Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

When a client displays frustration about authority, a social worker should?

1. Support the client's feelings toward authority figures

2. Challenge the client's view of authority

3. Redirect the client’s focus towards problem-solving

4. Help assess the appropriateness of their emotional reaction

The correct answer is: Help assess the appropriateness of their emotional reaction

When a client expresses frustration about authority, helping to assess the appropriateness of their emotional reaction is a sound approach because it encourages self-reflection and promotes emotional regulation. This method allows the client to explore the reasons behind their frustration and examine whether those feelings are justified in the context of their experiences. It fosters a deeper understanding of their emotional responses and can also assist clients in distinguishing between valid concerns and potentially irrational feelings. This approach steers the conversation towards self-awareness and insight, which can be crucial in therapeutic settings. By guiding the client to reflect on their feelings, a social worker can facilitate healthier coping mechanisms and strategies for interacting with authority figures in the future. Supporting the client's feelings toward authority figures might not be the most productive approach, as it could reinforce negative attitudes without fostering growth or resolution. Similarly, challenging the client's view of authority might create defensiveness and hinder open communication. Redirecting the focus toward problem-solving could sidestep the need to understand deeper emotional concerns, which are essential for effective resolution and healing.