Practice Questions & Rationales: ASWB Clinical Practice Questions Flashcards
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states that up to 50% of all people who commit suicide have had failed past attempts. Traumatic life events that cause a significant amount of stress and clinical depression are known to be major risk factors behind for suicide. Which of the following is not likely to be a risk factor for suicide?
A. Family history of mental disorder
B. Incarceration
C. Chronic Physical illness
D. Family diversity
D. Family Diversity
Rationale: Research shows that 90% of all suicides were by individuals suffering from clinical depression or other mental disorders. Substance abuse is usually an additional factor to an already unstable diagnosis. Warning signs that someone is contemplating suicide may include: risk-taking behavior, talking about death, changing a will, and losing interest in things one cares about. Family diversity has not been shown to be a significant issue related to suicide.
Alyson was recently given a promotion at work that has increased the caseload of clients she sees on a daily basis. Long hours have led to conflicts with her family life at home. Alyson feels frustrated and pressured, but needs the extra money. Also, if she asks for a demotion, this would reduce her social status within the employment agency. Alyson is currently dealing with what kind of stress?
A. Conflict resolution
B. Developmental
C. Biopsychosocial
D. Homeostasis
C. Biopsychosocial
Rationale: The biopsychosocial model of stress involves events within the environment that lead to the recognition of stress. Common stressors in this model fall within four main topics: Work, social/family, personal and the environment. Biopsychosocial stress affects self-esteem, social status, and self-worth.
A clinical social worker is providing services to a woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She experiences frequent manic episodes that include motor hyperactivity, elation, poor judgement, pressured speech and hostility. To try and bring about normalization of symptoms, what is the best choice for medication?
A. Effexor
B. Citalopram
C. Adderall
D. Lithium
D. Lithium
Rationale: Lithium is used as an anti-mania medication for individuals suffering from affective disorder, bipolar, and mania. Studies have demonstrated that lithium alters sodium transport in muscle and nerve cells. Patients given this medication will feel relief of symptoms and demonstrate normalcy within 1 to 3 weeks. A drug more commonly prescribed is Depakote, due to the need for ongoing blood level tests with Lithium. Antidepressants can trigger mania and do not work very well.
Clinical social workers use assessment as an ongoing process with client participation. The purpose is to understand people in relation to their environment through planning, improving and changing. Professionals learn to develop an understanding of particular social problems, kinds of solutions and possible consequences. Most social workers define assessment in relation to the five stages of framework. Which of the following demonstrates this theory?
A. Data collection, utilizing the data, environmental behavior, outcome, and consequence
B. Planning, weighing the data, utilizing the analysis, emotional outcome, and consequence
C. Preparation, data collection, weighing the data, analyzing the data, and utilizing the analysis
D. Constructing data analysis, planning, analyzing the data, behavior modification, and empowerment
C. Preparation, data collection, weighing the data, analyzing the data, and utilizing the analysis.
Rationale: The five stages of assessment framework include preparation, data collection, weighing the data, and utilizing the data. The first stage is important for determining what data will be relevant and what the limits are on task. As the data is collected, weighed and analyzed, it comes down to the final stage of judgement by the clinical social worker.
The goal in therapy is to build ego strength and ensure a stable identity within the client. Ego strength is defined as the capacity to cope despite adversity. Examples include: impulse control, affect-tolerant, frustration-tolerance, and resistance to aggression. What common test is utilized to determine characteristics and emotional functioning of clients?
A. Neuropsychological
B. Rorschach
C. Aptitude
D. Intelligence
B. Rorschach
Rationale: The Rorschach test is utilized in diagnosing underlying thought disorders and psychotic thinking. There are 10 official inkblot cards that a client describes. Results are based on what is observed, contents of the response, client comments, and how much time is spent on each card. The results are interpreted using research data on personality characteristics.
One test stands out as the most widely used personality assessment. It was developed in the late 1930s and mental health professionals find it quite accurate for diagnosing mental illness. The test is often used in court cases that include custody disputes and criminal offenses. Treatment programs will test their clients with this tool to determine effectiveness. Which exam is being described?
A. MMPI-2
B. Psychodynamic assessment
C. DSM-5
D. Rorschach
A. MMPI-2
Rationale: The Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory is composed of 567 test questions. Professionals with specific training administer, score and interpret the results. The MMPI-2 can be given individually or in groups , designed for individuals over the age of 18. It is the most researched psychological test in existence.
Geriatrics focuses on the promotion of health and prevention of disease or disability in older adults. To assess the needed level of care, a team approach is often utilized. Trained professionals skilled in caring for the elderly work together in preparing an evaluation. These often include: nurses, social workers, nutritionists, and physical therapists. What is the team not considering in their assessment?
A. Medical history
B. Activities of daily living
C. Support systems
D. Individual problems
D. Individual Problems
Rationale: The team approach to geriatrics looks at the individual holistically. Many aspects are taken into account that may overlap into one another. Each member of the team is a skilled health professional that each plays an important role in assessing the care of older individuals.
A clinical social worker meets with a family to gather information that will help identify patterns of parental behavior, both positive and negative, over time. The family’s strengths are distinguished to determine protect factors that aid in identifying resources helpful to meeting the household’s needs. Overall requirements are addressed that affect the permanency and safety of the children. Information gathered through other assessments is also used to help develop a service plan for intervention. What kind of evaluation is being described?
A. Initial assessment
B. Safety assessment
C. Environmental assessment
D. Comprehensive family assessment
D. Comprehensive Family Assessment
Rationale: The comprehensive family assessment gathers all background information on its members and evaluates the home environment. Contributing factors are discussed, such as domestic violence, lack of employment, alcohol/drug usage, and educational background. A clinical social worker will also collect information on who lives in the home and the parent’s culture, health and finances.
Phillip is a 24 year old male who has been in prison on four different occasions. His criminal record includes domestic assault on a girlfriend, stealing a car, setting fire to an abandoned warehouse and drug use. Phillip’s acts were not premeditated, and he claims to have little control over his actions. What disorder might a clinical social worker set out to treat?
A. Anger management
B. Destructive personality disorder
C. Impulse control disorder
D. Lack of self-esteem
C. Impulse Control Disorder
Rationale: Phillip suffers from impulse control disorder. This problem is defined as a failure to resist spontaneous acts or behaviors that may be detrimental to self or others. the actions are not considered in advance and may include gambling, violence, sexual misconduct, stealing and self-abusive behavior.
The nation’s leading medical problem is not cancer, lung or heart disease. The problem has definite causes and effects on one in five adult Americans. Research suggests genetic, neurological , biochemical, psychological and environmental origins. What condition is being described?
A. Hearing loss
B. Vision loss
C. Mental illness
D. Physical disability
C. Mental Illness
Rationale: More than 57 million Americans, or about one in four adults, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. The sooner symptoms are recognized the better. Individuals in fear of losing control of their lives require help. Symptoms to look for include: depression, excessive sleeping, deterioration of relationships, unusual behavior, social withdrawal and the inability to express feelings.
Persistent unhappiness, loss of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, withdrawal and a decrease in energy are all symptoms of what mental illness?
A. Chronic fatigue syndrome
B. Depression
C. Bi-polar disorder
D. Alter-ego
B. Depression
Rationale: Depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, frustration, loss and anger interfere with day-to-day life for an extended period of time. Low self-esteem and anger are common. The degree of depression may be mild, moderate or severe, determining the amount of treatment required by a professional.
Once a clinical social worker has assessed a client, they together formulate a document to address issues that the assessment has identified. This document is called a
A. contract
B. collaboration
C. treatment plan
D. leading guide
C. Treatment Plan
Rationale: Treatment plan identifies in a concrete way what goals the client and social worker will work in what order, using what methods, and by what target dates. It is also the document most insurance companies, courts, agencies, and anyone else require who might have interest in the outcome of treatment for the client.
