Written by students who passed Immediately available after payment Read online or as PDF Wrong document? Swap it for free 4.6 TrustPilot
logo-home
Document preview thumbnail
Preview 2 out of 13 pages
Essay

Critical Analysis of the PCL-C Screening Tool: Reflective Practice, Ethical Concerns, and Cultural Limitations in Social Work

Document preview thumbnail
Preview 2 out of 13 pages

The paper is structured into two main sections: Part 1: Screening Role Play Reflection Strengths in Engagement: The student successfully created a therapeutic environment, built rapport through active listening, validated emotions, and clearly articulated confidentiality statements (including limits like self-harm/harm to others and supervisor consultation). PCL-C Administration: The student followed standard protocol by highlighting the tool's purpose (designed for civilians), explaining the rating elements simply, and obtaining informed consent. The student also utilized visual aids (the tool on a tablet) to ensure understanding. Areas for Improvement: The student identified a need to integrate more pronounced expressions of empathy, offer the client more time to ask questions, provide a written document for consent, and integrate a trauma-informed approach to questioning. The student also noted the need to avoid pathologizing the scores and to contextualize them against current distress. Part 2: Screening Tool Review Strengths (Practice & Literature): The PCL-C is seen as easy to use, not time-consuming, and accurate for assessing contributing factors and triggers. Empirically, it demonstrates good psychometric properties (high specificity and validity) and successful use across varying trauma populations and cultures. Limitations & Concerns: Clinical/Structural Gaps: The tool is not detailed enough for accurate interpretation, failing to capture the required temporal presentation of symptoms emphasized by DSM criteria. It may suggest an extreme presentation if used when the client is acutely triggered. Ethical/Cultural Issues: The tool is often biased toward Western perspectives of mental health. It may show gender bias (men suppressing, women overrepresenting emotions). There are risks of re-traumatization as questions may evoke suppressed memories. It is specifically not recommended for individuals under the influence of substances due to the risk of misdiagnosis (as withdrawal symptoms can mimic PTSD). Suggestions for Improvement: Integrating a pre-screening section on the client's trauma history, restructuring the checklist for more comprehensive screening aligned with DSM criteria, and adjusting the rating cut-off to accommodate diverse cultural groups.

Content preview

1




The Application and Review of Screening Tool Assignment




Student Name

Institutional Affiliation

Course

Professor Name

Date

, 2


The Application and Review of Screening Tool Assignment

Part 1: Essay Questions about the Screening Role Play

1. Strengths in Engagement

Various factors went well during the engagement with the client, including the ability to

create a therapeutic environment whereby the client felt comfortable sharing her problems. The

room was quiet, comfortable, and welcoming. I was also able to build rapport with the client

through active listening and validated her concerns or emotions (Ramadhani et al., 2024). I

assured her that it is expected for her to have some bad days following the traumatic events she

experienced. I was also able to articulate the confidentiality statements, assuring her that all the

topics covered during the sessions remain with us, except where I am mandated by the agency or

the laws to share the information. I made sure she understood these elements by articulating

some of these, which includes the role or obligation to report any indication of self–harm or

potential to harm others and sharing with my supervisors (Darby & Weinstock, 2018). I also

expressed concerns over sharing with external providers, including the local authorities, where

necessary. Any information shared with others, including the external healthcare providers, is

done with her consent.

Areas of Improvement

Some of the areas I would like to change in future engagement is the integration of social

work skills in engaging with clients, including expression of empathy and allowing the client to

express their concerns or problems. I would also improve on confidentiality and consent

processes by using written documents for future reference. I would also afford the client more

time to ask more questions regarding the topic or the screening tools.

Strengthening the Skills

Document information

Uploaded on
November 3, 2025
Number of pages
13
Written in
2025/2026
Type
Essay
Professor(s)
Unknown
Grade
A+
$15.99

Wrong document? Swap it for free Within 14 days of purchase and before downloading, you can choose a different document. You can simply spend the amount again.
Written by students who passed
Immediately available after payment
Read online or as PDF

Sold
0
Followers
0
Items
280
Last sold
-


Why students choose Stuvia

Created by fellow students, verified by reviews

Quality you can trust: written by students who passed their tests and reviewed by others who've used these notes.

Didn't get what you expected? Choose another document

No worries! You can instantly pick a different document that better fits what you're looking for.

Pay as you like, start learning right away

No subscription, no commitments. Pay the way you're used to via credit card and download your PDF document instantly.

Student with book image

“Bought, downloaded, and aced it. It really can be that simple.”

Alisha Student

Working on your references?

Create accurate citations in APA, MLA and Harvard with our free citation generator.

Working on your references?

Frequently asked questions