Social Support and Health — MCQs
All are provisions of WHO mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), except:
Which of the following is NOT a core component of the WHO's global STI control strategy?
Which of the following is considered a fundamental defense mechanism in psychology?
WHO definition of health does not include?
In which of the following patients would supportive therapy be most challenging to implement effectively?
Which of the following is the core component of Beck's cognitive theory of depression?
In a basic Health Education model, the first step is Awareness, and the second step is Motivation. What is the third step?
Provision of the Mental Health Act 2017, based on WHO guidelines, includes all, except:
The commonly used theory to predict individual's behaviour regarding preventive health care is:
Most reliable predictor of autism in 18-month-olds is:
Social Support and Health Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: All are provisions of WHO mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), except:
- A. Communication regarding care
- B. Human rights
- C. Screening family members (Correct Answer)
- D. Social support
Explanation: ***Screening family members*** - The **WHO mhGAP** primarily focuses on scaling up care for **priority mental, neurological, and substance use disorders** in low- and middle-income countries. It does not explicitly include the provision of routine screening of family members of affected individuals. - While family support is crucial, direct screening of asymptomatic family members for psychiatric disorders is not a core component of the program's defined interventions for service delivery. *Communication regarding care* - **Effective communication** is a fundamental aspect of the **WHO mhGAP** to ensure patients and their families understand their condition and treatment plan. - It emphasizes **patient-centered care** and informed decision-making, which rely heavily on clear and empathetic communication from healthcare providers. *Human rights* - **Human rights** are a foundational principle of the **WHO mhGAP**, ensuring that individuals with mental disorders receive care without discrimination and with respect for their dignity and autonomy. - The program advocates for policies and practices that protect the rights of people with mental health conditions. [1] *Social support* - **Social support** is a crucial component promoted by the **WHO mhGAP**, recognizing its role in recovery and well-being for individuals with mental health conditions. - The program encourages interventions that strengthen social ties and community integration to reduce isolation and improve outcomes.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a core component of the WHO's global STI control strategy?
- A. Case management
- B. Universal mandatory screening (Correct Answer)
- C. Strategic information systems
- D. Prevention services
Explanation: ***Universal mandatory screening*** - While screening is part of STI control, **universal mandatory screening** for all STIs in the general population is not a core component of the WHO's strategy due to feasibility, cost, and ethical considerations. - The strategy emphasizes **targeted screening** for at-risk populations and opportunistic screening. *Case management* - **Case management**, including accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, is a critical component for managing current infections and preventing further transmission. - This involves syndromic or etiologic approaches to treatment and partner notification. *Strategic information systems* - **Strategic information systems** are essential for monitoring trends, evaluating interventions, and informing policy decisions related to STI control. - This includes surveillance data, program monitoring, and research. *Prevention services* - **Prevention services** are a cornerstone of the WHO's strategy, aiming to reduce the incidence of new infections. - These services encompass health education, condom promotion and distribution, vaccination, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Question 3: Which of the following is considered a fundamental defense mechanism in psychology?
- A. Alienation
- B. Confabulation
- C. Repression (Correct Answer)
- D. Suppression
Explanation: ***Repression*** - **Repression** is the **fundamental unconscious defense mechanism** where unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or memories are pushed out of conscious awareness to protect the ego. - It is considered the foundational defense mechanism because it operates automatically and without conscious effort, forming the basis for many other defense mechanisms. *Alienation* - **Alienation** refers to a feeling of estrangement or disconnection from others, society, or oneself, often due to social or psychological factors, but it is not a defense mechanism. - It describes a state of being rather than an active psychological process used to cope with anxiety. *Confabulation* - **Confabulation** is the creation of false autobiographical memories without the intent to deceive, often seen in neurological conditions like **Korsakoff's syndrome**. - It is a symptom of memory impairment, not an active psychological defense mechanism. *Suppression* - **Suppression** is a defense mechanism but is considered a mature/conscious defense; it involves deliberately and consciously putting unwanted thoughts or feelings out of mind. - Unlike **repression**, **suppression** is an intentional and relatively aware act of avoiding disturbing thoughts.
Question 4: WHO definition of health does not include?
