ASWB MSW Exam Questions

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141.

In the community engagement phase of macro social work, which stage is characterized by the beginning of an agreement on a course of action?

  • Emergence

  • Conflict

  • Reinforcement

  • Orientation

Correct answer: Emergence

Community engagement and participation goes through several phases. In the orientation stage, community members are just getting to know each other. In the conflict stage, expected minor arguments and friction may occur, which do get resolved in time. In the emergence stage, community members begin to agree on a course of action, and in the final stage, reinforcement, community members decide and justify that decision.

142.

Which of the following classes of drugs is MOST likely to have a negative reaction to certain foods?

  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • Benzodiazepines

  • Stimulants

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Correct answer: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

The class of drugs known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) is used to treat depression and does contain significant dietary restrictions on such things as cheese, certain beans, and aged foods.

The other classes or types of drugs do not contain this restriction.

143.

Which of the following is the BEST statement about clinical self-disclosure?

  • Most situations require no self-disclosure at all

  • Some therapeutic self-disclosure is usually necessary

  • Therapeutic self-disclosure is beneficial if carefully used

  • Boundaries for therapeutic self-disclosure should be flexible

Correct answer: Most situations require no self-disclosure at all

Therapeutic self-disclosure, if used at all, should always be used with extreme caution. Most therapeutic situations require none at all.

Self-disclosure is rarely, if ever, necessary. Though it could be beneficial, a better policy is to minimize it or eliminate it altogether. If used at all, the boundaries should be strict and consistent.

144.

Which of the following is NOT a self-object need identified in self-psychology?

  • Integrity

  • Mirroring

  • Idealization

  • Twinship

Correct answer: Integrity

Self-psychology teaches that the self is the most important force in psychology. A lack of self-concept or cohesion develops when childhood experiences do not provide necessary emotional supports. Three of these are mirroring, a behavior that validates the child's sense of self, idealization, where a child borrows strength from others, and twinship, the idea that a child needs an alter ego to achieve a sense of belonging.

Integrity is not a need identified in self-psychology.

145.

What is the point of a Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)?

  • To gain information about perceptions and motives

  • To assess cognitive dysfunction

  • To identify delusions

  • To diagnose thought disorder

Correct answer: To gain information about perceptions and motives

A Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) asks a client to project a story of their own imagination onto a set of ambiguous scenes. If used on its own, it is mainly used to gain information about that client's emotions, perceptions, and motives.

A TAT would not be used on its own to assess cognitive dysfunction, identify delusions, or to diagnose thought disorder.

146.

A social worker in a family medical practice setting has been asked by one of the doctors to meet with an elderly patient who is having trouble caring for herself at home. In the initial interview, the patient wants to discuss her children and grandchildren, who live in another state.

What is the social worker's MOST appropriate response to the client?

  • Encourage discussion about the patient's family

  • Remind the patient that the social worker is there to help her find resources to care for herself

  • Assess the patient for suicide risk

  • Suggest that the patient ask her family for help

Correct answer: Encourage discussion about the patient's family

One of the most important things the social worker can do in this situation is to establish a therapeutic rapport with the patient. In order to do this, the social worker should acknowledge that the patient's family is important to her and encourage further discussion about them.

By reminding the patient that the social worker is there to help her find resources to care for herself, the social worker is neglecting to acknowledge the patient's desire to talk about her family and risks offending the patient. There are no indicators that suggest there is an immediate need for the social worker to assess the patient for suicide risk. The social worker could suggest that the patient ask her family for help, but only after encouraging further discussion about them.

147.

Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of the goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

  • To change patterns of thinking or behavior

  • To reduce psychiatric symptoms

  • To address problematic behavior

  • To resolve inner conflict

Correct answer: To change patterns of thinking or behavior

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the relationship between thinking and behavior. It is thought that in changing the elements of these mental or behavioral patterns, a better outcome can be reached.

The goal of CBT is not as much to reduce psychiatric symptoms, address problematic behavior, or to resolve inner conflict, though any or all of these might be an outcome or objective.

148.

Which of the following is the riskiest from a cultural point of view?

  • Eye contact

  • Warm facial expression

  • Varying facial expression

  • Attentive gestures

Correct answer: Eye contact

Though forms of communication are highly variable from culture to culture and context to context, eye contact seems to be one of the most variable in terms of its use, social value, and meaning. It is thus the riskiest if used carelessly.

Such things as warm and varied facial expressions and attentive gestures seem to be less risky from a cultural standpoint.

149.

Which of the following social work roles involves stepping in when there are disputes involving a client?

  • Mediator

  • Broker

  • Advocate

  • Change agent

Correct answer: Mediator

As a mediator, a social worker will help clients involved in disputes with other parties.

A broker is more concerned with securing services for clients. An advocate takes action to defend the rights of clients in some way. A change agent's focus is more organizational, aimed at improving service provision to clients.

150.

