Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

When working with Mr. and Mrs. Beech, what should be the social worker's primary focus?

1. Modify their underlying attitudes

2. Support Mr. Beech in managing his career stress

3. Interpret the causes of their marital conflict

4. Minimize Mrs. Beech's criticisms

The correct answer is: Support Mr. Beech in managing his career stress

The primary focus on supporting Mr. Beech in managing his career stress is crucial because occupational pressures can significantly affect personal relationships and overall well-being. By addressing the stressors he faces at work, the social worker can facilitate better emotional regulation and functioning at home, which may lead to improvements in the couple's relationship dynamics. Career-related stress can create a ripple effect, impacting not just the individual but also their partner and the family unit. Levels of anxiety, mood changes, and irritability brought about by job stress can contribute to misunderstandings and conflicts within the relationship. By prioritizing support for Mr. Beech, the social worker aims to alleviate some of these pressures, potentially leading to enhanced communication and cooperation between Mr. and Mrs. Beech. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of individual stressors and the couple's relational health, which is often central to effective social work practice. The other options, while relevant in certain contexts, do not address the immediate and significant impact of career stress on this couple's interactions and overall engagement. Modifying attitudes or interpreting conflicts may be valuable in the long term but might not be as effective if foundational stressors are left unaddressed. Similarly, minimizing criticisms could be beneficial, but it is more practical to