Clinical Terms Part 1

Question 1

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

Answer 1

developmental stages.

Question 2

an ethical principle in social work that recognized 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 2

self-determination

Question 3

the emotional and physical reaction to loss of a loved one

Answer 3

bereavement

Question 4

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 4

ecomap

Question 5

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

Answer 5

referral

Question 6

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

Answer 6

interventions

Question 7

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

Answer 7

manipulative behavior

Question 8

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

Answer 8

secondary gain

Question 9

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

Answer 9

genogram

Question 10

sustained abnormal postures or muscle spasms, symptomatic of mental disorders

Answer 10

dystonia

Question 11

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 11

conversion

Question 12

conscious or unconscious avoidance behavior used by the client to protect oneself from the influence of the social worker

Answer 12

resistance

Question 13

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

Answer 13

differential diagnosis.

Question 14

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 14

akathisia

Question 15

a mental process that protects an individual from anxiety, feelings of guilt, or unacceptable thoughts.

Answer 15

defense mechanisms

Question 16

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

Answer 16

consultation

Question 17

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

Answer 17

assessment

Question 18

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 18

boundary

Question 19

presenting in logical terms or interpreting the reasons for some action or events; is also used as a defense mechanisms 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 19

rationalization.

Question 20

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

Answer 20

partialization.

Question 21

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 21

crisis.

Question 22

a mental mechanisms 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 22

introjection

Question 23

often indicates the actions of one who facilitates the dysfunctional behavior or another

Answer 23

enabler.

Question 24

the process that takes place between two or more people to end conflict; this is usually achieve by clarifying mutual expectations.

Answer 24

role re-equlibiration

Question 25

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

Answer 25

values

Question 26

the appearance of apathy in mood, sometimes seen as a symptoms of schizophrenia or depression

Answer 26

flat affect.

Question 27

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

Answer 27

reaction formation

Question 28

a principle of ethics according to which the social worker or other professional may not disclose information about a client without the 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 28

confidentiality.

Question 29

reduced or minimal motor movement

Answer 29

akinesia