Question

Poor anxiety management leads people to function less effectively in their jobs and relationships. Short-term psychotherapy, while it does not have the profound effect of psychoanalysis, can teach some concrete techniques for managing anxiety. Which of the following can be correctly inferred from the statements above? People who can manage their anxiety reasonably well have no need for shortterm psychotherapy. Psychoanalysis is more useful in promoting long-term change than is psychotherapy. If people can manage their anxiety well, they are able to be effective at work and in relationships. Short-term psychotherapy may help some people to manage their anxiety. Concrete techniques are better for anxiety management than is theoretical work.

Short answer

The statement that can be correctly inferred from the text is: 'Short-term psychotherapy may help some people to manage their anxiety'.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Key Information

Review the given text carefully and distinguish the important points. According to the text, poor anxiety management can negatively impact job performance and relationships. Short-term psychotherapy can assist in teaching some concrete methods to manage anxiety, although its impact is less profound than that of psychoanalysis.

Evaluate Each Statement

Each statement should be evaluated against the information given in the text. For example, the first statement 'People who can manage their anxiety reasonably well have no need for shortterm psychotherapy' is not explicitly stated in the text. The text only mentions that short-term psychotherapy can help manage anxiety, not that it’s the only method or it’s useless for people who manage their anxiety reasonably well. Continue this process for each statement, comparing them against the text.

Draw Valid Inferences

Based on the provided text, the statement 'Short-term psychotherapy may help some people to manage their anxiety' is the most directly supported by the text, while the others require assumptions or additional information not provided in the text. This statement is directly inferred from the phrase 'Short-term psychotherapy,... can teach some concrete techniques for managing anxiety'.

Key concepts

Anxiety Management

Anxiety management is key to maintaining effectiveness in various aspects of life, such as work and relationships. Poor management of anxiety can lead to decreased performance and strained interactions with others, creating a cycle of stress.

To manage anxiety effectively, concrete strategies are essential. Some of these strategies include:

• Deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help calm the mind.


• Mindfulness meditation for maintaining focus and reducing stress.


• Time management skills to prevent overwhelming feelings from piling up tasks.

It’s important to remember that handling anxiety isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. People must try different techniques to find what works best for them. By focusing on these strategies, individuals can enhance their ability to manage anxiety and, consequently, improve their professional and personal relationships.

Psychoanalysis

Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach that delves deeply into understanding the unconscious influences on our behavior. It often involves exploring childhood experiences and emotions, which can uncover hidden patterns driving anxiety and other issues. This form of therapy can bring about significant long-term changes because it aims to resolve the root causes of emotional distress.

Psychoanalysis can be particularly beneficial in identifying longstanding habits or thoughts contributing to anxiety. Over time, this method can help build self-awareness and emotional resilience. However, it requires a considerable time commitment, typically involving multiple sessions over years.

Short-term Psychotherapy

Short-term psychotherapy is designed to address specific issues quickly and efficiently. Unlike long-term psychoanalysis, it focuses on helping individuals develop coping skills and strategies to deal with immediate challenges, such as anxiety.

Effective techniques used in short-term psychotherapy might include:

• Cognitive-behavioral strategies to change negative patterns of thinking.


• Solution-focused techniques to directly tackle issues causing anxiety.


• Practical exercises to practice anxiety-reducing behaviors.

While it may not provide the profound insights offered by psychoanalysis, short-term psychotherapy can be particularly helpful for individuals seeking immediate relief and specific problem-solving skills.

Effectiveness in Relationships

Effectiveness in relationships is often closely tied to how well one manages anxiety. Anxiety can put a strain on interactions, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts. By managing anxiety with tools from psychotherapy, individuals can improve their communication and empathy.

Key aspects of effectively managing anxiety to improve relationships include:

• Developing listening skills to ensure clear communication.


• Cultivating patience and reducing overreaction to stressful situations.


• Practicing emotional regulation to handle conflicts constructively.

By focusing on anxiety management, not only can personal well-being improve but also the quality of relationships, leading to more fulfilling and supportive connections.