ASWB Clinical MCQ 2

Question 1

A client with borderline personality disorder frequently calls the crisis line between sessions and threatens self-harm when the social worker sets limits. This pattern BEST illustrates:

Accepted Answer

Splitting and emotional dysregulation

Answer

Splitting and emotional dysregulation are hallmark features of BPD, driving intense reactions to perceived abandonment or limit-setting.

Question 2

A social worker suspects a child client is being sexually abused but the child denies it. The MOST appropriate next step is to:

Accepted Answer

File a mandated report based on reasonable suspicion

Answer

Mandated reporters must report reasonable suspicion of abuse; a child's denial does not override the legal and ethical duty to report.

Question 3

Which theoretical framework emphasizes that psychological distress arises from irrational beliefs rather than external events?

Accepted Answer

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)

Answer

REBT, developed by Albert Ellis, holds that irrational beliefs—not events themselves—are the primary cause of emotional disturbance.

Question 4

A social worker working with a trauma survivor notices strong feelings of protectiveness and anger toward the client's abuser. This MOST likely represents:

Accepted Answer

Countertransference

Answer

Countertransference refers to the clinician's emotional reactions to a client, which can be triggered by the client's trauma narrative.

Question 5

A client is prescribed an antidepressant and asks the social worker if it will 'fix' their depression. The BEST response is to:

Accepted Answer

Explain that medication may help manage symptoms while therapy addresses underlying issues

Answer

Integrated psychoeducation about the complementary roles of medication and therapy supports informed decision-making and collaborative care.

ASWB - Association of Social Work Boards Practice Test

ASWB - Association of Social Work Boards Practice Test

ASWB Clinical MCQ 2