Question

Which of the following best describes a key difference between the underlying assumptions of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy?

A) IPT focuses on the relationship between the therapist and patient, while psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on the patient's internal conflicts and unconscious motivations.
B) IPT assumes that psychological problems are caused by unresolved conflicts from childhood, while psychodynamic psychotherapy assumes that current interpersonal relationships are the primary cause of psychological distress.
C) IPT assumes that behavior is shaped by environmental factors, while psychodynamic psychotherapy assumes that behavior is determined by unconscious processes and early childhood experiences.
D) IPT focuses on the client's current social and interpersonal environment, while psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on the client's early relationships and experiences.

Answer 1

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) focuses on current interpersonal relationships to alleviate psychological distress, whereas psychodynamic psychotherapy examines the impact of early relationships and unconscious motivations rooted in childhood on behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

The key difference between the underlying assumptions of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy is that IPT focuses on the client's current social and interpersonal environment, while psychodynamic psychotherapy delves into the client's early relationships and experiences. Psychodynamic psychotherapy, informed by Freudian theories, emphasizes the role of unconscious motivations and internal conflicts, mostly stemming from childhood experiences, in shaping behavior. This is contrasted with IPT which is concerned primarily with a person's current relationships and how improving these relationships can alleviate psychological distress.