- A. Physical health
- B. Mental health
- C. Environmental health (Correct Answer)
- D. Social health
Explanation: ***Environmental health*** - The **WHO definition of health** (1948) famously defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." - While environmental factors are crucial for health, the term **"environmental health"** is not explicitly listed as one of the core components in this specific definition. *Physical health* - This is an integral part of the **WHO definition**, referring to the overall condition of the body and its proper functioning. - It encompasses bodily integrity and the absence of **physical disease or disability**. *Mental health* - This is a key component of the **WHO definition**, emphasizing a state of well-being where an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. - It covers both **psychological** and **emotional well-being**. *Social health* - This is explicitly included in the **WHO definition**, referring to the ability to form meaningful relationships with others and adapt to social situations. - It involves the capacity to **interact successfully** within social settings and actively participate in the community.
Question 5: In which of the following patients would supportive therapy be most challenging to implement effectively?
- A. Patient who is severely ill and has significant ego dysfunction
- B. Person who is motivated and has good self-control
- C. Person with good cognitive and functional abilities
- D. Patient who is severely ill and uncooperative (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Patient who is severely ill and uncooperative*** - A **severely ill** patient who is **uncooperative** presents the most **immediate and direct barrier** to implementing supportive therapy effectively. Their **active resistance** to therapeutic interventions (refusing medication, declining to engage, missing appointments) makes it practically impossible to deliver care. - **Uncooperativeness** represents active opposition to treatment, requiring resolution before any therapeutic work can proceed. Without patient engagement, even the most basic supportive interventions cannot be implemented. - While other patients may have limitations, an uncooperative patient fundamentally blocks the therapeutic alliance necessary for any psychotherapy. *Patient who is severely ill and has significant ego dysfunction* - **Ego dysfunction** (impaired reality testing, poor impulse control, weak sense of self) is indeed challenging and represents a relative contraindication to insight-oriented therapies. - However, patients with ego dysfunction may still **passively participate** in supportive therapy, especially when the therapy is structured and focused on basic stabilization rather than insight. - The key difference: ego dysfunction is a **structural limitation** requiring adaptation of technique, whereas uncooperativeness is an **active barrier** preventing any intervention. A patient with ego dysfunction can still potentially benefit from modified supportive approaches, but an uncooperative patient cannot be engaged at all. *Person who is motivated and has good self-control* - This patient would be the **easiest to treat** with supportive therapy due to their intrinsic motivation and ability to manage their own behavior. - Their **motivation** and **self-control** would facilitate adherence to treatment plans and active participation in their care, making implementation straightforward. *Person with good cognitive and functional abilities* - This patient would be **highly amenable to supportive therapy** as their cognitive and functional capacities allow them to understand and participate in treatment. - Good cognitive and functional abilities enable them to comprehend instructions, manage their own care, and engage effectively with healthcare providers, presenting minimal implementation challenges.
Question 6: Which of the following is the core component of Beck's cognitive theory of depression?
- A. A. Cognitive distortions
- B. B. Automatic thoughts
- C. C. Dysfunctional belief (Correct Answer)
- D. D. Introjection
Explanation: ***Dysfunctional belief*** - **Dysfunctional beliefs**, or **core beliefs**, are the central component of Beck's cognitive theory, acting as underlying assumptions that shape an individual's interpretation of events. - These deep-seated beliefs are often rigid, extreme, and influence the development of maladaptive thoughts and behaviors in depression. *Cognitive distortions* - **Cognitive distortions** are systematic errors in thinking that arise from dysfunctional beliefs but are not the fundamental cause themselves. - They are the *patterned ways* in which individuals misconstrue reality, such as **catastrophizing** or **all-or-nothing thinking**. *Automated thoughts* - **Automatic thoughts** are spontaneous, fleeting thoughts that occur in response to specific situations. - While they are a key symptom and target of therapy in Beck's model, they stem from underlying dysfunctional beliefs and cognitive distortions, rather than being the core component. *Introjection* - **Introjection** is a psychoanalytic concept referring to the unconscious absorption of attitudes, ideas, and behaviors from external sources into one's own personality. - This concept is primarily associated with **psychodynamic theories** and is not part of Beck's cognitive model of depression.
Question 7: In a basic Health Education model, the first step is Awareness, and the second step is Motivation. What is the third step?