When developing a functioning service plan to maintain safety and permanence within a family structure, what type of assessment should be utilized?
A. Individual assessment
B. Group assessment
C. Family-centered assessment
D. Child welfare assessment
C. Family-Centered Assessment
Rationale: Family-centered assessments helps identify needs, strengths and resources to determine the best possible assistance for a family. The family unit is seen as a whole and full participation is expected.
A clinical social worker meets with the Robertson family to determine parental behavior by completing a comprehensive family assessment. Information will be collected on who lives in the home, health history, employment and stability. Which of the following possible contributing factors should the social worker consider?
A. social skills
B. bank account
C. education
D. sibling status
C. Education
Rationale: When completing a comprehensive family assessment, the clinical social worker should consider possible contributing factors, including domestic violence, alcohol/drug usage, educational background, and employment status. All of these concerns are addressed to ensure the permanency and safety of the children. A clinical social worker cannot determine a working service plan without this information.
A clinical social worker needs to be cautious when completing an assessment for oppositional defiant disorder. The problem should be observed at home and school with the behaviors occurring In a manner that affects family, social, and education or work life. Which of the following symptoms needs to be displayed in order to correctly diagnose oppositional defiant disorder?
A. Swears frequently
B. Won’t sit still when it’s required
C. Frequently loses their temper
D. Give inappropriate negative comments.
C: Frequently Loses Their Temper
Rationale: In order to correctly diagnose oppositional defiant disorder, a clinical social worker must observe a specific set of behaviors, including an angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and vindictiveness. Oppositional defiant disorder is generally diagnosed in school-age children and adolescents.
There is a wide range of symptoms and severity across the autistic spectrum disorders. Given this fact, which observation is most crucial in establishing a diagnosis of autism?
A. Impairment in social interaction and communication
B. Impairment in memory and thinking
C. Impairment in physical abilities
D. Impairment with directives from authority figures.
A: Impairment in social interaction and communication
Rationale: Autism is a spectrum of disorders that describe a set of behaviors that children and adults display in various ways. There is normally little interest in most activities and noticeable delays in spoken language. Nonverbal behaviors such as body posture and facial expressions can become a problem with autism. One third of patients with this diagnosis have an IQ within normal range.
Sabrina has managed to alienate all of her co-workers with bizarre behaviors. She is constantly stealing other people’s food from the refrigerator in the lunchroom, arguing with fellow employees over unimportant issues and most recently showing up for work intoxicated. Sabrina is quick-tempered and has even thrown a stapler at a coworker’s computer. She has been ordered to seek help for observable problems. A full assessment will more than likely display what findings?
A. Judgment disorder
B. Affect regulation disorder
C. Attention Deficit Disorder
D. Impulse control disorder
Answer: D. Impulse controle disorder
Rationale: A full assessment for Sabrina will likely have the finding of impulse control disorder. Individuals with impulse control disorder are unable to manage aggressive desires without immediate action. Other symptoms of this disorder include sexual promiscuity and excessive drug use. This is ego function problem is quite common.
Scott has been in and out of traditional therapy with little effect on his problems. He feels the main focus is on the issue rather than the solution, and this tends to place him in a passive, helpless role. He already knows what is wrong but wants to move towards what is right. What goal would a clinical social worker aim for with this in mind?
A. Empowerment
B. Positive attitude
C. Cognition
D. Structured therapy
Answer: A Empowerment
Rationale: Solution building should be the main goal when working with Scott. In solution building, a clinical social worker would attempt to change how an individual thinks about a solution and educate them on how to achieve happiness.
As it relates to human behavior in the social environment, the aging process is marked by loss. Older adults lose many things as they age, including their ability to drive, eat or bathe on their own. Which of the following factors influence the extent to which an elderly person will interact with others?
A. Support services
B. Abundant relatives
C. Health and mobility
D. Friends of the same age
Answer: C Person-in-Environment
Rationale: As the elderly lose the ability to be mobile within society, their large network of social circles start to grow smaller. Eventually, the only people within an older individual’s life tend to be a few close relatives. An assessment will see this withdrawal as beneficial to the community and elderly.
Parents may come to a social worker for help in controlling and disciplining their child(ren). An approach that asserts that the issue rests solely with the child comes from a medical model which emphasizes fixing what is broken by addressing the symptoms. Social workers come from a more holistic approach called
A. Family Counseling
B. Interactive Assessment
C. Person-in-Environment
D. Behavior Therapy
Answer: C Person-in-environment
Rationale: Person-in-environment looks at all the factors that affect behavior including the environmental circumstances. In the case of a misbehaving child, understanding the environment in which they are misbehaving, including how the parent actually disciplines is a far better approach than viewing the child as “broken” because he or she misbehaves.
Lisa is a 14-year-old adolescent who skips school on a regular basis. She normally misses at least two days per week and reports just staying home in bed. The teen complains of being tired all the time and cannot function at school most days. A clinical social worker will identify a target behavior conducting a thorough assessment and formulating a treatment plan. What type of problem solving should be initiated by the social worker?
A. Authoritative
B. Self-centered
C. Collaborative
D. Independent
Answer: C Collaborative
Rationale: The clinical social worker should initiate collaborative problem solving. The social worker and the client together will determine what the ultimate outcome should be with therapy, and the client will work towards that goal. If Lisa is included in the process of formulating her own treatment plan, she may be better engaged in treatment.
Crisis is a normal part of life, and individuals try to maintain equilibrium by using coping mechanisms. Sometimes the usual techniques do not work when a problem is threatening. People in crisis may experience guilt, feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and fear. Which of the following criteria are used to determine whether a situation constitutes a crisis?
A. An individual’s view and response to an event
B. How others view and respond to an event
C. Instincts on what is threatening
D. Conditioning as to what defines a crisis
Answer: A An individual’s view and response to an event
Rationale: When an individual sees an event as threatening with no way to cope, he or she may find themselves in crisis. This is a state of psychological disequilibrium with a number of indicators. Changes will be observed in energy levels, ability to concentrate, sleeping patterns, and social interaction with friends or relatives.
A short-term, problem-solving approach to clinical social work practice consists of three phases. The initial phase is centered on setting up initial tasks. The middle phase consists of evaluating the outcomes of tasks and identifying obstacles to achieve said outcomes. Lastly is the termination phase, which emphasizes what the client has learned or accomplished.
Which of the following problem-solving approaches is described above?
A. Psychoanalytic approach
B. Cognitive behavioral approach
C. Solution-focused therapy
D. Self-centered approach
Answer: C Solution-focused therapy
Rationale: Solution-focused therapy addresses problems that arise in people’s interactions with their environments. Efforts are made to help individuals generalize problem-solving techniques for use in the future. Solution-focused therapy is short-term and highly focused.
The Jacobs family has decided to incorporate the services of a clinical social worker due to intense conflict between parents and children. During the first session, the Jacobs take turns discussing their issues while the social worker listens intently. There is no focus on what is wrong, but rather on the complex interplay of risks and strengths. This type of assessment is known as what?
A. Strength-based assessment
B. Family-centered assessment
C. Conflict resolution assessment
Answer: A Strength-based assessment
Rationale: In strength-based assessment, formal and informal supports are examined to create a service plan based on the family’s specific needs and strengths. A clinical social worker will look at the family as a unit and the environmental factors surrounding them. The focus is on the family’s assets (meaning all resources, not just material goods), attributes, and attitudes on which they can build solutions to their problems.
