Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

Which term refers to the alignment of external behavior with internal emotions?

1. Dissociation

2. Congruence

3. Displacement

4. Regression

The correct answer is: Congruence

The term that refers to the alignment of external behavior with internal emotions is congruence. Congruence is a concept often used in psychology and counseling to describe the harmony between a person's feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. When an individual is congruent, their external actions match their internal experiences, which can lead to a sense of authenticity and well-being. This alignment is particularly important in therapeutic settings, as it fosters trust and open communication between clients and counselors. In contrast, dissociation refers to a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory, often as a defense mechanism in response to trauma. Displacement involves redirecting emotions from a source of distress to a safer target, which does not reflect congruence. Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to behaviors characteristic of an earlier developmental stage, often in response to stress, rather than aligning their behavior with their current emotions.