Which statement about the five layers of neurosis is true?

• A. They Are Forms of Defense Coexisting with Rational Thinking
• B. They Represent Layers to Be Peeled Away to Reach Emotional Stability
• C. They Describe Dream Symbols
• D. They Are Stages of Cognitive Development

Answer: (B)

Five layers of neurosis are understood as successive defenses wrapping around an underlying emotional conflict, and the goal of therapy is to peel away these layers to expose and resolve the deeper issue, leading to emotional stability. This best fits the idea that the model views neurosis as a layered structure that can be progressively uncovered and integrated rather than something fixed or purely symbolic. Each layer represents a pattern of defenses or symptoms that shield the core conflict, and working through them helps reduce distress and restore balance. The other statements don’t capture this process: defenses can exist alongside rational thinking, but that description doesn’t convey the peeling-away, insight-driven path to stability; dream symbols relate to interpreting dreams rather than a layer-by-layer protective system; and stages of cognitive development describe changes in thinking and reasoning, not a model of neurosis layers.