A local hospital refers a regular patient to the facility’s clinical social worker. Madeline is considered a “frequent flyer” by the nurses due to her high number of visits for a wide variety of physical complaints. The patient exaggerates or creates symptoms of illness in an effort to seek treatment, attention, and sympathy. What disorder will the social worker want to focus on for intervention?
A. Factitious disorder
B. Psychological trauma
C. Munchausen syndrome
D. Hypochondriasis
Answer: A Factitious disorder
Rationale: Most individuals who suffer from fictitious disorders are quite knowledgeable about the practice of medicine. They are able to produce symptoms resulting in lengthy medical analysis. Risk factors include childhood trauma and inattentive parents.
A mother of three small children has sought help with parenting skills. The clinical social worker will gather family history, using this to help set goals for the client. It is important not to set these too high or beyond reach. The mother is educated on a positive view of human nature with the focus on controlling one’s own fate instead of becoming a victim to it. This intervention is part of what kind of therapy?
A. Life skills training
B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
C. Interactive peer modeling
D. Empowerment
Answer: D Empowerment
Rationale: Empowerment is a core element of social work interventions It puts the locus of control in the client’s realm and it is the motivation utilized by clinical social workers to set goals, deal with tasks, and maintain social interest.
Dependent personality disorder is often defined as the need to be taken care of by others. Individuals with this problem have low levels of confidence in their own intelligence and abilities. How is dependent personality disorder different from avoidant personality disorder?
A. Dependent personalities are oversensitive to criticism.
B. Avoidant personalities fear rejection and will withdrawal.
C. Dependent personalities are passive and nonassertive.
D. Avoidant personalities are easily influenced and taken advantage of.
Answer: B Avoidant personalities fear rejection and will withdraw
Rationale: Both disorders are characterized by a frequent need for assurance, feelings of inadequacy and oversensitivity. Individuals with avoidant personality disorder have such a fear of rejection that they will withdrawal until acceptance is certain. Dependent personalities will seek out contact with others until they get approval.
This theory, unlike most psychological and behavioral theories, focuses on the inner relational transactions between systems. All existing elements play an equal role in maintaining balance. Which theory describes individuals as being surrounded by supportive networks?
A. Environmental systems approach
B. Strength-based theory
C. Nature vs. nurture theory
D. Ecological systems perspective
Answer: D Ecological systems perspective
Rationale: The ecological perspective is based on the idea that people are in continual interaction with their environment. Individuals are always creating, restructuring, and adapting. The ecological theory looks at people, families, cultures, politics, and community as a way to identify systemic strengths or weaknesses.
Alysha meets with a clinical social worker and discusses self-perceived problems. She reports complex mood swings that last for weeks and sometimes months. Alysha’s main concern is that her manic behaviors may one day become life threatening. When the client is in a more sullen mood, she feels sad but somewhat safer. When completing a full assessment, what might the social worker diagnose Alysha as having?
A. Dissociative identity disorder
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Bipolar disorder
D. Post-traumatic stress disorder
Answer: C Bipolar Disorder
Rationale: Individuals with bi-polar disorder suffer from both euphoric periods that can lead to risk-taking behaviors and sudden bouts of depression with symptoms of sadness, crying, and a sense of worthlessness.
A clinical social worker is helping a client who has had a tumultuous past. The client’s main issue is the way his history has come full circle and now presents current problems. After a thorough assessment, the social worker decides to focus on the here and now. What therapy might she utilize?
A. Holistic therapy
B. Brief therapy
C. Gestalt therapy
D. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Answer: C Gestalt Therapy
Rationale: Gestalt therapy utilizes the past to solve a current problem. Clients are shown how to expand on their awareness through dialogue and experimental methods. They are taught self-regulation and lead through activities geared toward tackling the past.
Psychoanalysis is part of Sigmund Freud’s structural id-ego-superego model of an individual’s mind. Practice components focus on pathological development and management of aggressive impulses. How one adapts to reality is called:
A. Reality theory
B. Ego functioning
C. Behaviorism
D. Cognitive development
Answer: B Ego Functioning
Rationale: Freud’s theory studies the normal ego functions of judgment, defensive planning, affect regulation, synthesis and object relations. There are two main forces known as external and internal world responses.
Lisa is a clinical social worker who has received a case referred for possible child abuse. She realizes keeping the children safe is her top priority. The household consists of two parents and three children. There are steps to determine if abuse may have occurred or if the family is at-risk. What kind of assessment should she use to determine the best possible assistance for this referral?
A. Financial assessment
B. Child welfare assessment
C. Parent assessment
D. Family-centered assessment
Answer: D Family-Centered Assessment
Rationale: The family-centered assessment focuses on the family as a whole with full participation. All cultures and ethnicities are considered throughout. Families will identify their strengths, needs and resources in an effort to develop a functioning service plan to maintain safety and permanency.
A referral is obtained by a clinical social worker in regards to a female infant. The concerns raised by the informant include a lack of nutrition and improper supervision. Neighbors hear the baby cry at all hours of the night for long lengths of time. The parents leave the home before dark and do not seem to reappear until dawn the next day. Groceries brought into the home are noticeably snack foods and alcohol. What type of abuse is suspected?
A. Family Neglect
B. Child Neglect
C. Substance Abuse
D. Child Endangerment
Answer: B child neglect
Rationale: This is an example of child neglect, rather than child endangerment, which is putting a child in a life-threatening situation.
A clinical social worker ensures that an assessment plan flows naturally from children and family to service planning. Face-to-face meetings are conducted to assess needs and recognize positive strengths. Other agencies may be involved including teachers, therapists, and other community support systems. What type of assessment encompasses all of the above?
A. Cognitive behavioral assessment
B. Family fundamentals assessment
C. Community relations assessment
D. Functional assessment
Answer: D Functional Assessment
Rationale: A functional assessment is one of the key factors in achieving the well-being, safety and permanence of a child. The family and children are engaged as partners in the entire process. Family assessments are needs-based, team-based and strengths-based. They make use of family systems relationships.
When applying behavior analysis, assessment guides the recognition of target behaviors and the development of an intervention. What are the four methods utilized to obtain a complete understanding of a person’s behavior?
A. Direct observation, self-report, testing and collateral contacts
B. Indirect observation, interviews, tests and medical records
C. Interviews, checklists, problem identifying and observation
D. Direct observation, interviews, checklists and tests
Answer: D Direct observation, interviews, checklists and tests
Rationale:The four major methods of obtaining assessment information are direct observation, interviews, checklists and tests. These methods allow a clinical social worker to identify target behaviors, which must be observable and measurable. Typically there are multiple behaviors identified and the social worker must prioritize for intervention.
Ashley’s family has sought out the services of a clinical social worker to determine what kind of problems their child is having. She tends to display involuntary movements such as repeatedly blinking her eyes and saying things at inappropriate times. These issues have worsened with age. Her father states that there is an uncle in the family who demonstrates the same behaviors. What might be the findings of the social worker’s assessment?
A. Obsessive compulsive behavior B. Narcissistic disorder
C. Tourette syndrome
D. Alter-ego disorder
Answer: C Tourette Syndrome
Rationale: People with Tourette syndrome display behaviors that they think need to be performed before they can relax or calm down. Tics, or involuntary body movements, will increase with anxiety and excitement. Family members with the same disorder can be found in one third of all cases.
Many clinical social workers utilize a therapy-not to be confused with classical conditioning-that deals with modifications of voluntary behaviors caused by environmental influences. This kind of therapy includes four basic consequences: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment and negative punishment.
Which of the following therapies is described above?
A. Focused Change
B. Solution Focused Therapy
C. Behavior Modification
D. None of the above
Answer: C Behavior Modification
Rationale: Behavior modification looks at the antecedent and consequences that cause negative behaviors. Reinforcement and punishment are the main tools of this therapy.
