MSW Human Development and Behavior 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client who experienced chronic childhood abuse shows difficulty regulating emotions and forming stable relationships. This pattern is most consistent with:
- Secure attachment with mild temperament differences
- Complex developmental trauma (complex PTSD) (Correct answer)
- Normal adolescent identity exploration
- Generalized anxiety disorder with late onset
Correct answer: Complex developmental trauma (complex PTSD)
Complex PTSD arises from prolonged, repeated trauma and is characterized by emotional dysregulation, relational difficulties, and negative self-concept.
Question 2: According to Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, the relationship between a child's school and their parents' workplace is an example of:
- Microsystem interactions
- Mesosystem linkages
- Exosystem influences (Correct answer)
- Macrosystem norms
Correct answer: Exosystem influences
The exosystem includes settings that indirectly affect the child, such as a parent's workplace, even though the child is not directly involved.
Question 3: Which developmental theorist emphasized the role of 'basic trust' established in infancy as the foundation for all later psychosocial development?
- Jean Piaget
- Erik Erikson (Correct answer)
- B.F. Skinner
- Abraham Maslow
Correct answer: Erik Erikson
Erikson's first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust (birth to 18 months), establishes whether infants develop a basic sense of safety and trust in caregivers.
Question 4: A social worker is helping a 16-year-old explore questions of 'Who am I?' and 'What do I believe in?' According to Erikson, this adolescent is navigating:
- Industry vs. Inferiority
- Initiative vs. Guilt
- Identity vs. Role Confusion (Correct answer)
- Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct answer: Identity vs. Role Confusion
Erikson's fifth stage (Identity vs. Role Confusion) occurs during adolescence, when individuals explore and commit to a personal identity.
Question 5: The concept of 'epigenetics' in human development refers to:
- The fixed genetic blueprint that determines all developmental outcomes
- Environmental factors that alter gene expression without changing DNA sequence (Correct answer)
- The study of chromosomal mutations across generations
- Behavioral traits transmitted exclusively through cultural learning
Correct answer: Environmental factors that alter gene expression without changing DNA sequence
Epigenetics involves changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors—such as stress or nutrition—without altering the underlying DNA sequence.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes 'resilience' as used in social work practice?
- The complete absence of trauma or adversity in one's life history
- Genetic immunity to psychological disorders
- The ability to adapt positively despite significant adversity or risk (Correct answer)
- Returning to pre-trauma functioning without any lasting changes
Correct answer: The ability to adapt positively despite significant adversity or risk
Resilience is the capacity for positive adaptation in the context of significant adversity and is influenced by individual, family, and community protective factors.
Question 7: According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which need must generally be met before an individual can focus on esteem needs?
- Self-actualization
- Cognitive needs
- Love and belonging needs (Correct answer)
- Transcendence needs
Correct answer: Love and belonging needs
In Maslow's hierarchy, love and belonging (social needs) precede esteem needs, as humans must feel connected before pursuing status and achievement.
MSW Human Development and Behavior 3
A client who experienced chronic childhood abuse shows difficulty regulating emotions and forming stable relationships.
This pattern is most consistent with: