Question 1

Which stage of contemplative practice involves recognizing habitual patterns?

Accepted Answer

The second stage of contemplative practice involves recognizing habitual patterns. This stage is focused on developing awareness and ability to observe one's own thoughts, emotions and actions without getting caught up in them.

Question 2

In which developmental phase do we establish a more coherent sense of self and largely accept the conventional cultural assumptions about ourselves and the world?

Accepted Answer

The personal developmental phase, which typically occurs during adolescence and young adulthood, is characterized by the establishment of a more coherent sense of self and the acceptance of conventional cultural assumptions about oneself and the world. During this phase, individuals begin to define themselves based on their own aspirations and values, rather than simply conforming to the expectations of others. They also begin to develop a greater sense of responsibility and accountability for their own lives and choices.

Question 3

Vipassana or insight meditation is a Buddhist practice also known as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Vipassana meditation is also known as mindfulness meditation, which emphasizes paying attention to the present moment with non-judgmental awareness.

Question 4

In contemplative psychologies, overlooking which of the following produces several kinds of pain and pathology?

Accepted Answer

Metamotives, such as the need for meaning and self-actualization, are fundamental in contemplative psychologies. Overlooking them can lead to existential pain and psychological issues.

Question 5

Researchers consistently find that most therapeutic benefits come from so-called nonspecific factors. Which of the following is NOT a nonspecific factor?

Accepted Answer

Specific elements of the therapeutic model are not considered nonspecific factors, as they are the specific techniques or interventions used in a particular therapy approach. The other options (therapist's personal qualities, quality of the relationship, and client's personal qualities) are considered nonspecific factors that can contribute to therapeutic benefits regardless of the specific therapy approach used.

Question 6

Which practice begins by directing attention to a repetitive inner sound that settles the mind into a clear, peaceful state?

Accepted Answer

Mantra meditation involves directing attention to a repetitive sound or phrase to calm the mind and create a sense of inner peace. This practice is often used in various forms of meditation and may involve the repetition of a word, sound, or phrase that has significance to the individual. Yogic breathing and mindfulness are also practices commonly associated with meditation but do not necessarily involve the use of a specific sound or phrase.

Question 7

Contemplatives regard which of the following as both a means to and an expression of psychological well-being and maturity?

Accepted Answer

Altruism is often seen as both a means to achieve psychological well-being and maturity, as well as an expression of these states, by promoting selflessness and concern for the welfare of others.

Question 8

When an object of awareness becomes the subject of awareness, the self becomes identified with or fused with the thought. Which of the following terms describes this process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When an object of awareness becomes the...

Question 9

The largest benefit of meditation was shown to be in which of the following domains?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The largest benefit of meditation was shown...

Question 10

Meditation has been shown to improve which of the following capacities?

Accepted Answer

Meditation has been found to improve all three capacities mentioned in the options: perceptual sensitivity, concentration, and short-term memory.

Question 11

Which of the following is an empirically supported eight-week group program that offers mindfulness meditation and yoga posture training, individual and group support, education, and daily practices?

Accepted Answer

The program described is the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, which has been extensively researched and empirically supported as an effective intervention for stress reduction and improved well-being. The other choices, while they may involve mindfulness or body-based practices, do not specifically include all of the components mentioned.

Question 12

The origins of meditative and yogic practices can be traced back at least ______ years.

Accepted Answer

The origins of meditative and yogic practices can be traced back at least 3,000 years, to ancient India.

Question 13

From a contemplative perspective, which of the following can be described as enlightened self-interest?

Accepted Answer

Enlightened self-interest refers to actions or decisions that benefit oneself while also benefiting others or the greater good. Ethics, which involves making moral decisions and acting in accordance with moral principles, can be seen as an example of enlightened self-interest because it benefits both oneself and others. Emotional transformation, refining awareness, and wisdom can also be important aspects of a contemplative practice, but they do not necessarily involve direct benefits for others or the greater good.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a higher state of consciousness?

Accepted Answer

All of these choices reflect a higher state of consciousness. Unwavering concentration is a hallmark of meditation, a practice that can lead to heightened states of awareness. Perceptual clarity can occur during altered states, such as through psychedelics or intense meditation. Deep compassion, often associated with spiritual experiences, is also considered a hallmark of a higher state of consciousness.

Question 15

Which type of meditation aims to cultivate clear sensitive awareness and use it to explore the nature of mind and experience?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which type of meditation aims to cultivate...

Question 16

Contemplative therapies include seven central kinds of practices to cultivate corresponding qualities of mind and behavior. Which of the following is NOT one of those practices?

Accepted Answer

The seven central kinds of practices in contemplative therapies are emotional transformation, ethics, refinement of awareness, strengthening positive qualities, wisdom, visualization, and mantra. Karma is not one of the central practices.

Question 17

The most encompassing explanation of the mechanism that accounts for the positive effects of meditation is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The most encompassing explanation of the mechanism...

Question 18

According to Western psychology, which state of consciousness is optimal?

Accepted Answer

Western psychology generally regards the waking state as the optimal state of consciousness as it allows for the greatest level of awareness and ability to interact with the environment.

Question 19

Our "deep nature" is thought to be which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Our "deep nature" is often described as pure awareness, which is the underlying, unchanging consciousness that transcends our thoughts, feelings, and sense of self. Therefore, the best choice is B.

Question 20

In which stage of contemplative practice do transpersonal experiences emerge?

Accepted Answer

Transpersonal experiences typically emerge in the fifth stage of contemplative practice, which is characterized by an increased sense of spaciousness and non-dual awareness. This stage involves a deepening sense of connection to others and the world around us, and may include experiences of unity, interconnectedness, and transcendent states of consciousness.

Quiz 12: Meditation and Psychotherapy Roger Walsh