Person-centered therapy demonstrates emotional understanding and sensitivity towards the client’s point of view. The clinical social worker’s job is to listen and give complete attention to what the client is verbalizing. Which three attitudes on the part of the professional make this therapy productive?
A. Empathy, compassion, and coerciveness
B. Formality, positive reaction, and covert behavior
C. Instruction, congruence and empathy
D. Active listening, positive regard and congruence
Answer: D Active listening, positive regard and congruence
Rationale: Active listening, positive regard and congruence are important facets of person-centered therapy. The therapy should be determined by the client and the motive is to increase the individual’s self-understanding and insight.
Clinical social workers may utilize a therapy that is similar to the existential approach. An emphasis is on fulfillment and growth through self-perception. The presumption is that everyone’s true nature is good.
Which of the following therapies is described above?
A. Self-centered therapy
B. Gestalt therapy
C. Realty therapy
D. Humanistic therapy
Answer: D Humanistic therapy
Rationale: - Humanistic therapy is based on self-mastery and self-examination. It focuses on the belief that humans want to improve and reach high levels of success. A clinical social worker will still consider the influences of society and the unconscious.
Clinical social workers utilize an approach to working with clients that often has a good fit with the client because it can be tailored to their needs. What kind of approach is it?
A. Eclectic
B. Ambivalent
C. Straightforward
D. Harm Reduction
Answer: A Eclectic
Rationale: An eclectic approach to therapy draws from many theories and methods to address client issues in a variety of ways that can be tailored to fit the beliefs, needs, and abilities of the client.
A clinical social worker is helping a client named Beth with phobia issues that surface when she is in dark places. The problem has occurred since the client was young, and she sleeps with every light on in her home. Most nights, Beth dozes on the couch, and the lack of sleep is interfering with her home and social life. Which of the following approaches would be most effective in combating Beth’s anxiety issues?
A. Self-actualization
B. Systematic desensitization
C. Cognitive behavioral therapy
D. Family therapy
Answer: B Systemic desensitization
Rationale: - Systematic desensitization educates a person to overcome an avoidance pattern. It helps effectively with phobias and anxiety by exposing the client to the fear gradually until it can be tolerated.
When utilizing cognitive therapy as a form of direct practice, a clinical social worker’s main goal is to bring about which of the following changes in behavior?
A. Diminishing anger
B. Becoming more aggressive
C. Controlling mood swings
D. Controlling emotional responses
Answer: D Controlling emotional responses
Rationale: Cognitive therapy helps one overcome difficulty by identifying and making changes to behaviors, emotional responses and dysfunctional thinking.
A family has asked for help with their son. Adrian is an active nine year old who is always on the go. His past behaviors have been blamed on high energy levels and the need to be expressive. Lately, these behaviors have become a problem for Adrian’s teachers. There have been three conferences between parents and school staff in the last three months pertaining to the child questioning rules and talking back inappropriately. When he is confronted, Adrian displays resentment towards authority figures. What might the child be assessed for by the clinical social worker?
A. Bipolar disorder
B. Oppositional defiant disorder
C. Anti-social disorder
D. Mood disorder
Answer: B Oppositional defiant disorder
Rationale: Oppositional defiant disorder affects approximately 16% of school students. It is often recognized as an ongoing pattern of hostile, uncooperative and defiant behaviors displayed towards authority figures. Symptoms must be observed at home and school to be correctly diagnosed.
Cassandra works as a clinical social worker for Child Protective Services. A new family she has been helping has a parent that is starting to raise red flags. The mother is the sole caretaker for the children but is demonstrating some peculiar behaviors. She has not kept consecutive doctor’s appointments, has difficulty utilizing public transportation and fails to follow through with basic directions. This parent is always accompanied by another adult when she leaves the home on an errand. When Cassandra starts questioning the mother on her background, it is discovered that she attended special education classes and did not graduate from high school. These factors should arouse concern in what area?
A. Child neglect
B. Child abuse
C. Intellectual limitations
D. Financial distress
Answer: C Intellectual Limitations
Rationale: Parents with intellectual limitations often demonstrate less positive child-rearing practices. They fail to recognize their children’s needs and lack the skills to advocate for them. A clinical social worker should help the parents become aware of eligible community resources. The social worker should keep in mind that the mother’s difficulties may result from a lack of resources and life skills. In social work, problems do not always have to be pathological. People of lower socioeconomic status, in particular, may suffer as a result of lack of resources, education, social status, training, etc.,
What is the first step in a psychological assessment?
A. Family medical history
B. Biographical account
C. Biopsychosocial history
D. Personal inventory
Answer: C - Biopsychosocial history
Rationale: The first step in a psychological assessment is a biopsychosocial history, which involves identifying the chief complaint, past psychological history, present illnesses, and current mental status. Sometimes this information is difficult to obtain if the patient is unwilling to aid in disclosure. Once the data is obtained, neurological and psychological testing can take place. When all information is collected, the patient is informed of the results and treatment begins.
Strengths-based practice emphasizes the client’s resources, abilities, and positive attributes - what the client can bring to the table to help him or herself. Which of the following list of characteristics best describes assessment of a client from a strengths-based approach?
A. Optimistic; educated; employed
B. Sense of social injustice, ambivalent, satisfied
C. Strong family, little socialization, stagnant
D. Confident, talkative, lacks insight
Answer: A Optimistic; educated; employed
Rationale: All of these on this list are positive forces that a social worker can draw from when helping a client move forward toward positive change.
The strength-based assessment process has two stages. The first includes the ability to define the problem area and the second involves evaluating the situation. What are the two dimensions of strength-based assessment?
A. Safety and self-determination
B. Skill ability and sensitivity
C. Internal and external strengths
D. Vulnerability and oppression
Answer: C Internal and external strengths
Rationale: Internal strengths include motivation, emotion, and the ability to think clearly. External strengths include significant others, family networks, and community groups.
Timothy is thirteen-year-old male being referred to a clinic for treatment by a detention center counselor. This teenager has been in frequent trouble with the law, demonstrating no regard for right and wrong. He often violates the rights of others, lies, behaves violently, and has a known drug addiction. Timothy is unable to fulfill the responsibilities of family or school. He should obtain treatment for what kind of disorder?
A. Conduct disorder
B. Bi-polar disorder
C. Avoidant personality disorder
D. Conflict disorder
Answer: A Conduct disorder
Rationale: Conduct disorder is a youthful antecedent to anti-social personality disorder. An individual’s manner of thinking, perceiving situations and relating to others is abnormal. This disorder is presumed to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic influences. It is unusual to diagnose someone with anti-social personality disorder as an adult who did not exhibit the traits of conduct disorder in his youth.
Pamela was robbed at gunpoint one evening as she was walking home from work. The assailant dragged her into an alley and punched her repeatedly in the face. A gun was put to her head and she was ordered to hand over all the jewelry she was wearing. The attacker also got away with her money, credit cards, and cell phone. Six months after this event occurred, Pamela began having flashbacks and frightening dreams. She started demonstrating emotional detachment from family and friends. What type of disorder is Pamela suffering from?
A. Dissociative identity disorder
B. Avoidance disorder
C. Attachment disorder
D. Post-traumatic stress disorder
Answer: D Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Rationale: Post-traumatic stress disorder will occur after an individual has seen or experienced an event that involved death or injury. Symptoms may occur right after the trauma or could surface six months later. If the symptoms last for a short period of time, one to three months, it is called Acute Stress Disorder.
