Here are 30 psychology MCQs on “The Role of Psychology in Chronic Illness Management” with answers and explanations.
1. What is the primary role of psychology in chronic illness management?
- a) To provide medication for the illness
- b) To manage the emotional and mental well-being of patients
- c) To perform surgical procedures
- d) To create diet plans for patients
Answer: b) To manage the emotional and mental well-being of patients
Explanation: Psychology plays a crucial role in helping patients manage the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of living with chronic illness.
2. Which of the following is a psychological approach often used in chronic illness management?
- a) Psychoanalysis
- b) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- c) Behavior modification
- d) Both b and c
Answer: d) Both b and c
Explanation: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavior modification are commonly used to help manage the emotional and behavioral challenges faced by chronic illness patients.
3. Psychological interventions for chronic illness typically aim to:
- a) Cure the illness completely
- b) Alter patients’ perceptions and behaviors regarding their illness
- c) Eliminate symptoms
- d) Decrease the need for medication
Answer: b) Alter patients’ perceptions and behaviors regarding their illness
Explanation: Psychological interventions aim to change the way patients perceive and respond to their illness, thus improving coping strategies and mental well-being.
4. Which psychological factor is most associated with improved chronic illness management?
- a) Optimism
- b) Pessimism
- c) Anxiety
- d) Stress
Answer: a) Optimism
Explanation: Research shows that optimism can improve outcomes for patients with chronic illness by enhancing resilience and coping abilities.
5. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are most effective in treating chronic illness by:
- a) Reducing the need for medical treatment
- b) Helping individuals focus on the present moment and reduce stress
- c) Providing emotional support through social interactions
- d) Changing the genetic factors of the illness
Answer: b) Helping individuals focus on the present moment and reduce stress
Explanation: Mindfulness-based interventions teach individuals to focus on the present moment, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and improve their ability to manage chronic illness.
6. Which of the following is a psychological effect of living with a chronic illness?
- a) Increased self-esteem
- b) Decreased anxiety levels
- c) Depression and anxiety
- d) Enhanced social relationships
Answer: c) Depression and anxiety
Explanation: Chronic illness can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety due to constant medical challenges and lifestyle adjustments.
7. Which therapy focuses on helping patients recognize and change negative thought patterns associated with chronic illness?
- a) Gestalt therapy
- b) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- c) Psychodynamic therapy
- d) Humanistic therapy
Answer: b) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Explanation: CBT helps patients recognize and modify negative thoughts and behaviors, promoting healthier coping mechanisms for chronic illness management.
8. What is the primary goal of pain management in chronic illness from a psychological perspective?
- a) To eliminate the pain completely
- b) To change the patient’s perception of the pain and enhance coping strategies
- c) To suppress the pain with medication
- d) To avoid talking about the pain
Answer: b) To change the patient’s perception of the pain and enhance coping strategies
Explanation: Psychological approaches aim to help individuals manage pain by altering their perceptions and teaching coping mechanisms rather than completely eliminating the pain.
9. Which psychological model is most commonly used to understand the relationship between mental health and chronic illness?
- a) Biopsychosocial model
- b) Behaviorist model
- c) Structuralist model
- d) Cognitive model
Answer: a) Biopsychosocial model
Explanation: The biopsychosocial model recognizes the interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding and managing chronic illness.
10. The psychological term “self-efficacy” in chronic illness management refers to:
- a) The belief in one’s ability to manage their illness
- b) The ability to avoid medications
- c) The need for physical therapy
- d) The level of a person’s pain tolerance
Answer: a) The belief in one’s ability to manage their illness
Explanation: Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to succeed in managing their illness, which can enhance their coping and management strategies.
11. Which coping strategy is most effective for individuals with chronic illness?
- a) Avoidance coping
- b) Active problem-solving
- c) Denial
- d) Emotional detachment
Answer: b) Active problem-solving
Explanation: Active problem-solving involves directly addressing the challenges of chronic illness, promoting better outcomes than avoidance or denial.
12. Which of the following factors can exacerbate chronic illness symptoms from a psychological perspective?
- a) High levels of stress
- b) Adequate social support
- c) Positive self-talk
- d) Regular exercise
Answer: a) High levels of stress
Explanation: Chronic stress can worsen symptoms of chronic illness by lowering the immune system’s function and exacerbating physical and emotional distress.
13. Which type of therapy is commonly used to help chronic illness patients manage the psychological challenges of their condition?
- a) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- b) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- c) Family therapy
- d) Group therapy
Answer: b) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Explanation: CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach to help individuals with chronic illness manage negative thoughts, emotional distress, and develop healthier coping strategies.
14. The term “psychosomatic” refers to:
- a) The influence of the body on mental health
- b) Mental factors causing physical symptoms or illness
- c) The use of mental techniques to heal the body
- d) Psychological treatment for physical illness
Answer: b) Mental factors causing physical symptoms or illness
Explanation: Psychosomatic refers to conditions where mental or emotional factors contribute to physical symptoms or exacerbation of physical illness.
15. In which of the following ways can chronic illness affect family dynamics?
- a) Improved communication and understanding
- b) Increased role strain and stress
- c) Enhanced emotional support
- d) Reduced conflict
Answer: b) Increased role strain and stress
Explanation: Chronic illness can lead to increased role strain as family members take on additional responsibilities, leading to emotional stress.
