LMSW Test Prep
4 Processes of Social Cognitive Theory - questions and answers-1. Self-observation- Observing
oneself can inform and motivate. It can be used to assess one's progress toward goal
attainment as well as motivate behavioral changes. There are two important factors with regards
to self-observation: regularity and proximity. Regularity means the behavior should be
continually observed, whereas proximity means the behavior should be observed while it
occurs, or shortly after. Alone, self-observation is insufficient because motivation depends on
one's expectations of outcomes and efficacy (Zimmerman & Schunk, 2001).
2. Self-evaluation- Self-evaluation compares an individual's current performance with a desired
performance or goal. It is affected by the standards set and the importance of the goals. Goals
must be specific and important; therefore, goals such as, "do your best" are vague and will not
motivate. Schunk and Zimmerman (1994) state that "specific goals specify the amount of effort
required for success and boost self-efficacy because progress is easy to gauge." If one has little
regard for his goal, he will not evaluate performance. There are two types of self-evaluation
standards: absolute and normative . For example, a grading scale would be an example of a
fixed or absolute standard. A social comparison such as evaluating one's behavior or
performance against other individuals is an example of a normative standard (Zimmerman &
Schunk, 2001). People gain satisfaction when they achieve goals that they value. When
individuals achieve these valued goals, they are more likely to continue to exert a high level of
effort, since sub-standard performance will no longer provide satisfaction (Bandura, 1989).
3. Self-reaction- Reactions to one's performance can be motivating. If the progress made is
deemed acceptable, then one will have a feeling of self-efficacy with regard to continu
A 16-year-old client is seeking services from an outpatient social worker after becoming the
victim of a sexual assault. The client's mother has signed a general release of information that
allows the social worker to talk to the school. The social worker receives a call from the client's
math teacher who states the client's grades have declined and she wants to know if there is
something "going on" with the client lately. How should the social worker respond?
A. Contact the client's mother to determine how much information she is comfortable with the
teacher knowing.
B. Tell the math teacher that the client was sexually assaulted.
C. Talk to the client about whether or not she would want any information disclosed and the
possible implications of disclosing information.
D. Contact a supervisor before disclosing any information. - questions and answers-C. Talk to
the client about whether or not she would want any information disclosed and the possible
implications of disclosing information.
,It is appropriate to discuss with the client whether or not she wants her teacher to be made
aware of the assault, and she should be warned of the possible implications.
Adolescents have a right to confidentiality. Unless the adolescent poses a risk to self or others,
the information the client discloses should be protected. Even when there is a release of
information in place, disclosure should be on a need-to-know basis, and the client should
participate in any discussion about whether or not to disclose the information.
A 32-year-old man is referred to a social worker after his children were removed by child
protective services due to allegations of neglect. He tells the social worker that he is not sure
that he wants to fight to get them back. He states he doesn't think he wants to go through all the
things child protective services wants him to do only to not regain custody in the end. Which
response is the best thing the social worker should say to the client?
A. "It may be helpful to work toward regaining custody initially, and if at any time you decide you
want to to give up, you can do so."
B. "Your children will benefit from knowing that you at least tried to regain custody, even if you
aren't successful."
C. "It's important to look at how not attempting to get custody of the children will be viewed by
child protective services."
D. "You are free to choose whether or not you want to try to regain custody of the children." -
questions and answers-D. "You are free to choose whether or not you want to try to regain
custody of the children."
It is appropriate to tell the client that he has the right to choose how to respond to child
protective services.
A core principle of social work is the client's right to self-determination. The NASW Code of
Ethics is clear that social workers should support a client's right to self-determination, unless a
client is posing a risk to self or someone else. Social workers should set aside their own values
and encourage clients to make their own choices based on what they think is right for them.
Although it may be appropriate at times to discuss the pros and cons of a decision, clients need
to know that ultimately the decision is up to them.
A 55-year-old male has been meeting with a social worker to address his alcohol dependence.
Over the past few weeks he has cut down on his drinking. He arrives at his scheduled
appointment sweating. He states he has been vomiting and he has a noticeable tremor in his
hands. How should the social worker respond?
, A. Encourage the client to decrease his alcohol intake more slowly as he is less likely to suffer
such serious withdrawal symptoms.
B. Call 911, even if the client refuses to consent, as the client is likely detoxing and may
experience seizures or possibly death.
C. Talk to the client about the possible dangers of alcohol withdrawal and allow the client to
make his own decision about whether or not to seek medical help.
D. Encourage the client to withstand the uncomfortable symptoms for a few days as they will
likely pass after the painful process of detox. - questions and answers-C. Talk to the client about
the possible dangers of alcohol withdrawal and allow the client to make his own decision about
whether or not to seek medical help.
Unless there's a medical emergency, the proper course is to explain the possible risks to the
client and discuss whether or not he wants to seek medical treatment.
When people decrease or stop using substances, they will experience withdrawal symptoms if
they were dependent on those substances. Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, but unless
there's an obvious medical emergency, it is up to the client to determine if he wants to seek
medical attention.
A couple requests help in improving their seven-year marriage. When you ask them about their
goals, they begin to argue almost immediately. The husband states his wife nags him too much
about chores. The wife states her husband is lazy. How should you proceed with establishing
treatment goals?
A. Assist them in setting a goal to help them resolve their arguments around household
responsibilities.
B. Assist them in establishing treatment goals to help them learn to improve their
communication and resolve conflict.
C. Recommend they receive individual treatment to help them work on individual issues.
D. Recommend that they each attend sessions with you individually to set separate goals to
work on until they are ready to work together in a session. - questions and answers-B. Assist
them in establishing treatment goals to help them learn to improve their communication and
resolve conflict.
It is correct to help them learn new skills that they can use to address the problem of
disagreements over chores as well as other problems in their relationship.
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