Loss of mental functions such as thinking, reasoning, and memory can be associated with this disorder. The symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily functioning and normally affect the elderly population. In some cases, it can be cured or treated. Untreatable causes include AIDS complex, Parkinson’s, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. What is being described? A. Alzheimer’s
B. Dissociative disorder
C. Dementia
D. Alcoholism
Answer: C Dementia
Rationale: Dementia is a group of symptoms rather than a disease. It develops when parts of the brain associated with learning and memory are affected by infection or disease. There are as many as 50 known causes, ranging from excessive alcohol use to Alzheimer’s. Research indicates that half of all individuals over the age of 80 have dementia.
Maxine is an 81-year-old female who was recently diagnosed with dementia. She has been demonstrating difficulty in the areas of language and memory. Maxine’s physician states that the cause is low vitamin B12 levels and poor nutrition. Since the disorder was found early, the effects can possibly be reversed. Which of the following causes of dementia cannot be treated effectively or cured?
A. Brain tumors
B. Medications
C. Alzheimer’s
D. Blood sugar
Answer: C Alzheimer’s
Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease affects the nervous system and is becoming more frequent in older adults. It is a progressive disorder in which symptoms worsen over time. Eventually, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment and carry on a conversation. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Mrs. Johnson’s art class is disrupted every day during third period by one student in particular. Jeremiah cannot seem to sit still and is always shrugging his shoulders. He has been heard mumbling under his breath by other students and will sometimes hit himself in the head for no reason. This occurs constantly, and when Jeremiah is confronted, the actions worsen. Mrs. Johnson calls a meeting with his parents and discovers he suffers from what disorder?
A. Muscle spasms
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Tourette Syndrome
D. Anti-social disorder
Answer: C Tourette Syndrome
Rationale: Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder. It is typically characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements called tics. The diagnosis is usually made a year after symptoms arise. Tourette’s effects younger children, mostly between the ages of 7 and 10. Tics appear to get worse when anxiety or excitement builds in an individual. Improvement starts appearing in the late teen years and adulthood. Ten percent of those diagnosed will be affected by a progression in this disorder.
Many individuals with this mental condition demonstrate symptoms such as confusion, false beliefs, losing touch with reality, mistaken perceptions, hallucinations and depression. False ideas may occur of what is taking place, and individuals with the condition may see or hear things or have delusions.
Which of the following mental conditions is described above?
A. Encopresis
B. Psychosis
C. Dementia
D. Mania
Answer: B Psychosis
Rationale: Psychosis is a severe mental condition in which there is a loss of contact with reality. Causes for this disorder include alcohol, drugs, brain tumors, dementia, epilepsy, stroke, and bi-polar disorder. Individuals may also display disorganized thoughts and speech.
Angela is referred to a clinical social worker for unusual displays of attention-seeking behavior, such as dramatic displays of emotion. She has been let go from three different jobs due to frequent anger episodes and impulsive acts towards other employees. Little responsibility is ever taken for these inappropriate behaviors, and most recently Angela has been cutting on her arms. Therapy should focus on what disorder?
A. Obsessive compulsive disorder
B. Bi-polar disorder
C. Anger management
D. Borderline personality disorder
Answer: D Borderline Personality Disorder
Rationale: Borderline personality disorder causes an individual to feel uncertain about his or her self-image and identity, resulting in feelings of emptiness and fear being alone. Other signs of this problem may include substance abuse, numerous attempted suicides or reported attempts, and inappropriate sexual relationships.
Anorexia is a severe eating disorder that may coexist with psychiatric and physical illness. Most people with this problem see themselves as overweight and are ten times more likely to die than those who eat nutritionally. Individuals suffering with anorexia may exercise extensively, induce vomiting or misuse laxatives. Which of the following is not a symptom associated with long-term anorexia?
A. Loss of menses
B. Thickening of bone tissue
C. Drop in internal blood temperature
D. Brittle hair and nails
Answer: B Thickening of bone tissue
Rationale: Thickening of bone tissue is not associated with long-term anorexia; rather, most individuals suffering from anorexia will have a thinning of the bones or osteoporosis. Other symptoms include severe constipation, low blood pressure and yellowish skin. Treatment for anorexia involves three components: restoring healthy weight, treating psychological problems, and eliminating behaviors leading to the disorder.
A clinical social worker named Richard is meeting with a juvenile for the first time. The client has been in a lot of trouble with the law. As Richard goes through the thick file of offenses, he notices that nothing good has ever been mentioned about the teen. Richard does not want to focus on all of the negative experiences, but rather on how he can collaborate in pursuing a better vision for the future. What type of therapeutic technique will be more effective with the juvenile?
A. Strengths perspective
B. Positive reinforcement
C. Goal oriented
D. None of the above
Answer: A Strengths Perspective
Rationale: The strengths perspective in therapy helps identify and respect the assets, resources and knowledge of every person. Clinical social workers utilizing this technique view others as having the ability and wisdom to accomplish their goals. It focuses on the right within people instead of the wrong.
The Richardsons have three children who attend a prominent school within the community. The Richardsons’ son has been displaying inappropriate behaviors for the last two years. His parents see it as simply misbehaving and being a boy. The son continuously breaks the rules at school and at home. He acts out and causes distractions when there is an authority figure present. What might a clinical social worker see as the problem?
A. Attention Deficit Disorder
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
C. Interpersonal antipathy
D. Borderline personality disorder
Answer: B Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Rationale: Oppositional Defiant Disorder behaviors might be exhibited as inappropriate or disruptive in nature. Symptoms include defiance of authority, deliberately argumentative, blaming others, is constantly in trouble, has few or no friends, and is spiteful and vengeful.
Katelyn has sought out the help of a clinical social worker to try and understand why she continues to have poor relationships with others. In gathering information, the social worker discovers that Katelyn has been engaged three times since the age of 19 and just had her 23rd birthday. She has been fired from six different jobs and could not finish college. The social worker begins therapy for what disorder?
A. Dissociative disorder
B. Adult ADD
C. Bipolar
D. Anti-social disorder
Answer: B Adult ADD
Rationale: Attention deficit disorder impacts many adults, and its wide variety of frustrating symptoms may hinder everything from relationships to careers. While in children the most notable symptoms are distractibility and the failure to pay attention; adult behavior is marked by the inability to hold a job, struggles with relationships, and poor decision-making skills.
A clinical social worker is helping Whitney cope with anxiety. The client seems reluctant and reserved, admits she is paranoid about people, and prefers to stay home. She came to get help at the insistence of her husband, whom she said told her that he was tired of her not doing anything around the house and insisted she get help. On further investigation the social worker learns that the real reason Whitney never goes anywhere is because she says her husband has not given her permission to do so until the house is spotless. The social worker should suspect what issue might be the problem in Whitney’s life?
A. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
B. Poor Self-esteem
C. Domestic Violence
D. Paranoid Personality Disorder
Answer: C Domestic Violence
Rationale: Domestic violence is characterized by one individual maintaining excessive and unreasonable control over an intimate partner through threats, coercion, intimidation, and excessive and misplaced use of authority. While the common belief is that the relationship must exhibit physical violence, this is not the case. Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse against a partner are all considered, singularly or in combination, in the definition of domestic violence.
Nathan is 21 years old and has confided in his clinical social worker about serious behaviors that concern him. He self-reports having hallucinations, paranoia, and disorganized speech. To avoid many of these problems, Nathan has learned to isolate himself from social situations. Additionally, the biopsychosocial history shows a prevalence of mental illness in the family. Since the disorder is mainly affecting cognition, what should the social worker attempt to treat?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Dissociative disorder
C. Bipolar
D. Alter-ego
Answer: A Schizophrenia
Rationale: Schizophrenia has a typical onset in early adulthood, with cases rarely developing beyond the age of 45. According to the National Institute of Mental Health schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder diagnosed in about 1 percent of the population. People with the disorder may hear voices other people don’t hear. They may believe other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. This can terrify people with the illness and make them withdrawn or extremely agitated. People with schizophrenia may not make sense when they talk. They may sit for hours without moving or talking. Sometimes people with schizophrenia seem perfectly fine until they talk about what they are really thinking.
