Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

Which factor is least likely to determine a client's capacity to engage in a social work relationship?

1. Emotional and personality makeup

2. Age

3. Judgment

4. Intelligence

The correct answer is: Age

The capacity of a client to engage in a social work relationship is influenced by various factors, and age can often be the least determining factor among those listed. While age can affect a person's experiences and perspective, it does not inherently dictate an individual's ability to form or engage in relationships with social workers. Clients of different ages can possess varying degrees of maturity, understanding, and emotional readiness, making age a less reliable predictor of relational capacity. On the other hand, emotional and personality makeup influences how clients express themselves, relate to others, and manage their feelings within the social working relationship. Judgment is critical as it relates to a client's ability to evaluate their circumstances and the social worker’s guidance, which is vital for effective collaboration. Intelligence also plays a role, as it affects a client’s comprehension and processing of the information and recommendations provided by the social worker. Therefore, while age contributes certain contextual aspects, it is not as directly linked to a client’s capacity for engagement as the other factors.