Free ASWB Clinical Social Worker Question and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following levels of consciousness holds all the knowledge not currently in a person's attention and is accessible if needed, according to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory?

Accepted Answer

Preconscious

Answer

According to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the preconscious level of consciousness holds all the knowledge, memories, and thoughts that are not currently in a person's immediate attention but can be easily retrieved and brought into conscious awareness if needed. It acts as a mental 'waiting room' for information that is readily accessible.

Question 2

Which of the following factors is LEAST likely to play a role in the development or diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in children?

Accepted Answer

Reactions to one or more of the immunization (vaccination) series that are usually administered in infancy and early childhood

Answer

Extensive scientific research has consistently and conclusively debunked any link between childhood immunizations (vaccinations) and the development of autism spectrum disorder. This theory has been widely discredited by the medical and scientific community. Genetic factors, prenatal/perinatal factors, and parental age are recognized as potential contributing factors to ASD.

Question 3

Which form of behavior can be anticipated from Yam Yam, who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Boundary manipulation

Answer

Individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often struggle with unstable relationships and a fear of abandonment, leading to behaviors like boundary manipulation. This can manifest as testing limits, creating crises, or attempting to control others to meet their intense emotional needs or prevent perceived rejection. Obsessiveness and insight development are less characteristic of BPD.

Question 4

When your client Claire arrives for her appointment, she tells you that her husband has just requested a divorce. Claire starts to discuss all the issues in the marriage before responding to your inquiry about how she is feeling.

Which kind of protection mechanism are you most likely to record in your Claire's chart notes?

Accepted Answer

Intellectualization

Answer

Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where a person avoids confronting uncomfortable emotions by focusing on the intellectual, factual, or logical aspects of a situation. Claire discussing the 'issues in the marriage' rather than her feelings about the divorce request is a classic example of intellectualizing to distance herself from the emotional pain and distress of the situation.

Question 5

When assessing basic "Activities of Daily Living" (ADLs) to identify an appropriate level of care for a person with a long-term disability, the following areas of capacity are LEAST likely to be considered:

Accepted Answer

Basic household tasks (which can include shopping for food, cooking/food preparation, and/or cleaning/household maintenance)

Answer

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) refer to fundamental self-care tasks essential for independent living, such as self-feeding, mobility, and dressing/grooming. Basic household tasks like shopping, cooking, and cleaning fall under Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which are more complex activities. Therefore, when assessing basic ADLs, IADLs are the least likely to be considered as they represent a higher level of functioning beyond fundamental self-care.

ASWB - Association of Social Work Boards Practice Test

ASWB - Association of Social Work Boards Practice Test

Free ASWB Clinical Social Worker Question and Answers