Complete ASWB LCSW Exam Prep Questions with
Correct Answers – 2024.
What is "Introjection" as a defense mechanism? - Correct 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 - Correct answer-OCPD - a personality
disorder characterized by preoccupation with orderliness, perfection, rigidness, and
control
never satisfied with achievements
ex: Steve Jobs
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) - Correct answer-Impulse-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) - Correct answer-a 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) - Correct answer-a 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? - Correct answer-knowledge, skills, and abilities
What is the order of the Social Work process? (6) - Correct answer-1. Engagement
2. Assessment
3. Planning
4. Intervention
5. Evaluation
6. Termination
What factors influence people and their behaviors in a social environment? (5) - Correct
answer-1. Individual Characteristics
2. Interpersonal Factors
3. Institutional Factors
4. Community Factors
5. Public Policy
,What are individual characteristics? - Correct answer-Knowledge, experiences, attitudes,
beliefs, and personality, unique to each client
What are interpersonal factors? - Correct answer-Social support, work relationships,
friendships, and religious community
What are institutional factors? - Correct answer-Rules, regulations, and informal
structures in the organizations client is involved with
(smoking, dress expectations, rules around social interactions)
What are community factors? - Correct answer-Formal and informal norms and
expectations based on the social environment where a client lives
What are public policies? - Correct answer-Mandated 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) - Correct answer-1. 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 - Correct answer-Multiple parts in an environment are interrelated where
each part impacts all other parts as well as the system as a whole.
Conflict Theory - Correct answer-The idea that conflict between competing interests,
resources, and power is the basic motivating force of social change and society in general
, Rational Choice Theory - Correct answer-By 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 - Correct answer-Social 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 - Correct answer-Human 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 - Correct answer-Human 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 - Correct answer-Human 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 - Correct answer-Each 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? - Correct answer-Human 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) - Correct answer-1. Sigmund Freud
(Psychosexual)
2. Erik Erickson (Psychosocial)
3. Jean Piaget (Cognitive)
4. Lawrence Kohlberg (Moral)
