Masters Practice Flashcards
7 cards from real ASWB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Masters Practice flashcards as text
A social worker receives a subpoena for a client's therapy records. The client has not provided a release. The social worker should FIRST:
Answer: Consult with an attorney before releasing any records
A subpoena does not automatically override privilege; the social worker should consult legal counsel to determine the appropriate response before releasing records.
In Bowenian family therapy, 'differentiation of self' refers to:
Answer: The capacity to maintain a clear sense of identity while staying emotionally connected
Differentiation of self is Bowen's concept describing the ability to stay emotionally present in relationships without being overwhelmed by the emotional field.
Which of the following is an example of secondary trauma in a social worker?
Answer: Intrusive thoughts about a client's traumatic experience after hearing their story
Secondary traumatic stress involves trauma-like symptoms that arise from indirect exposure to another person's traumatic experiences.
A social worker is providing case management for an elderly client who refuses home health aide services despite significant functional decline. Which principle should guide the social worker's approach?
Answer: Self-determination, because competent adults have the right to refuse services
Competent adults retain the right to make decisions about their own care, even decisions the social worker believes are unwise.
Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of psychoeducation in clinical social work practice?
Answer: Providing clients with information about their condition to improve understanding and management
Psychoeducation involves providing clients (and often families) with information about diagnoses, symptoms, and treatment to empower informed participation in care.
According to the DSM-5-TR, which of the following is NOT a required criterion for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder?
Answer: A prior manic or hypomanic episode
A prior manic or hypomanic episode would rule out MDD in favor of a bipolar diagnosis; it is not a criterion for MDD.
A social worker notices that a client consistently arrives late and provides vague answers whenever discussing their relationship with their mother. This pattern is BEST described as:
Answer: Resistance
Resistance refers to behaviors (lateness, avoidance, vagueness) that interfere with therapeutic progress, often unconsciously protecting the client from painful material.