Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

If a family presents behavioral problems of their child, but the social worker suspects marital issues are the primary concern, what should they focus on?

1. Confronting the child about their behavior

2. Focusing on the parents and their relationship issues

3. Discussing the marital relationship's impact on the child

4. Developing the child's insight into their behavior

The correct answer is: Focusing on the parents and their relationship issues

Focusing on the parents and their relationship issues is essential because it addresses the underlying dynamics that may be influencing the child's behavior. When a child exhibits behavioral problems, it is often indicative of broader family issues, such as conflict or stress between parents. By prioritizing the parents' relationship, the social worker can identify stressors or patterns that might be affecting the child's emotional and behavioral well-being. In many cases, children act out as a response to tension or instability in the household. By working on the marital issues, the social worker can help create a more stable environment for the child, which may ultimately improve the child's behavior. This approach fosters healthier communication, conflict resolution, and partnership among the parents, establishing a supportive atmosphere that can facilitate the child's growth and development. While discussing the marital relationship's impact on the child and developing the child's insight into their behavior are important aspects of holistic treatment, they stem from the foundation laid by addressing the parents' relationship directly. Confronting the child about their behavior—focusing solely on the child's actions without considering familial context—might not address the root causes of those behaviors, potentially leading to insufficient or ineffective interventions.