A serious disorder requiring therapy is characterized by systemized delusions and the frequent projection of personal conflicts. The outcome may be hostility towards others where aggressive acts are believed to take place in self-defense. Symptoms of delusion appear slowly, and a patient may be suspicious, jealous, irritable, and bitter.
What type of personality disorder is described above?
A. Dependent
B. Paranoia
C. Self-centered
D. Cognitive
Answer: B Paranoia
Rationale: Mental health professionals diagnose individuals with paranoid personality disorder if they display preoccupied doubts about friends, suspicions that others are plotting against them, reads negativity into positive remarks and is reluctant to confide in peers. People with paranoid personality disorder do not acknowledge their own faults, and delusions become permanently organized.
five-year-old child has been recently diagnosed with ADHD after demonstrating shortfalls in at least two important areas. Deficits can be observed at home, in the classroom, and in group activities. Which of the following would not be a symptom of ADHD?
A. Difficulty focusing
B. Memory loss
C. Boredom
D. Defiance
Answer: D Defiance
Rationale: Children identified as suffering from ADHD do not intentionally display defiant behaviors. They become more of a distraction to others and fail to complete tasks due to an inability to focus.
Obsessive compulsive disorder is actually an anxiety problem in which individuals have repeated and unwanted thoughts or behaviors. Behaviors will be carried out to get rid of the obsessive ideas. Not completing the action can cause great apprehension. Which of the following is not a true fact about OCD?
A. 20% of people with OCD have tics.
B. Most symptoms appear before age 30.
C. OCD is due to a medical illness or drug use.
D. Antidepressants are prescribed as a treatment.
Answer: C OCD is due to a medical illness or drug use
Rationale: Obsessions or compulsions are not due to any medical problem or drug use. Most people recognize the problem as being excessive and can self-report problems. Doctors believe OCD may be a condition related to Tourette syndrome, since 20% of individuals with OCD demonstrate tics. There are several theories pertaining to the cause, but none have been validated.
One particular personality disorder is more prevalent in females than males and involves 3% of the general population. Symptoms include a pattern of attention seeking behavior that may even become provocative in nature. Victims of this disorder may display rapidly shifting expressions of emotions, show self-dramatization and use physical appearance to draw attention to them.
What disorder is described above?
A. Histrionic personality disorder
B. Narcissistic personality disorder
C. Schizoid personality disorder
D. Dependent personality disorder
Answer: A Histrionic personality
Rationale: People with histrionic personality disorder have difficulty achieving and maintaining intimacy in romantic relationships. Victims will often act out a role and seek to control their partner. Same-sex friend relationships are also hindered due to the provocative interpersonal style that may seem threatening. Patients often crave stimulation, excitement and novelty.
Kelly’s doctor has concerns about the fluctuation of her weight. She has struggled with diets her whole life but is still 120 pounds over the average weight for her size. The doctor is concerned about symptoms that may indicate an eating disorder. During an examination the physician asked Kelly about her eating habits. The patient appeared to experience shame and distress when attempting to explain. She will eat between meals and often times will consume more than she needs. What disorder is being described by Kelly?
A. Bulimia
B. Depression
C. Binge eating
D. Anxiety
Answer: C Binge Eating
Rationale: Binge eating is characterized by episodes of over eating that feel as if they are beyond an individual’s control. There is no fasting or purging afterwards, and this leads to obesity. People with this problem often have coexisting psychological problems such as personality disorders.
Cerebral palsy affects an individual’s ability to maintain balance, achieve posture and move about smoothly. Symptoms can change over a person’s lifetime and other disabilities may result, such as poor vision and reading. What is the one factor of cerebral palsy that differentiates it from other disabilities?
A. There is a cure for the disorder. B. Individuals live a shorter lifespan.
C. It does not progress or worsen.
D. It requires corrective surgery.
Answer: C It does not progress or worsen.
Rationale: Cerebral palsy is a brain abnormality that does not progress over time. Symptoms may change, but the disability stays the same. People who suffer from this problem have damage to the part of the brain that controls muscle tone. Often diverse muscles will be affected at different times.
Melanie’s husband has reported problems he is observing in the home with his wife. The couple has three school-aged children. When the siblings get home from school, Melanie is usually sleeping on the couch. She fails to help with homework due to bad headaches and forgets important school events. Dinner is rarely cooked because Melanie reports feeling pain in her joints. She dozes off at odd times during the day and even during important events. What disorder might a therapist diagnose for Melanie?
A. Dementia
B. Anti-social disorder
C. Amnesia
D. Chronic fatigue syndrome
Answer: D Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Rationale: Individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome do not see much improvement with rest. Excessive fatigue worsens with mental and physical activity. When completing an assessment, symptoms are often difficult to measure. The important signs to look for include headaches, joint or muscle pain, loss of memory, and extreme exhaustion.
Jason is a ten year old who has been demonstrating hostile and uncooperative behaviors on a regular basis. He will argue, talk back, and disobey anyone seen as an authority figure. Jason’s school has met with his parents several times over temper tantrums observed in the educational environment. His parents complain about the constant arguing and his ability to annoy other people. What problem is Jason demonstrating?
A. Attention deficit disorder
B. Autism disorder
C. Oppositional defiant disorder
D. Bipolar disorder
Answer: C Oppositional defiant disorder
Rationale: Jason is displaying oppositional defiant disorder. His behaviors have become a serious issue seen at home and school. These actions affect social, family, and academic life when compared to other children at the same developmental level. Other symptoms include resentment, questioning of rules, and a spiteful attitude.
A clinical social worker is establishing services for a family’s daughter. She has been in trouble at school for bullying and initiating fights and, according to her parents, ran away from home twice. At the age of 12, she has already been in trouble for truancy and setting fire to a neighbor’s garbage can. What do these actions indicate?
A. Conduct disorder
B. Oppositional defiant disorder
C. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
D. Delinquency
Answer: A Conduct Disorder
Rationale: Conduct disorder normally manifests before the age of 13 with serious violations to rules. Although, this problem is more common in boys, it also affects the female population. Children with conduct disorder are often physically cruel to people and animals. They lack a sense of guilt and demonstrate selfishness.
Borderline personality disorder makes individuals feel uncertain about their identity and self-image. Those suffering from this problem tend to take little responsibility for their predicaments and view themselves as victims. This disorder can have long-term chronic patterns, often affecting work and relationships. Which of the following symptoms is not associated with borderline personality disorder?
A. Impulsiveness
B. Obsession
C. Substance abuse
D. Sexual relationships
Answer: B Obsession
Rationale: Symptoms of borderline personality disorder include impulsiveness, substance abuse, and irresponsible sexual relationships, but not obsession. Other symptoms include the intolerance of being alone, feelings of emptiness, frequent anger episodes, and self-injury. Individuals with this problem often avoid real or imaginary abandonment and demonstrate impulsive tendencies. Group therapy is the most successful with borderline personality disorder.
Miranda is a clinical social worker completing a family assessment. As she acquires more information from the parents on a six-year-old son and his behaviors, it becomes obvious that further evaluation will be required. The child’s teacher has contacted the parents with complaints about his conduct at school. He does not appear to be able to focus on specific tasks and becomes bored after a few minutes, failing to complete any assignments. Running around the classroom during quiet time is becoming a daily habit, and the child forgets where he puts things. What kind of assessment will the social worker refer for this child?
