Clinical terms Part 1

Question 1

A defense Mechanism in which anxiety or emotional conflict is transformed into overt physical manifestations or symptoms such as pain, loss of feeling, or paralysis.

Answer 1

Conversion

Question 2

An internal experience of emotional change and distress; precipitated by a perceived life problem resulting in internal discord because the individual’s typical coping strategies are inadequate.

Answer 2

Crisis

Question 3

A mental mechanism in which the individual derives feelings from another person or object and directs them internally to an imagined form of the object or person.

Answer 3

Introjection

Question 4

The advantages or benefits one derives from a physical or mental illness, such as attention, freedom from responsibility, and disability benefits.

Answer 4

Secondary Gain

Question 5

The process of distinguishing between similar mental disorders or social problems on the basis of their compared and unique characteristics.

Answer 5

Differential Diagnosis

Question 6

Conscious or unconscious avoidance behavior used by the clients to protect oneself from the influence of the social worker.

Answer 6

Resistence

Question 7

A mental process that protects an individual from anxiety, feelings of gilt, or unacceptable thoughts.

Answer 7

Defense Mechanisms

Question 8

A principle of ethics according to which the social worker or other professional may not disclose information about a client without a client’s consent; In specific circumstances, such as threats of violence, commission of crimes, and suspected child abuse, the social worker may be compelled by law to reveal to designated authorities some information.

Answer 8

Confidentiality

Question 9

The appearance of apathy in mood, sometimes seen as a symptom of Schizophrenia or depression.

Answer 9

Flat Affect

Question 10

The social work process of temporarily considering a client’s interconnected problems as separate entities so that work toward their solution can be more manageable.

Answer 10

Partialization

Question 11

The progression of physical and mental changes occurring over time that result in clusters of identifiable and predictable characteristics tending to occur during specific periods.

Answer 11

Development Stages

Question 12

The emotional and physical reaction to loss of a loved one.

Answer 12

Bereavement

Question 13

Often indicates the actions of one who facilitates the dysfunctional behavior of another.

Answer 13

Enabler

Question 14

Presenting in logical terms or interpreting the reasons for some actions or events; is also used as a defense mechanism in which a person explains or justifies an action or thought to make it acceptable when it is unacceptable at a deeper psychological level.

Answer 14

Rationalization

Question 15

A defense mechanism in which the person behaves or thinks in ways or assumes values that are the opposite of the original unconscious trait.

Answer 15

Reaction Formation

Question 16

An ethical principal in social work that recognizes the rights and needs of clients to be free to make their own choices and decisions; includes helping the client know what the resources and choices are and helping the client implement the decision made

Answer 16

Self-Determination

Question 17

The process that takes place between two or more people to end conflict; This is usually achieved by clarifying mutual expectations.

Answer 17

Role Re-equilibration

Question 18

Reduced or minimal motor movement.

Answer 18

Akinesia

Question 19

A sustained pattern of fidgety movements, such as swinging of the legs, rocking, tapping the feet or hands, pacing, and being unable to remain in a position for long.

Answer 19

Akathisia

Question 20

Sustained abnormal postures or muscle spasms, symptomatic of mental disorders.

Answer 20

Dystonia

Question 21

A diagram of family relationships used to depict a variety of reciprocal influences between the client and those people related to the client, relevant social institutions, and environmental influences.

Answer 21

Ecomap

Question 22

A diagram often used in family therapy to depict family relationships extended over at least three generations.

Answer 22

Genogram

Question 23

A central concept in family systems theories pertaining to the implicit rules that determine how the family members or subsystems are expected to relate to one another and to nonfamily members.

Answer 23

Boundary

Question 24

The treatment process and other activities to solve or prevent problems or achieve goals.

Answer 24

Intervention

Question 25

The customs, beliefs, standards or conduct, and principles considered desirable by a culture, a group of people, or an individual.

Answer 25

Values

Question 26

Actions intended to control and often exploit the thoughts, feelings, or responses of others; may be intentional or unconscious.

Answer 26

Manipulative Behavior

Question 27

The social work process of directing a client to an agency, resources, or a professional known to be able to provide a needed service.

Answer 27

Referral

Question 28

An interpersonal relationship between an individual or organization possessing special expertise and someone who needs that expertise to solve a specific problem.

Answer 28

Consultation

Question 29

The process of determining the nature, cause, progression, and prognosis of a problem.

Answer 29

Assessment

Question 30

In the social work interview, the state of harmony, compatibility, and empathy that permits mutual understanding and a working relationship between the client and the social worker.

Answer 30

Rapport