Which of the following counterproductive phenomena is defined as a cynicism or lack of job satisfaction when dealing with clients who do not seem to show much progress?

  • Burnout

  • Compassion fatigue

  • Secondary trauma

  • Transference

Correct answer: Burnout

Burnout is usually defined as the cynicism and lack of job satisfaction that comes from dealing with clients who show little apparent progress in treatment.

Secondary trauma is the similar phenomenon by which a practitioner is affected by the negative life circumstances of their client. Compassion fatigue combines the features of both burnout and secondary trauma. Transference is an interactional dynamic between client and practitioner where clients bring outside feelings into the relationship.

151.

A social worker regularly meets with a young child for play therapy. On the day of the child's scheduled session, she immediately notices a difference in the mother's affect: she is tearful and detached.

What should the social worker do FIRST?

  • Acknowledge the mother's presentation and ask her if you might speak with her in private

  • Act as if nothing is wrong due to the fact that the mother is not the identified client

  • Meet with the mother and child together for this session

  • Ask the mother if she is considering killing or hurting herself

Correct answer: Acknowledge the mother's presentation and ask her if you might speak with her in private

Though the child is the identified client, it is important to acknowledge that you notice the mother seems depressed. The mother is an extremely important part of the child's life, so it is critical that the mother is stable and is not suffering from suicidal thoughts. Rather than meeting with the mother and the child together, it is important to meet with the mother separately in order to protect the child from any sensitive information.

The social worker should not ignore the mother or act as if nothing is wrong, as it is her responsibility to ensure that the child's caregivers are able to care for the child adequately.

As stated above, the social worker should not meet with the mother and child together because the mother may disclose reasons for her depressed mood that the child should not be exposed to.

The social worker should assess the mother for suicide risk but should do this in private rather than asking her in front of the child.

152.

You are a social worker meeting with a 40-year-old man for the first time. When giving information for a biopsychosocial assessment, the man mentions that he has been hospitalized in the past for "hearing some voices and stuff." When you attempt to ask more questions, the man shuts down and says, "It really doesn't matter anymore."

Which of the following should you do FIRST?

  • Validate the client's feelings and explain why you would like to gather more information

  • Assess the client for suicide risk

  • Make sure the client knows that you will be focusing on current issues

  • Ask the client why he is getting upset

Correct answer: Validate the client's feelings and explain why you would like to gather more information

The most important things a social worker can do when meeting with a client for the first time is gain the client's trust and establish therapeutic rapport. In this situation, it is clear that the client does not yet trust you with information about his psychiatric history. You should validate the client's feelings and explain to the client why you believe gathering more information about his history is important.

There is no immediate need to assess the client for suicide risk, though you should do this at some point during the interview. It is equally important to focus on the client's current issues and to gather pertinent mental health history. By asking the client why he is getting upset, you may make the client more defensive and fail to elicit further information.

153.

Wayne works with people with disabilities. As part of his assessment of a client, he uses a strengths-oriented approach.

Which of the following would be part of his assessment?

  • Finding out what problems the client believes can be a source of challenge and opportunity

  • Asking the client what they want to get out of therapy

  • Finding out what the client's current situation is and brainstorming ways to improve it

Correct answer: Finding out what problems the client believes can be a source of challenge and opportunity

Using the strengths-oriented approach to assessment, the assumption is that problems can be a source of challenge and opportunity. Therefore, Wayne would focus on what problems his clients face, help them explore the challenges present, and then determine where the opportunity lies.

The other three answer choices are all things that can happen in therapy, but they are not specific to the strengths-oriented approach to treatment.

154.

Which of the following defense mechanisms is characterized by the avoidance of pleasurable activity?

  • Inhibition

  • Displacement

  • Compensation

  • Decompensation

Correct answer: Inhibition

The defense mechanism of inhibition serves a protective function by the denial of pleasurable activity that might otherwise be a threat.

Displacement is the redirection of unsuitable impulses toward a proxy figure. Compensation protects the individual by making up for perceived deficiencies with a strong effort in another area. Decompensation is the process in which one's defense mechanisms are failing or have failed.

155.

The government recently lowered the number of food stamps that low-income individuals receive each month. Almost all of the clients that Henry works with at the community center use food stamps.

What change is Henry MOST likely to see as a result of this government policy?

  • Individuals will need more assistance with food from the pantry at the community center

  • Clients will come in less frequently because they will feel ashamed of needing additional help

  • There will be fewer phone calls because people will be busy looking for food resources

  • The crime rate could increase as people who are desperate for food resort to stealing

Correct answer: Individuals will need more assistance with food from the pantry at the community center

If the number of food stamps per person is reduced, the community will see the demand for food elsewhere. The community center's food pantry could possibly run out of food because so many people will need additional assistance.

Individuals who are affected by the change may also need to find additional food resources; therefore, they will be more likely to visit or call social workers for assistance, not less likely. It is possible that the crime rate could increase, but it is not the best answer in this situation.