16. Which of the following is NOT a key factor in promoting well-being in individuals with chronic illness?
- a) Positive coping strategies
- b) Avoiding the illness diagnosis
- c) Social support
- d) Psychological flexibility
Answer: b) Avoiding the illness diagnosis
Explanation: Avoidance or denial of the illness can hinder effective coping and adaptation to chronic illness, whereas positive coping, support, and flexibility enhance well-being.
17. Which approach focuses on addressing both physical and psychological aspects of chronic illness treatment?
- a) Integrated care model
- b) Traditional medical model
- c) Biomedical model
- d) Symptom-focused model
Answer: a) Integrated care model
Explanation: The integrated care model emphasizes treating both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic illness to promote overall well-being.
18. What is the main objective of psychological counseling in chronic illness management?
- a) To eliminate the illness completely
- b) To help individuals develop emotional resilience
- c) To prescribe medication for pain management
- d) To perform medical tests
Answer: b) To help individuals develop emotional resilience
Explanation: Psychological counseling helps individuals develop resilience, improve coping skills, and manage the emotional impact of chronic illness.
19. Which psychological concept can significantly reduce the perceived burden of chronic illness?
- a) Acceptance and commitment
- b) Learned helplessness
- c) Catastrophizing
- d) Avoidance coping
Answer: a) Acceptance and commitment
Explanation: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) encourages individuals to accept their chronic illness and commit to values-based living, which can reduce the psychological burden.
20. Which of the following is true about social support in the context of chronic illness management?
- a) Social support has no impact on illness outcomes
- b) Social support reduces stress and enhances coping
- c) Social support only matters during hospital stays
- d) Social support is less important than medical treatment
Answer: b) Social support reduces stress and enhances coping
Explanation: Social support is crucial for reducing stress, promoting coping strategies, and improving psychological and physical outcomes for individuals with chronic illness.
21. Which therapy focuses on the relationship between chronic illness, emotional distress, and behavior modification?
- a) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- b) Gestalt therapy
- c) Psychoanalysis
- d) Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
Answer: a) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Explanation: CBT is used to change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to emotional distress, thereby improving chronic illness management.
22. Which of the following is a psychological technique that focuses on reducing stress through relaxation and concentration?
- a) Biofeedback
- b) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- c) Cognitive restructuring
- d) Behavioral activation
Answer: a) Biofeedback
Explanation: Biofeedback is a technique that helps individuals learn to control physiological functions (like heart rate and muscle tension) to reduce stress and improve health outcomes.
23. How does chronic illness affect the individual’s sense of self?
- a) It enhances self-esteem and self-worth
- b) It can lead to identity confusion and lowered self-esteem
- c) It improves social relationships
- d) It results in full acceptance of the illness
Answer: b) It can lead to identity confusion and lowered self-esteem
Explanation: Chronic illness can challenge an individual’s sense of self and cause identity confusion, affecting self-esteem and mental well-being.
24. Which cognitive distortion is common in people coping with chronic illness?
- a) Catastrophizing
- b) Overgeneralization
- c) All-or-nothing thinking
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Individuals with chronic illness may engage in cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing, overgeneralization, and all-or-nothing thinking, which can negatively impact their emotional health.
25. Which type of therapy has shown the greatest success in improving quality of life for chronic illness patients?
- a) Exposure therapy
- b) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- c) Psychodynamic therapy
- d) Person-centered therapy
Answer: b) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Explanation: CBT has shown strong evidence for improving quality of life by addressing negative thoughts, enhancing coping strategies, and reducing stress related to chronic illness.
26. The psychological technique of “cognitive restructuring” helps individuals with chronic illness by:
- a) Changing unhealthy behaviors
- b) Enhancing pain tolerance
- c) Altering negative thought patterns about their illness
- d) Providing relaxation exercises
Answer: c) Altering negative thought patterns about their illness
Explanation: Cognitive restructuring helps individuals challenge and change negative thinking patterns that can contribute to emotional distress and poor illness management.
27. Which of the following is a common psychological symptom faced by individuals with chronic illness?
- a) Euphoria
- b) Chronic fatigue
- c) Increased physical strength
- d) Hallucinations
Answer: b) Chronic fatigue
Explanation: Chronic illness often leads to persistent fatigue, which can impact both mental and physical health, leading to depression or frustration.
28. Which of the following best describes the role of self-management in chronic illness care?
- a) It is the responsibility of healthcare professionals to manage the illness
- b) It involves patients making informed decisions and managing their illness daily
- c) It focuses only on medication adherence
- d) It excludes emotional health management
Answer: b) It involves patients making informed decisions and managing their illness daily
Explanation: Self-management allows individuals to take an active role in managing their illness, including physical and emotional aspects.
29. Psychological interventions for chronic illness often focus on:
- a) Improving physical symptoms only
- b) Altering the psychological responses to the illness
- c) Prescribing medications
- d) Limiting the use of coping mechanisms
Answer: b) Altering the psychological responses to the illness
Explanation: Psychological interventions focus on changing the way patients respond emotionally and cognitively to their illness, promoting healthier coping and resilience.
30. Which psychological factor is associated with better coping in chronic illness?
- a) High anxiety levels
- b) Social isolation
- c) Strong social support networks
- d) Avoidance of the illness
Answer: c) Strong social support networks
Explanation: Social support is crucial for improving coping strategies and enhancing overall well-being for individuals with chronic illness.
