Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:-
The prisoners in the concentration camps in World War-II had lost faith in the future. Being in the camp, I felt disgusted with the state of affairs and I forced my thoughts to turn to another subject. "Suddenly, I saw myself standing on the platform of a well-lit, warm and pleasant lecture room. In front of me, the attentive audience were seated in comfortable upholstered seats. I saw myself giving a lecture on hope, optimism, and resilience under difficult circumstances." Suddenly, all that oppressed me stopped giving me pain and distress. This practice was so impactful that I could succeed in rising above the situation and the sufferings of the moment."
Which method has the writer used to rise above his sufferings in the concentration camp?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Creative Visualisation
Option (1) Cognitive Behavioural Techniques — Incorrect. These techniques, such as Meichenbaum’s stress inoculation training, replace negative and irrational thoughts with positive and rational ones through assessment, stress reduction techniques and application. The writer did not argue with his thoughts; he turned them to an imagined scene.
Option (2) Creative Visualisation — Correct. Creative visualisation is a subjective experience that uses imagery and imagination. The writer forced his thoughts to another subject and saw himself giving a lecture in a warm, well-lit room before an attentive audience; the imagined scene stopped the pain and let him rise above his sufferings.
Option (3) Biofeedback — Incorrect. Biofeedback is a procedure to monitor and reduce the physiological aspects of stress by giving feedback about current physiological activity, such as the heart rate. The writer had no feedback of his body’s activity; he used images.
Option (4) Relaxation Techniques — Incorrect. These are active skills that reduce the symptoms of stress, such as deep breathing and relaxing the muscles from the lower part of the body up to the face. The passage describes no relaxing of the body, only an imagined scene.
NCERT (2025-26): “Stress Management Techniques … Relaxation Techniques : It is an active skill that reduces symptoms of stress and decreases the incidence of illnesses such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Usually relaxation starts from the lower part of the body and progresses up to the facial muscles in such a way that the whole body is relaxed. Deep breathing is used along with muscle relaxation to calm the mind and relax the body. Meditation Procedures : The yogic method of meditation consists of a sequence of learned techniques for refocusing of attention that brings about an altered state of consciousness. It involves such a thorough concentration that the meditator becomes unaware of any outside stimulation and reaches a different state of consciousness. Biofeedback : It is a procedure to monitor and reduce the physiological aspects of stress by providing feedback about current physiological activity and is often accompanied by relaxation training.” “Creative Visualisation : It is an effective technique for dealing with stress. Creative visualisation is a subjective experience that uses imagery and imagination. Before visualising one must set oneself a realistic goal, as it helps build confidence. It is easier to visualise if one’s mind is quiet, body relaxed and eyes are closed. This reduces the risk of interference from unbidden thoughts and provides the creative energy needed for turning an imagined scene into reality.” “Cognitive Behavioural Techniques : These techniques aim to inoculate people against stress. Stress inoculation training is one effective method developed by Meichenbaum. The essence of this approach is to replace negative and irrational thoughts with positive and rational ones.…” |