Assessment & Case Formulation Flashcards
7 cards from real CBT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Assessment & Case Formulation flashcards as text
In CBT case formulation, which factor is described as the 'final straw' that triggered the onset of the current episode?
Answer: Precipitating factor
Precipitating factors are the triggering events or stressors that activated the disorder, given the client's underlying vulnerabilities.
A therapist uses the 'downward arrow' technique during assessment. What is its primary purpose?
Answer: To uncover the deeper meaning and core beliefs behind automatic thoughts
The downward arrow technique chains questions (e.g., 'And if that were true, what would it mean?') to move from surface automatic thoughts down to underlying core beliefs.
Which of the following BEST describes 'idiosyncratic meaning' in CBT assessment?
Answer: The unique personal significance a client assigns to an event
Idiosyncratic meaning refers to the unique, personal interpretation a specific client gives to events, which drives their emotional and behavioral responses.
During a CBT intake, a therapist discovers a client has a history of trauma. Before proceeding with standard CBT assessment, the therapist should FIRST:
Answer: Screen for PTSD symptoms and assess whether trauma-focused CBT modifications are needed
When trauma history is identified, the therapist should assess PTSD symptoms and determine if trauma-specific CBT protocols (e.g., CPT, PE) or modifications are clinically indicated.
A client with social anxiety describes avoiding eye contact and giving short answers to end conversations quickly. In a CBT formulation, these behaviors are BEST classified as:
Answer: Safety behaviors
Avoiding eye contact and truncating conversations are safety behaviors that reduce short-term anxiety but prevent the client from learning that feared social consequences won't occur.
Which assessment domain is MOST important to evaluate before beginning formal CBT to ensure the client can engage with the cognitive components of treatment?
Answer: Neurocognitive functioning and cognitive flexibility
Neurocognitive functioning (including attention, memory, and executive function) is critical to assess because significant impairment can limit a client's ability to engage with CBT's cognitive and self-monitoring tasks.
The 'five areas' model of CBT assessment (developed by Williams) maps which of the following domains?
Answer: Situation, thoughts, emotions, physical feelings, behaviors
The five areas model captures: life situations/triggers, thoughts (cognitions), emotions, physical/bodily feelings, and altered behaviors — illustrating how each influences the others.