Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How does a person with a personality disorder typically express their emotional state in stressful situations?

1. Calmly and rationally

2. Indifferently

3. With exaggerated emotional reactions

4. Through avoidance

The correct answer is: With exaggerated emotional reactions

Individuals with a personality disorder often struggle with emotional regulation, which significantly influences how they respond in stressful situations. When faced with stressors, they may exhibit exaggerated emotional reactions, which can manifest as intense anger, anxiety, or dramatic responses. This heightened emotionality can stem from a variety of factors, including their perceptions of the situation, the nature of their disorder, and their coping mechanisms. Such reactions can often seem disproportionate to the situation at hand, reflecting an underlying instability in emotional responses. In contrast, the other emotional expressions mentioned are generally more controlled or subdued, which does not align with the typical experience of someone with a personality disorder. For example, remaining calm and rational is characteristic of emotional stability, while indifference suggests a lack of emotional engagement. Similarly, avoidance strategies are often attempts to cope with distress rather than expressions of emotional states. Thus, the tendency for exaggerated emotional reactions is a key aspect of how individuals with personality disorders might present themselves under stress, making it the correct choice in this context.