Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

Which concept in Contextual therapy involves symptomatic behaviors as a response to deficient parenting?

1. Destructive Entitlement

2. Digital communication

3. Diffuse Boundaries

4. Dirty Games

The correct answer is: Destructive Entitlement

The concept of Destructive Entitlement in Contextual Therapy refers to the belief that individuals may engage in symptomatic behaviors as a result of experiencing a lack of nurturing or adequate parenting. This idea is rooted in the understanding that when a child's emotional and relational needs are not met in a healthy manner, they may develop a sense of entitlement to certain behaviors or outcomes that are often maladaptive. In the framework of Contextual Therapy, the child may feel justified in their grievances, leading to a cycle where they believe they are entitled to compensation for their unmet needs. This can manifest in symptomatic behaviors as a way to communicate distress or elicit a response from others. Such behaviors may serve as a dysfunctional attempt to reclaim a sense of balance or get the attention and care that was lacking during formative years. By recognizing and addressing Destructive Entitlement, therapy can aim to provide the necessary reparative experiences that may have been missed, ultimately fostering healthier relational patterns and emotional growth. This makes it crucial for therapists to identify and navigate these dynamics within their practice to support clients in moving toward healing and healthier interactions.