A. Learning disability
B. Oppositional defiance disorder
C. Conduct disorder
D. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Answer: D Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Rationale: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD cannot be diagnosed unless it has negatively affected at least two areas of the child’s life - for example home life, classroom, community or playground interactions - for at least six months. ADHD usually appears in children under the age of seven.
The Mitchell family worries about their four-year-old son, Michael. He has two other siblings, ages six and eight. Michael is quite active but only plays in solitude. Language is delayed and the child would rather point at things he wants. Michael’s siblings attempt to hug him or cuddle with him, but he pushes them away. Eye contact is at a bare minimum, and he will wander off if not adequately supervised. What diagnosis would be given to a child with these symptoms?
A. Anti-social disorder
B. Mild/Moderate impairment
C. Narcissistic disorder
D. Autism disorder
Answer: D Autism Disorder
Rationale: Michael is likely suffering from a spectrum disorder called Autism. Symptoms vary according to a child’s chronological age and development. Multiple nonverbal behaviors such as body posture and facial expressions may be a problem. Social interaction and communication is impaired, limiting most activities.
Of the following types of studies, which are concerned with the effects of drugs on behavior, thought, perception, or mood?
A. Pharmaceutical studies
B. Psychopharmacological studies
C. Psychoactive studies
D. Chemical reactions
Answer: B Psychopharmacological studies
Rationale: Psychopharmacology refers to the study of drug-induced changes in thinking, mood and behavior. The most widely studied drugs are those available for treatment of mental disorders. Psychopharmacology is primarily focused on chemical interactions with the brain.
Citalopram or Celexa is often used to treat anxiety. It comes in tablet form and should be taken by mouth one time per day. This drug is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). How does citalopram work?
A. It reduces circulation
B. It speeds up circuits in the brain.
C. It increases the amount of serotonin in the brain.
D. It decreases the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Answer: C It increases the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Rationale: Citalopram increases the amount of serotonin in the brain. Increasing the amount of serotonin helps maintain mental balance for people suffering from anxiety or depression. Other common uses for Citalopram include treating depression, eating disorders, panic disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and social phobias. Many doctors will start their patients out on a low dose and slowly increase it over a series of weeks.
Al is described by friends and family as being self-centered. He has problems with anger but never wants to accept the blame. Al’s relationships with two different women failed because he was physically abusive. A clinical social worker might potentially assess this client with a number of disorders. What should be the primary concern?
A. Depression
B. Externalizers Personality Disorder
C. Low self-esteem
D. Violence
Answer: D Violence
Rationale: Professionally and ethically, clinicians assess clients for harm to self or others. They have a duty, by law, to report any abuse to children under the age of 18, and to report the imminent threat of harm by clients towards themselves or toward another person of any age.
A clinical social worker is having difficulty assessing a client’s disorder. Symptoms include compulsions, phobias, anxiety, depression, mood swings, and a sense of detachment from their surroundings. All of these are fairly common problems, so the social worker looks back into the patient’s childhood. There she finds a history of sexual abuse by a guardian, though the client seems to have limited memory of the event. This helps the social worker diagnose which disorder?
A. Post-traumatic stress disorder
B. Dissociative disorder
C. Bipolar disorder
Answer: B Dissociative Disorder
Rationale: The client’s history of sexual abuse along with symptoms such as compulsions, phobias, anxiety, depression, and mood swings are indicative of dissociative disorder. Dissociative disorder is also known as multiple personality disorder originating from a childhood trauma. Repeat abuse may cause an inability to recall information. Different identities form in an attempt to put these thoughts in their right place. While the dissociative disorder is in response to a childhood trauma, it does not fit the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, which would include “reliving” the event and flashbacks, avoidance, survivor’s guilt, and/or severe irritability
Development #1
The standard resource for clinical diagnosis is known as the _____ . A. ICD-10
B. PIE
C. DSM-5
D. None of the above
Answer: C DSM 5
Rationale: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, is the clinical standard for diagnosing mental health issues in clients. The coding it provides is also the standard used for billing insurances.
Development #2 Kenneth recently lost his only son in a horrific car accident. What behavioral goal would you want to work towards in your therapy with Kenneth?
A. Finding suitable distractions to take his mind off of the tragedy.
B. Developing additional systems as new ways of managing his feelings.
C. Begin a healthy grieving process around the loss.
D. Finding ways to help him make sense of his tragic loss.
Answer: C Begin a healthy grieving process around the loss.
Rationale: When a person experiences loss, it is difficult for him or her to move forward without grieving the loss. Some would rather push feelings away than experience them. With loss, the best place to begin is helping the person to mourn and normalizing their feelings regarding their loss.
Development #3 Lisa tells a few of her close friends that her brother was recently diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. One of the friends tells a co-worker that Lisa’s family must be “crazy.” Soon the friends start distancing themselves from her and offer no support. Many times families will not mention mental illness due to what?
A. Stigma
B. Placing blame
C. Anxiety
D. Guilt
Answer: A Stigma
Rationale: Many families dealing with a member’s mental disability will not discuss the problem with others due to the stigma surrounding this medical condition. Misconceptions and myths abound without proper knowledge. Support from a friend or neighbor is harder to receive than if someone has a physical disability.
Development #4 Madeline is a single parent who works for a very controlling boss. He is demeaning and gives her jobs that others refuse. Madeline is afraid to speak up for herself due to needing the money to support her family. When she comes home in the evenings, immediately Madeline begins yelling at her children because the house is a mess. What behavior is the mother displaying?
A. Mental abuse
B. Displacement
C. Anxiety
Answer: B. displacement
Rationale: Madeline is redirecting her thoughts and impulses onto the children. The mother knows she cannot honestly express her feelings to the boss without losing her employment. This defense mechanism is an ineffective way to transfer anger.
Development #5 The purpose of a family is to support each other mentally, physically and emotionally. When these tasks are unfulfilled or only performed with counter-productive methods, what happens to the family dynamics?
A. Nurturing and love are obsolete
B. Family dissolves
C. Mental illness becomes a problem
D. Family becomes dysfunctional
Answer: D Family becomes dysfunctional
Rationale: A dysfunctional family may see the basics of life becoming a reason for violence, addiction and lies. The head of household may turn to alcohol to cope with his hatred of a dull job. Harmful actions are repeated and soon become a regular routine for survival.
Development #7 Dysfunctional families do not talk about their feelings or activities. Non-communication and secrecy is seen as the solution to unsolvable problems. Members within the family feel that opening up to someone will make them vulnerable to judgment. Due to a lack of communication and the existence of secrets, dysfunctional families live with constant:
A. Emotional abuse
B. Anger and fear
C. Unconscious violent behaviors D. None of the above
Answer: B Anger and Fear
Rationale: Dysfunctional families believe their patterns of communication are dependent upon their survival. It is an unwritten rule not to talk about actions or feelings thought to be shameful. Anger and fear become a way of life, rarely noticed by family members. In turn, this causes problems with health, relationships and self-esteem.
Development #8 A basic model of how people experience grief and loss comes from a well-known theory first posited by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. It involved five stages that people move through as they work through their loss. Which of the following is not one of those stages?
A. Denial
B. Bargaining
C. Resolution
D. Acceptance
Answer: C Resolution
Rationale: Resolution is not one of the stages. They are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Development #10 When there is death of a loved one, basic assumptions about relationships and emotions begin to change. This is a disruption of what principle of organization?
A. Homeostasis
B. Continuity
C. Holistic
D. Endurance
Answer: A Homeostasis
Rationale: Homeostasis is the principle where systems attempt to remain constant and consistent. A disruption to the system(s) requires adaption by reorganizing in new ways of thinking or behaving.
