Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

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Study for the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Exam with our thorough quiz. Test your knowledge with expertly crafted questions and enhance your understanding of addiction counseling concepts. Prepare effectively for your certification!

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What is defined as the external expression of an internal emotional state?

Repression
Affect
Depression
Anxiety

The correct answer is: Affect

The concept that defines the external expression of an internal emotional state is referred to as "affect." Affect encompasses the visible emotional response or demeanor that a person exhibits in reaction to their feelings or emotional experiences. For example, a person might smile when feeling happy or frown when feeling sad; these expressions are manifestations of their internal emotional states. In psychological contexts, affect can vary in terms of its range (for instance, from flat to expansive), intensity, and appropriateness in relation to the situation at hand. This aspect is crucial in clinical settings, as understanding a person's affect can assist in assessing their emotional well-being and can inform the therapeutic process. The accurate observation of affect allows counselors to gauge whether a client's external expressions align with what they verbally communicate about their feelings.