Complete ASWB LCSW Exam Prep -
2024
What is "Introjection" as a defense mechanism? - answer Considered the most
primitive, Internalizing outside influences as your own identity. (focus on identity,
commonly seen in adolescents)
Examples:
-in severe depression- hatred turns toward self
-A child takes on their parent's words, characteristics, or beliefs as their own to maintain
connection
-a trauma survivor takes on a victim identity
-a kid "channels" his big brother's characteristics to stand up to a bully
-kid internalizes ideas of someone else - "I cant cry it's weak."
opposite of projection
obsessive-compulsive personality disorder - answerOCPD - a personality disorder
characterized by preoccupation with orderliness, perfection, rigidness, and control
never satisfied with achievements
ex: Steve Jobs
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) - answerImpulse-control disorder with repeated
episodes of unpredictable, impulsive, uncontrollable (not pre-meditated) aggression in
which client strikes out at others or destroys property. Failure to restrain aggressive
impulses, and response is disproportionate to the situation. Can manifest through
arguments, temper tantrums, verbal/physical aggression.
Not persistently irritable mood and can be present for adults. More severe than ODD.
Dx if at least 6+ yrs old, and "explosion" occurs 2 or more times a week for at least 3
months (OR child has had 3 incidents of impulsive/uncontrollable physical
injury/property destruction in the last year)
Conduct Disorder (CD) - answera pattern of repetitive behavior in which the rights of
others or social norms are violated. Bullying, intimidating, truancy, lack of remorse or
empathy, premeditated harmful behaviors, theft, aggression toward people or animals,
destruction of property, theft, serious transgression of rules
Occuring within a 1-year period (with at least one symptom present for 6 months
straight), and onset before age 13.
Leads to antisocial personality disorder after 18.
,Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) - answera depressive disorder in
children characterized by persistent irritability and frequent episodes of out-of-control
behavior. Involves severe, recurrent temper outbursts with a persistent/chornic irritable
and angry mood between outbursts on most days.
Lasting at least 1 year with no more than 3 month periods between symptom episodes
On average, outbursts occur 3+ times/wk
Age of onset before 10 yrs
Diagnosed between 6-18 yrs
What does KSA stand for? - answerknowledge, skills, and abilities
What is the order of the Social Work process? (6) - answer1. Engagement
2. Assessment
3. Planning
4. Intervention
5. Evaluation
6. Termination
What factors influence people and their behaviors in a social environment? (5) -
answer1. Individual Characteristics
2. Interpersonal Factors
3. Institutional Factors
4. Community Factors
5. Public Policy
What are individual characteristics? - answerKnowledge, experiences, attitudes, beliefs,
and personality, unique to each client
What are interpersonal factors? - answerSocial support, work relationships, friendships,
and religious community
What are institutional factors? - answerRules, regulations, and informal structures in the
organizations client is involved with
(smoking, dress expectations, rules around social interactions)
What are community factors? - answerFormal and informal norms and expectations
based on the social environment where a client lives
What are public policies? - answerMandated regulations and laws, typically by a
government
(wearing seat belts, not using drugs, limits on physical aggression, etc)
What are the most common theoretical perspectives that help explain human behavior?
(8) - answer1. Systems Theory
,2. Conflict Theory
3. Rational Choice Theory
4. Social Constructionist Theory
5. Psychodynamic Theory
6. Developmental Theory
7. Social Behavioral Theory
8. Humanistic Perspective
Systems Theory - answerMultiple parts in an environment are interrelated where each
part impacts all other parts as well as the system as a whole.
Conflict Theory - answerThe idea that conflict between competing interests, resources,
and power is the basic motivating force of social change and society in general
Rational Choice Theory - answerBy nature, people are rationale and goal oriented and
will try to maximize rewards and minimize costs. Behavior is explained when viewed
through self-interest.
Social Constructionist Theory - answerSocial reality is created when clients develop a
common understanding of their world through social interaction. They are influenced by
social processes that are grounded in customs, as well as cultural and historical
contexts.
(BLM, Nationalists, Native American, etc.)
Psychodynamic Theory - answerHuman behavior is motivated by conscious and
unconscious mental activity where experiences, particularly in developmental years, are
central. Defense mechanisms are used to avoid being overwhelmed.
Developmental Theory - answerHuman development is a complex interaction of
biological, psychological, and social factors. Development occurs in defined, age-related
stages that build upon one another.
