Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

A client with a personality disorder realizes certain behaviors are unacceptable, leading to depression and loss of appetite. How should the social worker interpret these symptoms?

1. An exacerbation of the client's problem

2. The result of the worker's misinterpretation of the client's functioning

3. An indication of progress

4. The client becoming aware that the worker is uninterested in treatment

The correct answer is: An indication of progress

Interpreting the symptoms of depression and loss of appetite in a client with a personality disorder who acknowledges that certain behaviors are unacceptable can be viewed as an indication of progress. This realization suggests that the client is gaining insight into their own behaviors and how these behaviors impact their emotional state and overall functioning. Awareness of problematic behaviors is a critical step in the therapeutic process and often precedes behavioral change. It demonstrates that the client is engaging with their treatment and reflects cognitive and emotional development. Rather than being solely a negative indicator, this awareness can motivate a client to seek positive changes and adopt healthier coping mechanisms, potentially leading to improved mental health outcomes. In this context, understanding and expressing these feelings show a willingness to confront difficult emotions, which is a positive sign in therapy. This insight can open doors for more meaningful discussions in therapy and engagement with treatment strategies that aim to address both the personality disorder and its associated symptoms.