156.

Larry is 37 years old and has lived alone for the past three years since his divorce. He has two children who live with his ex-wife in another state. In his sessions with a social worker, Larry often expresses sadness and guilt regarding the lack of emotional closeness he has with his children. Which of the following is an appropriate goal the social worker might suggest for Larry?

  • Explore ways to talk and visit with his children more often

  • Begin to find ways to socialize more with friends and possible partners

  • Network with other professionals who have similar jobs in the same field

  • Discuss the factors that led to the disintegration of his marriage

Correct answer: Explore ways to talk and visit with his children more often

Setting goals is a crucial part of working with clients. Though social workers might suggest certain goals, they should always reflect the client's own desires rather than what the social worker thinks the client should be working toward. Larry is concerned about his relationship with his children, so one of his goals might be to improve this relationship by actively seeking it out.

The remaining answer options are incorrect, as they do not reflect Larry's own personal desires. Larry does not mention wanting to socialize more with friends or others, find a new job, or explore reasons for his divorce.

157.

"Social workers should avoid unwarranted negative criticism of colleagues in communications with clients or with other professionals."

The above statement is quoted from the NASW Code of Ethics under which of these principles?

  • Respect

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration

  • Disputes Involving Colleagues

Correct answer: Respect

The Respect principle listed in the NASW Code of Ethics states: "Social workers should avoid unwarranted negative criticism of colleagues in communications with clients or with other professionals." Although it is appropriate to give constructive criticism to colleagues, it must always be to help them improve at their jobs, not to belittle or insult them. You must treat all coworkers using the "Golden Rule": do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Under Interdisciplinary Collaboration, the NASW Code of Ethics states that social workers who work as part of a team need to actively participate and resolve disagreements using appropriate channels. Under Disputes Involving Colleagues, the NASW Code of Ethics states that social workers should not exploit clients in disputes or take advantage of disputes to advance their own careers.

158.

A parent has given consent for you to see their 14-year-old child. How should you proceed with addressing the child?

  • Provide information to the child in understandable language and seek their assent to participate in services

  • Proceed with services without providing an explanation of services, since the parent has already consented

  • Only proceed with written consent from the child since they are old enough to make decisions related to consent

  • Consult with a supervisor about the best option

Correct answer: Provide information to the child in understandable language and seek their assent to participate in services

Even if a parent consents for their child to participate in services, it's still important to provide information to the child in language they can understand. The social worker should also seek the child's assent to participate.

Providing services without providing any explanation to the child would not align with the ethics of the social work profession.

The parent can give informed consent, but a 14-year-old child would be considered a minor and cannot give written consent for treatment.

Consulting with a supervisor about the best option is not the best choice. It is reasonable to assume that social work professionals understand they should explain services to the child in understandable language and seek the child's assent.

159.

You are a social worker meeting with a single mother and her 5-year-old son, Mikey. She says to you, "Mikey does whatever he can to get my attention. I don't understand why he can't ever be good!" Which of the following is an example of reframing?

  • "You're worried about the fact that Mikey acts out, and you want to help him change this behavior."

  • "Mikey never does anything right, and you think he is always trying to get your attention."

  • "You and Mikey have a special relationship."

  • "I wonder what would happen if you ignored Mikey when he is trying to get your attention."

Correct answer: "You're worried about the fact that Mikey acts out, and you want to help him change this behavior."

As the family therapist, you can reframe family members' statements in a way that does not assign blame. You should pay close attention to the statements the mother makes and reframe those statements in different terms when possible, in order to give a helpful perspective. By putting the mother's feelings into words ("worried") and stating that she wants Mikey's behavior to change, you are showing that not only are you paying attention to her but that you realize she cares about Mikey and her relationship with him.

By saying, "Mikey never does anything right, and you think he is always trying to get your attention," you are simply repeating to the mother what she said to you, which shows you were paying attention but is not particularly helpful. By saying, "You and Mikey have a special relationship," you are changing the topic somewhat and not reframing what the mother has said. By saying, "I wonder what would happen if you ignored Mikey when he is trying to get your attention," you are suggesting a certain approach to the mother, but this statement is only somewhat related to the frustration she is trying to express to you.

160.

Joseph is meeting his client Catherine for their regular session. Catherine is engaged in many troublesome activities including gambling and high-risk sexual behavior. Joseph tries to get Catherine to understand the risks of these activities before serious consequences occur.

Which of the following prevention strategies is Joseph using?

  • Primary prevention

  • Secondary prevention

  • Tertiary prevention

  • Passive prevention

Correct answer: Primary prevention

There are three main types of prevention strategies; primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Primary prevention strategies deal with preventing people from acquiring a disease or experiencing a problem. Secondary prevention is about mitigating the harm of a condition after it is already in place. Tertiary prevention is directed at managing the long-term consequences of acquired conditions.

Passive prevention is not considered a major prevention strategy.