Social Behavioral Theory - answerHuman behavior is learned when clients interact with
the environment through association, reinforcement, and imitation. Behavior and can be
changed through techniques such as classical and operant conditioning.
Humanistic Perspective - answerEach client is responsible for their own choices and
have the capacity to change themselves. Human behavior is driven by a desire for
growth, meaning, and competence. Behaving in ways inconsistent to this causes
anxiety.
Why does social development matter? - answerHuman beings are inherently social.
Developing competencies in this domain enhances a person's mental health, success in
work, and the ability to achieve life tasks.
, In order of research development, who were the prominent theorists of developmental
research and their associated research? (5) - answer1. Sigmund Freud (Psychosexual)
2. Erik Erickson (Psychosocial)
3. Jean Piaget (Cognitive)
4. Lawrence Kohlberg (Moral)
5. James Fowler (Spiritual)
Who developed the psychosocial theory of Life Stages? - answerErick Erickson
How many life stages are there in Erickson's theory? - answer8
What are the 8 psychosocial stages of life and their corresponding ages? - answer1.
Infancy: birth-1 year
2. Early childhood: 1-2 years
3. Preschool: 3-5 years
4. Elementary: 6-12 years
5. Adolescent: 13-20's
6. Young Adulthood: 20's -early 40's
7. Middle Adulthood: 40's-60's
8. Late Adulthood: Late 60's+
What are the crises and outcomes of the 1st psychosocial stage of development? -
answer1. Infancy (Birth- 1 yr)
Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust
Completion: Confidence and security
Maladaption: Disconnect and anxiety
-based on consistency of caregivers
What are the crisis and outcomes of the 2nd psychosocial stage of development? -
answer2. Early childhood: 1-3 years
Crisis: Autonomy Vs. Shame
Completion: Self-control, independence
Maladaption: Impulsivity, dependence
What are the crisis and outcomes of the 3rd psychosocial stage of development? -
answer3. Preschool: 3-6 years
Crisis: Initiative Vs. Guilt
Completion: Purpose, initiative, lead others
Maladaption: lacking self-leadership, follower
What are the crisis and outcomes of the 4th psychosocial stage of development? -
answer4. Elementary: 6-12 years
Crisis: Industry Vs. Inferiority
Completion: Competency, goal completion
Maladaption: Lack of vision or ambition
2024
What is "Introjection" as a defense mechanism? - answer Considered the most
primitive, Internalizing outside influences as your own identity. (focus on identity,
commonly seen in adolescents)
Examples:
-in severe depression- hatred turns toward self
-A child takes on their parent's words, characteristics, or beliefs as their own to maintain
connection
-a trauma survivor takes on a victim identity
-a kid "channels" his big brother's characteristics to stand up to a bully
-kid internalizes ideas of someone else - "I cant cry it's weak."
opposite of projection
obsessive-compulsive personality disorder - answerOCPD - a personality disorder
characterized by preoccupation with orderliness, perfection, rigidness, and control
never satisfied with achievements
ex: Steve Jobs
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) - answerImpulse-control disorder with repeated
episodes of unpredictable, impulsive, uncontrollable (not pre-meditated) aggression in
which client strikes out at others or destroys property. Failure to restrain aggressive
impulses, and response is disproportionate to the situation. Can manifest through
arguments, temper tantrums, verbal/physical aggression.
Not persistently irritable mood and can be present for adults. More severe than ODD.
Dx if at least 6+ yrs old, and "explosion" occurs 2 or more times a week for at least 3
months (OR child has had 3 incidents of impulsive/uncontrollable physical
injury/property destruction in the last year)
Conduct Disorder (CD) - answera pattern of repetitive behavior in which the rights of
others or social norms are violated. Bullying, intimidating, truancy, lack of remorse or
empathy, premeditated harmful behaviors, theft, aggression toward people or animals,
destruction of property, theft, serious transgression of rules
Occuring within a 1-year period (with at least one symptom present for 6 months
straight), and onset before age 13.
Leads to antisocial personality disorder after 18.
,Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) - answera depressive disorder in
children characterized by persistent irritability and frequent episodes of out-of-control
behavior. Involves severe, recurrent temper outbursts with a persistent/chornic irritable
and angry mood between outbursts on most days.
