Attachment Theory and Earned Security in Therapy

Course #9685L-


Self-Assessment Questions

    1 . Attachment theory proposes that the primary function of attachment behavior is to
    A) ensure survival through proximity to a caregiver.
    B) promote independence as early as possible.
    C) reduce cognitive distortions.
    D) increase social skills.

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    2 . In the Still Face experiment, infants typically respond to caregiver non-responsiveness with
    A) immediate self-soothing and disengagement.
    B) increased exploration.
    C) indifference.
    D) escalating distress and attempts to re-engage.

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    3 . A "secure base" allows a client to
    A) avoid emotional dependence.
    B) explore experiences while trusting support is available.
    C) eliminate anxiety completely.
    D) become less relationally oriented.

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    4 . A "safe haven" function in therapy primarily involves
    A) challenging cognitive distortions.
    B) providing behavioral assignments.
    C) regulating distress through connection.
    D) encouraging independence from the therapist.

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    5 . An anxiously attached client in therapy is most likely to
    A) downplay emotional needs.
    B) avoid discussing attachment concerns.
    C) prefer highly structured sessions only.
    D) intensify emotional expression to maintain connection.

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    6 . An avoidantly attached client in therapy may
    A) minimize emotional needs and emphasize self-reliance.
    B) display intense protest behavior.
    C) frequently seek reassurance.
    D) struggle primarily with impulse control.

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    7 . Disorganized attachment is often associated with
    A) consistent caregiver responsiveness.
    B) a lack of need for attachment.
    C) inconsistent caregiver responsiveness.
    D) excessive cognitive rigidity.

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    8 . When attachment needs are chronically unmet, the nervous system tends to
    A) become more resilient automatically.
    B) remain on high alert for threat.
    C) shut down permanently.
    D) strengthen executive functioning.

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    9 . The therapist functions as a secure attachment figure primarily through
    A) providing advice quickly.
    B) maintaining emotional neutrality at all times.
    C) attuned responsiveness and consistent presence.
    D) encouraging emotional suppression.

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    10 . Attachment-informed therapy suggests that symptoms often represent
    A) adaptive strategies to maintain connection or safety.
    B) diagnostic inaccuracies.
    C) personality defects.
    D) poor insight.

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    11 . According to attachment theory, connection and threat systems
    A) activate simultaneously and equally.
    B) operate independently.
    C) work in opposition to one another.
    D) are unrelated to emotional regulation.

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    12 . A corrective emotional experience in attachment-informed therapy occurs when
    A) the client gains insight into childhood events.
    B) the therapist offers psychoeducation.
    C) homework is completed successfully.
    D) the client experiences a new relational safety in the session.

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    13 . A client repeatedly asking, "Do you think I'm making progress?" may be expressing
    A) intellectual curiosity.
    B) performance anxiety unrelated to attachment.
    C) an attachment need for reassurance and security.
    D) resistance to therapy.

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    14 . Trauma-informed therapies such as EFT and AEDP incorporate attachment theory by
    A) focusing exclusively on behavior modification.
    B) prioritizing relational safety and emotional processing.
    C) avoiding exploration of early relationships.
    D) minimizing the therapist-client bond.

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    15 . One benefit of intentionally strengthening the secure base in therapy is that it
    A) eliminates all client distress.
    B) reduces the need for clinical boundaries.
    C) allows clients to generalize relational security outside of therapy.
    D) shortens every treatment episode.

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