Comprehensive exams for Mental Health Q 208

---

Ivy, who is in the psychiatric unit is copying and imitating the movements of her primary nurse. During recovery, she says, “I thought the nurse was my mirror. I felt connected only when I saw my nurse.” This behavior is known by which of the following terms?

  

     A. Modeling

     B. Echopraxia

     C. Ego-syntonicity

     D. Ritualism

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Echopraxia

---

Echopraxia is the copying of another’s behaviors and is the result of the loss of ego boundaries. The involuntary imitation of the movements of another person. Echopraxia is a feature of schizophrenia (especially the catatonic form), Tourette syndrome, and some other neurologic diseases. From echo + the Greek praxia meaning action.

---

Option A: Modeling is the conscious copying of someone’s behaviors. Modeling is one way in which behavior is learned. When a person observes the behavior of another and then imitates that behavior, he or she is modeling the behavior. This is sometimes known as observational learning or social learning. Modeling is a kind of vicarious learning in which direct instruction need not occur.

Option C: Ego-syntonicity refers to behaviors that correspond with the individual’s sense of self. Thoughts, wishes, impulses, and behavior are said to be ego-syntonic when they form no threat to the ego and can be acted upon without interference from the superego.

Option D: Ritualism behaviors are repetitive and compulsive. Ritualism is a concept developed by American sociologist Robert K. Merton as a part of his structural strain theory. It refers to the common practice of going through the motions of daily life even though one does not accept the goals or values that align with those practices.

---