LMSW Flashcards
Clinical Terms 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
Conversion
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
Crisis
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
Introjection
The advantages or benefits one derives from a physical or mental illness,
such as attention, freedom from responsibility, and disability benefits
Secondary Gain
_The process of distinguishing between similar mental disorders or social
problems on the basis of their compared and unique characteristics
Differential Diagnosis
Conscious or unconscious avoidance behavior used by the client to
protect oneself from the influence of the social worker
Resistance
_A mental process that protects an individual from anxiety, feelings of
guilt, or unacceptable thoughts
Defense Mechanism
A principle of ethics stating 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 or suspected child abuse, the social worker
may be compelled by law to reveal some information to designated authorities
Confidentiality
The appearance of apathy in mood, sometimes seen as a symptom of
schizophrenia or depression
Flat Affect
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
Partialization
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
Developmental Stages
_The emotional and physical reaction to the loss of a loved one
Bereavement
_Often indicates the actions of one who facilitates the dysfunctional
behavior of another
Enabler
_Presenting in logical terms or interpreting the reasons for some action or
events; It 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
Rationalization
_A defense mechanism in which the person behaves or thinks in ways or
assumes values that are the opposite of the original unconscious trait
Reaction Formation
An ethical principle 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
Self-determination
The process that takes place between two or more people to end conflict;
This is usually achieved by clarifying mutual expectations
Role Re-equilibration
Reduced or minimal motor movement
Akinesia
_A sustained pattern of fidgety movements, such as swinging of the legs,
rocking, tapping the feet or hands, pacing, or being unable to remain in a position for
long
Akathisia
Sustained abnormal postures or muscle spasms, symptomatic of mental
disorders
Dystonia
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
Ecomap
A diagram often used in family therapy to depict family relationships
extended over at least three generations
Genogram
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 non family members
Boundary
The treatment process and other activities to solve or prevent problems
or achieve goals
Intervention
The customs, beliefs, standards of conduct, and principles considered
desirable by a culture, a group of people, or an individual
Values
Actions intended to control and often exploit the thoughts, feelings, or
responses of others; may be intentional or unconscious
Manipulative Behaviors
The social work process of directing a client to an agency, resources, or a
professional known to be able to provide a needed service
Referral
An interpersonal relationship between an individual or organization
possessing special expertise and someone who needs that expertise to solve a specific
problem
Consultation
The process of determining the nature, cause, progression, and prognosis
of a problem
Assessment
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
Rapport