- A. Reflection
- B. Dedication
- C. Contemplation
- D. Action (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Action*** - Following **awareness** and **motivation**, **action** is the crucial third step where individuals actively engage in the new behaviors or lifestyle changes. - This step involves the practical implementation of learned health information and the commitment to maintaining these changes over time. *Reflection* - **Reflection** typically occurs after an action has been taken, allowing individuals to review their experiences and learn from them. - It is not the immediate next step after motivation in the sequence of most health education models. *Dedication* - **Dedication** is a quality or characteristic often developed over time as an individual commits to a new behavior, rather than a distinct sequential step in health education models. - While important for sustaining change, it doesn't represent the primary third step in the progression from awareness to behavior change. *Contemplation* - **Contemplation** often precedes motivation, representing the stage where an individual is considering making a change but has not yet committed to it. - In models like the **Transtheoretical Model**, contemplation is an earlier stage than the actual "action" of behavior change.
Question 8: Provision of the Mental Health Act 2017, based on WHO guidelines, includes all, except:
- A. Social support
- B. Screening family members (Correct Answer)
- C. Human rights
- D. Communication regarding care and treatment
Explanation: ***Screening family members*** - The Mental Health Act 2017 focuses on the **rights, treatment, and support of individuals with mental illness**, not routine screening of their family members. - The Act does not contain provisions mandating **screening of asymptomatic family members**, though family history may be relevant for clinical assessment. - This is **not a provision** outlined in the Act based on WHO guidelines. *Human rights* - The Act is explicitly grounded in the **protection and promotion of human rights** for persons with mental illness (Chapter I). - Ensures care with **dignity, respect, and freedom from discrimination** as core principles. - Aligns with WHO's mental health action plan and human rights framework. *Communication regarding care and treatment* - **Section 4** emphasizes the right to information and **informed consent** for all treatment decisions. - Patients must receive clear communication about their **diagnosis, treatment options, and care plans**. - Includes provisions for **advance directives** and involvement in treatment decisions. *Social support* - **Chapter V** addresses rehabilitation and community-based services, emphasizing the role of **social support systems**. - Promotes **community integration** and access to social resources for recovery. - Recognizes family and community support as essential for long-term mental health management.
Question 9: The commonly used theory to predict individual's behaviour regarding preventive health care is:
- A. Salutogenic model
- B. Transtheoretical model
- C. Social cognitive theory
- D. Health belief model (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Health belief model*** - This model is widely used for **predicting preventative health behaviors**, as it focuses on an individual's perceptions of threat and benefits. - It considers factors like **perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers**, cues to action, and self-efficacy in motivating health actions. *Salutogenic model* - The salutogenic model emphasizes factors that **promote health and well-being**, rather than focusing on disease or risk factors. - It centers around an individual's **sense of coherence**, which is their capacity to comprehend, manage, and find meaning in life's challenges. *Transtheoretical model* - This model describes **stages of change** that individuals go through when modifying a health behavior, such as precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. - While useful for understanding behavior change, it is more about the **process of change** rather than predicting initial engagement in preventative care. *Social cognitive theory* - Social cognitive theory emphasizes the role of **observational learning, social experiences, and self-efficacy** in the development of personality and health behaviors. - While it explains how individuals learn and perform health actions, it is not as directly focused on the **cognitive factors influencing preventative care decisions** as the Health Belief Model.
Question 10: Most reliable predictor of autism in 18-month-olds is:
- A. No pretend play (Correct Answer)
- B. Language delay
- C. Repetitive behaviors
- D. Poor eye contact
Explanation: ***No pretend play*** - The absence of **symbolic play** or **pretend play** is a significant early indicator of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers. - This reflects a core deficit in **social imagination** and understanding of others' perspectives often seen in ASD. *Language delay* - While **language delay** is a common feature in children with ASD, it is not the most specific or reliable predictor on its own at 18 months, as many children without ASD can also experience language delays. - It can also be associated with other developmental issues, making it less specific than lack of pretend play. *Repetitive behaviors* - **Repetitive behaviors**, such as hand flapping or rocking, are characteristic of ASD but often become more prominent and easier to identify at a slightly later age than 18 months. - At this early age, these behaviors may be subtle and less consistently observed compared to deficits in pretend play. *Poor eye contact* - **Poor eye contact** is a recognized symptom of ASD, reflecting difficulties in social interaction. - However, it can be variable and influenced by temperament and other factors, making it less universally reliable as the single best predictor at 18 months compared to the fundamental disruption in social communication represented by absent pretend play.
Want unlimited practice?
Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.
Start For Free