Lasting at least 1 year with no more than 3 month periods between symptom episodes
On average, outbursts occur 3+ times/wk
Age of onset before 10 yrs
Diagnosed between 6-18 yrs
What does KSA stand for? - answerknowledge, skills, and abilities
What is the order of the Social Work process? (6) - answer1. Engagement
2. Assessment
3. Planning
4. Intervention
5. Evaluation
6. Termination
What factors influence people and their behaviors in a social environment? (5) -
answer1. Individual Characteristics
2. Interpersonal Factors
3. Institutional Factors
4. Community Factors
5. Public Policy
What are individual characteristics? - answerKnowledge, experiences, attitudes, beliefs,
and personality, unique to each client
What are interpersonal factors? - answerSocial support, work relationships, friendships,
and religious community
What are institutional factors? - answerRules, regulations, and informal structures in the
organizations client is involved with
(smoking, dress expectations, rules around social interactions)
What are community factors? - answerFormal and informal norms and expectations
based on the social environment where a client lives
What are public policies? - answerMandated regulations and laws, typically by a
government
(wearing seat belts, not using drugs, limits on physical aggression, etc)
What are the most common theoretical perspectives that help explain human behavior?
(8) - answer1. Systems Theory
,2. Conflict Theory
3. Rational Choice Theory
4. Social Constructionist Theory
5. Psychodynamic Theory
6. Developmental Theory
7. Social Behavioral Theory
8. Humanistic Perspective
Systems Theory - answerMultiple parts in an environment are interrelated where each
part impacts all other parts as well as the system as a whole.
Conflict Theory - answerThe idea that conflict between competing interests, resources,
and power is the basic motivating force of social change and society in general
Rational Choice Theory - answerBy nature, people are rationale and goal oriented and
will try to maximize rewards and minimize costs. Behavior is explained when viewed
through self-interest.
Social Constructionist Theory - answerSocial reality is created when clients develop a
common understanding of their world through social interaction. They are influenced by
social processes that are grounded in customs, as well as cultural and historical
contexts.
(BLM, Nationalists, Native American, etc.)
Psychodynamic Theory - answerHuman behavior is motivated by conscious and
unconscious mental activity where experiences, particularly in developmental years, are
central. Defense mechanisms are used to avoid being overwhelmed.
Developmental Theory - answerHuman development is a complex interaction of
biological, psychological, and social factors. Development occurs in defined, age-related
stages that build upon one another.
Social Behavioral Theory - answerHuman behavior is learned when clients interact with
the environment through association, reinforcement, and imitation. Behavior and can be
changed through techniques such as classical and operant conditioning.
Humanistic Perspective - answerEach client is responsible for their own choices and
have the capacity to change themselves. Human behavior is driven by a desire for
growth, meaning, and competence. Behaving in ways inconsistent to this causes
anxiety.
Why does social development matter? - answerHuman beings are inherently social.
Developing competencies in this domain enhances a person's mental health, success in
work, and the ability to achieve life tasks.
, In order of research development, who were the prominent theorists of developmental
research and their associated research? (5) - answer1. Sigmund Freud (Psychosexual)
2. Erik Erickson (Psychosocial)
3. Jean Piaget (Cognitive)
4. Lawrence Kohlberg (Moral)
5. James Fowler (Spiritual)
Who developed the psychosocial theory of Life Stages? - answerErick Erickson
How many life stages are there in Erickson's theory? - answer8
What are the 8 psychosocial stages of life and their corresponding ages? - answer1.
Infancy: birth-1 year
2. Early childhood: 1-2 years
3. Preschool: 3-5 years
4. Elementary: 6-12 years
5. Adolescent: 13-20's
6. Young Adulthood: 20's -early 40's
7. Middle Adulthood: 40's-60's
8. Late Adulthood: Late 60's+
What are the crises and outcomes of the 1st psychosocial stage of development? -
answer1. Infancy (Birth- 1 yr)
Crisis: Trust vs. Mistrust
Completion: Confidence and security
Maladaption: Disconnect and anxiety
-based on consistency of caregivers
What are the crisis and outcomes of the 2nd psychosocial stage of development? -
answer2. Early childhood: 1-3 years
Crisis: Autonomy Vs. Shame
Completion: Self-control, independence
Maladaption: Impulsivity, dependence
What are the crisis and outcomes of the 3rd psychosocial stage of development? -
answer3. Preschool: 3-6 years
Crisis: Initiative Vs. Guilt
Completion: Purpose, initiative, lead others
Maladaption: lacking self-leadership, follower
What are the crisis and outcomes of the 4th psychosocial stage of development? -
answer4. Elementary: 6-12 years
Crisis: Industry Vs. Inferiority
Completion: Competency, goal completion
Maladaption: Lack of vision or ambition