Development #11 Survivors of a traumatic experience will often revisit the experience mentally, emotionally, and physically. Some individuals turn to avoidance techniques. They may shut down emotionally or feel unconnected to the world. A social worker may work with such a client by using counter-intuitive methods. This means:
A. Using your feelings in working with the client instead of your training.
B. Relying on the client’s intuition about how to proceed.
C. Utilizing supervision to develop a treatment plan.
D. Moving into a space where the client may be afraid to go.
Answer: D Moving into a space where the client may be afraid to go.
Rationale: Counter-intuitive measures literally mean doing something that does not appear to be logical initially. In the case of trauma, one method of working with clients is to have them re-visit the trauma, but process it in ways that are different from the initial reactions, such as the client seeing him or herself as empowered, rather than helpless. Because clients are trying to “get away” from the trauma, this approach seems counter to what they are hoping to achieve.
Development #12 Parenting facilitates a child’s development within a safe environment. Adaptability to circumstances and changing requirements are related to perceptiveness, flexibility and responsiveness. What type of parenting is being described?
A. Competent
B. Submissive
C. Authoritative
D. Aggressive
Answer: A. Competent
Rationale: Assessments in parenting rely on three determinants: clarity, understanding problems, and capacity. A competent parent needs to be aware of their child, connect with the child and have the ability to respond in numerous ways.
Development #13
Abusiveness in families tends to repeat itself in future generations. The cycle reoccurs when the abused individual leaves their family for another and becomes the abuser. There are many traits to an abusive personality. Which of the following would not be a characteristic?
A. Emotional volatility
B. Low self-esteem
C. Fear of abandonment
D. Empowerment
Answer: D Empowerment
Rationale: Empowerment is achieved through assertiveness rather than aggression or manipulation. A person who is abusing someone seeks power through aggressive or manipulative means.
Development #15 Bethany seeks the help of a clinical social worker and is soon diagnosed with schizophrenia. The client wants to know how she developed this psychiatric disorder and what she can do to alleviate the symptoms. The social worker brings in some of Bethany’s family members to get background information. It is soon discovered that prior studies done on schizophrenia were correct in their findings. A high degree of influence relies on what?
A. Environment
B. Physical health
C. Heredity
D. Alcoholism
Answer: C Heredity
Rationale: Schizophrenia is one of the most highly studied psychiatric illnesses by scientists. The genetic influence or heredity, accounts for 80% of all diagnosed cases. Environmental influence has not been found relevant and there is no difference in gender.
Development #16 Sarah has been assessed as having a bond with her infant of 6 months old. The mother is eager to give her daughter care and a nurturing environment. However, it appears that Sarah does not hold an attachment to the child. What is missing from the relationship?
A. Constancy
B. Desire to maintain closeness
C. Individual replacement
D. Separation
Answer: B Desire to maintain closeness
Rationale: Attachment means that there is a bond or connection with the person. With the parent-child relationship, it involves a long-term tie to the individual that cannot be replaced by another. When attachment is not established, emotional distress and personality disturbance can occur.
Development #17 Erik Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development demonstrate the emotional process an individual follows throughout life. In what stage does a person learn to cooperate with others, lead as well as follow, or to continue depending on adults?
A. Basic Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. Shame
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: C Initiative vs. Guilt
Rationale: During the Initiative vs. Guilt stage, children learn to use their imagination through active play. Guilt is obvious if the child is fearful, leading to restrictions in their play skills. This occurs during the early pre-school years.
Development #18 Person-centered therapy places most of the responsibility for treatment on the client. Professionals take a back seat and perform in a nondirective role. Therapy takes place in a supportive environment with a comfortable client/social worker relationship. What are the two goals of person-centered therapy?
A. Increased self-esteem and openness to experience
B. Increased self-determination and internal control
C. Improvement in aggressive tendencies and control
D. Improvement in attitude and external forces
Answer: A Increased self-esteem and openness to experience.
Rationale: Person-centered therapy revolves around the goals of self-esteem and experience. Individuals will learn to be in agreement with themselves, demonstrate low levels of guilt, and encounter more positive relationships.
Development #19 Personality theories offer many suggestions for individual behavior. Carl Rogers believed that an individual’s nature is generally positive and everyone is born a good person. People have an underlying urge to move towards autonomy. What theory is being described?
A. Person centered
B. Gestalt
C. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
D. Biopsychosocial
Answer: A Person Centered
Rationale: The Person-centered theory incorporates the desire of a person to experience oneself in a consistent view. Self-actualization and self-concept are learned in childhood and noted as being secondary needs.
Development #20 Middle adulthood finds individuals faced with many challenges. This usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 50. One tends to make drastic changes when recognizing that life is half over. Often this occurs when the adult feels they have not achieved what?
A. Loving relationships
B. Goals in life
C. Family
D. Appropriate career choices
Answer: B Goals in life
Rationale: Many adults in their mid-40s will suddenly feel the urge to achieve goals previously established in earlier years. Other people will focus on maintaining satisfaction with their lives. Major tasks during this time period may include adjusting to physiological changes, relating to a spouse, and developing leisure activities.
Development #21 The social learning theory as proposed by Albert Bandura, states that most human behavior is learned through observation and modeling. This type of learning is thought to reveal the ability of individuals to learn new information without necessarily demonstrating the behavior. Which of the following describes the four conditions for successful modeling?
A. Distinctiveness, attention, reproduction, and mental imaging
B. Incentives, cognitive organization, retention, and motivation
C. Perseverance, functional value, retention, and attention
D. Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation
Answer: D Attention, Retention, Reproduction, and Motivation
Rationale: Attention notes the factors involved that may increase or decrease an individual’s perception. Retention explains the manner in which a person remembers what they observed. Reproduction is the method of duplicating the image. The last condition involves motivation or a good reason to imitate the behavior.
Development #22 Drug addiction has many effects on a family. The preoccupation with a substance continuously changes mood and performance. Usage can cause marital problems and the destruction of the family unit as a whole. Many members will deny there is a problem or attempt to cover it up out of love for the using individual. This is called:
A. Arcing
B. Cross-reaction
C. Substantive Effects
D. Enabling
Answer: D Enabling
Rationale:Enabling behavior is common in dysfunctional relationships due to secondary gains. A person may depend upon income, focus on the other person’s behavior to minimize their own, or any number of other reasons to “look the other way” with problem behaviors.
Development #23 Addiction is often described as a behavioral syndrome where drug usage dominates the individual’s motivation. Normal constraints on a person’s behavior lead to a self-perceived “loss of control.” One defining characteristic of addiction is:
A. The ability to stop when confronted by legal consequences
B. Identification with other individuals with the same symptoms
C. Consumption of the substance in greater amounts and for longer periods than intended
D. Behavioral disruption due to the effects of the substance
Answer: C Consumption of the substance in greater amounts and for longer periods than intended
Rationale: A major symptom of addiction is consuming greater quantities over a period of time to get the same effects. It can also be the inability to cut down on use despite the negative consequences of such use, as well as physical effects such as blackouts and memory loss.
Development #24 Motor development flows along several basic principles, each one influenced by many areas. Ethnicity, birth size, nutrition, genetics and social class all play a role. This process depends on familial patterns and environmental factors. How is motor development defined?
A. Process by which a child learns movement
B. Stages of development
C. Fine motor skills
D. Process by which a child manipulates movement
Answer: A Process by which a child learns movement
Rationale: Motor development is a process that includes fine and gross skills. Fine motor skills include picking up small objects or coloring, while gross motor skills involve walking, running and climbing. Increased stimulation does not necessarily enhance the development.
