a common goal of "relapse prevention training"?

  • To help individuals identify and manage high-risk situations that could lead to relapse
  • To completely avoid all forms of temptation
  • To provide medication to control cravings
  • To remove all triggers from an individual’s environment

26. In addiction therapy, what is the purpose of "functional analysis"?

  • To encourage social engagement and minimize isolation
  • To focus on improving physical health through fitness programs
  • To treat the physiological aspects of addiction through medication
  • To identify the antecedents, behaviors and consequences related to the addictive behavior

27. According to the "learning theory" of addiction, how are addictive behaviors acquired?

  • Through reinforcement or punishment from the environment
  • By genetic predisposition
  • From early childhood trauma
  • Through the inherent qualities of a substance

28. In the context of addiction, "cue exposure therapy" involves which of the following?

  • Gradually exposing individuals to triggers of their addiction without the ability to use the substance
  • Encouraging individuals to avoid all triggers entirely
  • Directly confronting the negative consequences of their addiction
  • Allowing individuals to experience the highs of their addiction in a controlled setting

29. The concept of "reinforcer pathology" in addiction suggests what about the reinforcing effects of addictive substances?

  • Addicts have difficulty finding new sources of reinforcement
  • The reinforcing properties of a substance can become exaggerated, making it more difficult to resist
  • Addictive substances have a diminished reinforcing effect over time
  • Reinforcement is unrelated to the addiction cycle

30. What is the "abstinence violation effect" in addiction recovery?

  • A therapeutic intervention designed to prevent relapsing
  • The process of achieving permanent abstinence through medication
  • The ability to completely eliminate cravings after treatment
  • The tendency to feel guilty and defeated after a relapse, which may increase the risk of further substance use