ASWB Clinical Assessment 5

Question 1

A social worker is assessing attachment patterns in a young child using observational methods. Which behavior MOST strongly indicates a disorganized attachment pattern?

Accepted Answer

Approaching the caregiver with fearful or contradictory behaviors upon reunion

Answer

Disorganized attachment is characterized by contradictory, fearful, or disoriented behaviors toward the caregiver who is simultaneously the source of fear.

Question 2

During a psychosocial assessment, a client reports that she began binge-eating and purging at age 15 but has used restriction alone for the past two years without bingeing. How should the social worker classify the current presentation?

Accepted Answer

Anorexia Nervosa, restricting type, with history of Bulimia Nervosa

Answer

If the client currently meets AN criteria through restriction only, the correct diagnosis is Anorexia Nervosa, Restricting Type, with past Bulimia Nervosa noted in the clinical history.

Question 3

A social worker assessing a client for Borderline Personality Disorder should use which time frame for symptom evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A pervasive pattern present since early adulthood across multiple contexts

Answer

Personality disorder diagnoses require a pervasive, enduring pattern that began in adolescence or early adulthood and is not limited to mood episodes or situational reactions.

Question 4

A social worker uses the PHQ-9 with a new client. A score of 15 indicates:

Accepted Answer

Moderately severe depression warranting active treatment planning

Answer

A PHQ-9 score of 15–19 indicates moderately severe depression, which typically warrants active treatment such as psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, or both.

Question 5

A social worker is conducting a lethality assessment after a client discloses a plan to overdose on stockpiled medication. Which factor MOST increases imminent risk?

Accepted Answer

The client has access to the lethal means described in the plan

Answer

Access to the specific means in the plan dramatically increases imminent risk; means restriction is a first-line safety intervention precisely because access is a key risk amplifier.

ASWB - Association of Social Work Boards Practice Test

ASWB - Association of Social Work Boards Practice Test

ASWB Clinical Assessment 5