Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

What are the common consequences of discouraging emotions in young children?

1. High anxiety levels.

2. Bulimia and other eating disorders.

3. Acting-out behavior, somatization, and a sense of powerlessness.

4. Psychomotor problems.

The correct answer is: Acting-out behavior, somatization, and a sense of powerlessness.

Discouraging emotions in young children can lead to a variety of negative consequences that affect their emotional and psychological development. One of the primary outcomes is acting-out behavior, where children may express their suppressed emotions through inappropriate actions, often as a form of communication when they feel unheard or misunderstood. Additionally, somatization can occur, where children manifest emotional distress through physical symptoms, such as stomachaches or headaches, without any medical explanation. This is often rooted in the inability to express feelings verbally and a coping mechanism to deal with internal conflicts. Furthermore, a sense of powerlessness can develop in children who are taught that their emotions are invalid or unwelcome. They may believe they have little control over their feelings or their environment, leading to issues with self-regulation and self-esteem. While the other options like high anxiety levels, eating disorders, or psychomotor problems could also be significant issues resulting from emotional discouragement, the most direct and common consequences in terms of emotional expression and behavioral outlet are best captured by the combination of acting-out behavior, somatization, and a sense of powerlessness.