Question 1

While communicating with a client, a social worker tells, "You know, I think that it is great that, you know, you came to the session, you know, on time." This statement by the social worker is an example of:

Accepted Answer

The social worker is overusing superfluous phrases such as "you know" which adds no value to the communication and may distract the client from the main message.

Question 2

To avoid parroting during a conversation, a social worker should:

Accepted Answer

Option C suggests using fresh language to capture the essence of clients' messages and placing them in sharper perspective. This helps the social worker avoid parroting, which is repeating the clients' exact words without adding any new insight. Seeking out information that confirms the social worker's understanding (option A) can lead to confirmation bias and hinder meaningful communication with the client. Focusing only on the present (option B) may not be suitable for clients who need to process past traumas or work on long-term goals. Identifying and prioritizing key questions in advance (option D) may be helpful, but it does not directly address the issue of parroting.

Question 3

Paden, who is due for a surgery soon, approaches a social worker to increase his mental stamina and willpower to undergo the surgery. The social worker asks Paden, "When did you find out about your illness? How soon do you have to go in for the surgery? How are you feeling about all this?" In this scenario, the social worker is:

Accepted Answer

The social worker is stacking questions, as they are asking multiple questions in one sentence. However, in this case, it may not be inappropriate as all three questions are related to Paden's illness and upcoming surgery, and can help the social worker understand Paden's situation better.

Question 4

Discuss how judging, trying to convince, threatening, and making glib assessments are likely to occur with "captive clients" who cannot readily or safely decline services.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss how judging, trying to convince, threatening,...

Question 5

A social worker asks a client, who has undergone a rehabilitation and counseling session, "Are you sure that you are ready to leave the treatment center?" This question by the social worker is an example of a:

Accepted Answer

The question asked by the social worker is a leading question because it suggests to the client that leaving the treatment center may not be the best decision. A neutral question without any suggestion or bias would have been a better approach.

Question 6

Inappropriate use of humor or sarcasm is described as a potential barrier to communication. Illustrate this with an example. Also, describe how humor is an aid to communication if done appropriately.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Inappropriate use of humor or sarcasm is...

Question 7

Against professional advice, Joe, a psychiatric patient, wants to leave the rehabilitation center in the middle of an ongoing treatment. In this scenario, which of the following would be the best response that a social worker can give him?

Accepted Answer

As a social worker, it is important to respect the client's autonomy and their ability to make their own decisions. However, it is also important to provide them with information and ask questions that make them reconsider their decision. Option B is a good response as it acknowledges the client's decision while also asking about the staff's recommendation and prompting the client to think about their readiness to leave. Option A sounds threatening and may not be effective. Option C sounds dismissive and may not address the potential harm the client may face. Option D is not the best response as it is not always true and may sound like a threat.

Question 8

Pursuing content that is only tangentially related to client concerns, issues of client and family safety, or legal mandates:

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Persuasion is considered to be an ethical intervention when a client:

Accepted Answer

Persuasion can be considered ethical when a client contemplates actions that run contrary to his or her own stated goals. In this case, the social worker can use persuasion to help the client see the potential negative consequences of their actions and encourage them to choose a different course of action that aligns with their goals. However, coercion or manipulation should be avoided, and the client must ultimately make their own decisions. The other choices do not necessarily involve situations where persuasion would be considered an ethical intervention.

Question 10

Describe how stacking questions is a common verbal barrier to communication faced by beginning social workers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe how stacking questions is a common...

Question 11

A social worker tells a client, "You do not really think that by dropping out of school you are going to get a great job and make a lot of money?" This statement by the social worker exemplifies that he or she is asking a(n):

Accepted Answer

The social worker's statement is a leading question because it suggests a negative answer and implies that dropping out of school would not lead to success.

Question 12

In which of the following situations is "safe" social interaction advisable to be included as part of the helping process?

Accepted Answer

When children or adolescents need help in lowering their defenses, safe social interaction can be used to build rapport and trust. This can encourage them to express their true feelings and thoughts, which can aid in the helping process.

Question 13

To minimize the pattern of interrupting inappropriately or excessively during a conversation with a client, a social worker should:

Accepted Answer

By identifying and prioritizing key questions in advance, the social worker can avoid interrupting the client inappropriately or excessively. This allows for a more structured conversation and helps the social worker to stay on track while still allowing the client to fully express themselves. Inducing the client to agree with a view or diffusing their focus by discussing past events may not effectively address the issue at hand, while helping the client identify their feelings can be helpful, it may not directly address the issue of interrupting.

Question 14

Describe how cultural nuances of nonverbal cues turn out to be a barrier to effective communication for social workers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe how cultural nuances of nonverbal cues...

Question 15

In which of the following ways can a social worker enhance self-awareness of his or her behavioral patterns while interacting with a client?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing videotapes of previous sessions can provide a social worker with an opportunity to observe and reflect on their behavioral patterns, including their verbal and nonverbal communication, and adjust accordingly to enhance their self-awareness. The other options do not necessarily promote self-awareness and may even hinder the therapeutic process.

Quiz 7: Eliminating Counterproductive Communication Patterns and Substituting Positive Alternatives