Social Work ASWB® Clinical Exam Guide: A Comprehensive Study Guide for Success

490 Pages·2018·15.49 MB·English

by  Dawn Apgar

The following guides by Dawn Apgar are available from Springer Publishing to assist social
workers with studying for and passing the ASWB® examinations necessary for licensure.
Bachelors
The Social Work ASWB® Bachelors Exam Guide: A Comprehensive Guide for Success, Second Edition
Test focuses on knowledge acquired while obtaining a Baccalaureate degree in Social Work
(BSW). A small number of jurisdictions license social workers at an Associate level and require
the ASWB Associate examination. The Associate examination is identical to the ASWB Bachelors
examination, but the Associate examination requires a lower score in order to pass.
Masters
The Social Work ASWB® Masters Exam Guide: A Comprehensive Guide for Success, Second Edition
Test focuses on knowledge acquired while obtaining a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).
There is no postgraduate supervision needed.
Clinical
The Social Work ASWB® Clinical Exam Guide: A Comprehensive Guide for Success, Second Edition
Test focuses on knowledge acquired while obtaining a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).
It is usually taken by those with postgraduate supervised experience.
Advanced Generalist
The Social Work ASWB® Advanced Generalist Exam Guide: A Comprehensive Guide for Success,
Second Edition
Test focuses on knowledge acquired while obtaining a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).
It is usually taken by those with postgraduate supervised nonclinical experience.
Dawn Apgar, PhD, LSW, ACSW, has helped thousands of social workers
across the country pass the ASWB® examinations associated with all levels of
licensure. In recent years, she has consulted in numerous states to assist with
establishing licensure test preparation programs.
Dr. Apgar has done research on licensure funded by the American
Foundation for Research and Consumer Education in Social Work Regulation
and has served as chairperson of her state’s social work licensing board. She
is a past President of the New Jersey Chapter of NASW and has been on
its National Board of Directors. In 2014, the Chapter presented her with a
Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Apgar has taught in both undergraduate
and graduate social work programs and has extensive direct practice, policy,
and management experience in the social work field.
Social Work ASWB®
Clinical Exam Guide
A Comprehensive Study Guide
for Success
Second Edition
Dawn Apgar, PhD, LSW, ACSW
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Apgar, Dawn, author. | Association of Social Work Boards.
Title: Social work ASWB clinical exam guide : a comprehensive study guide for
success / Dawn Apgar, PhD, LSW, ACSW.
Description: Second edition. | New York, NY : Springer Publishing Company,
[2018] | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2017034877 | ISBN 9780826147134
Subjects: LCSH: Social workers—Certification—United States. | Psychiatric
social work—United States—Examinations—Study guides. | Social
service—United States—Examinations—Study guides. | Social
service—United States—Examinations, questions, etc.
Classification: LCC HV40.52 .A736 2018 | DDC 362.2/0425076—dc23 LC record available at
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017034877
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Printed in the United States of America by Gasch Printing.
To Bill, Ryan, and Alex
You remind me what is important, support me so I can do it all, and
always inspire me to be a better person

Contents
Preface xix

New in the Second Edition xxi
Share Social Work ASWB® Clinical Exam Guide: A Comprehensive Study
Guide for Success, Second E dition xxviii
Introduction
About the Examination 3
10 Things That You Should Know About the ASWB Examinations 3
Test-Taking Strategies and Tips 7
10 Essential Strategies for Study Success 7
20 Tips You Need to Use to Answer Questions Correctly 12
Assessing Examination Difficulties 22
Dealing With Test Anxiety 25
Examination Content 29
Visual Learners 30
Auditory Learners 31
Kinesthetic or Hands-On Learners 31
Self-Assessment 33
Unit I: Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the
Environment (24%)
1. Human Growth and Development 47
Theories of Human Development Throughout the Lifespan
(e.g., Physical, Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Behavioral) 47
Social Development 48
Emotional Development 51
Cognitive Development 51
Behavioral Development 55
The Indicators of Normal and Abnormal Physical, Cognitive,
Emotional, and Sexual Development Throughout the Lifespan 57
Child Development 57
viii CONTENTS
Adolescent Development 60
Adult Development 60
Theories of Sexual Development Throughout the Lifespan 63
Theories of Spiritual Development Throughout the Lifespan 65
Theories of Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Development Throughout
the Lifespan 66
The Effects of Physical, Mental, and Cognitive Disabilities
Throughout the Lifespan 68
The Interplay of Biological, Psychological, Social, and
Spiritual Factors 69
Basic Human Needs 69
The Principles of Attachment and Bonding 71
The Effect of Aging on Biopsychosocial Functioning 71
Gerontology 72
Personality Theories 73
Biological 73
Behavioral 73
Psychodynamic 73
Humanist 74
Trait 74
Factors Influencing Self-Image (e.g., Culture, Race, Religion/
Spirituality, Age, Disability, Trauma) 74
Body Image and Its Impact (e.g., Identity, Self-Esteem,
Relationships, Habits) 75
Parenting Skills and Capacities 76
Authoritarian Parenting 77
Authoritative Parenting 77
Permissive Parenting 77
Uninvolved Parenting 77
Basic Principles of Human Genetics 77
The Family Life Cycle 78
Models of Family Life Education in Social Work Practice 80
The Impact of Aging Parents on Adult Children 80
Systems and Ecological Perspectives and Theories 81
Applications to Social Work 81
Some System Theory Terms 82
Strengths-Based and Resilience Theories 82
The Dynamics and Effects of Loss, Separation, and Grief 84
2. Human Behavior in the Social Environment 85
Person-in-Environment (PIE) Theory 85
Family Dynamics and Functioning and the Effects on Individuals,
Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities 86
The Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships 87
Indicators and Dynamics of Abuse and Neglect Throughout
the Lifespan 88
CONTENTS ix
Indicators and Dynamics of Sexual Abuse 89
Indicators and Dynamics of Psychological Abuse and Neglect 90
Indicators and Dynamics of Physical Abuse and Neglect 90
The Effects of Physical, Sexual, and Psychological Abuse on
Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities 91
The Characteristics of Perpetrators of Abuse, Neglect,
and Exploitation 92
The Effects of Life Events, Stressors, and Crises on Individuals,
Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities 93
The Impact of Stress, Trauma, and Violence 95
Crisis Intervention Theories 96
The Effect of Poverty on Individuals, Families, Groups,
Organizations, and Communities 97
The Impact of the Environment (e.g., Social, Physical, Cultural,
Political, Economic) on Individuals, Families, Groups,
Organizations, and Communities 97
Social and Economic Justice 98
Theories of Social Change and Community Development 98
The Impact of Social Institutions on Society 99
Family 99
Religion 99
Government 99
Education 100
Economics 100
The Impact of Globalization on Clients/Client Systems (e.g.,
Interrelatedness of Systems, International Integration,
Technology, Environmental or Financial Crises, Epidemics) 100
Criminal Justice Systems 101
The Impact of Out-of-Home Placement (e.g., Hospitalization,
Foster Care, Residential Care, Criminal Justice System) on
Clients/Client Systems 102
Theories of Couples Development 102
The Impact of Physical and Mental Illness on Family Dynamics 105
Co-Occurring Disorders and Conditions 106
The Impact of Caregiving on Families 107
Psychological Defense Mechanisms and Their Effects on
Behavior and Relationships 108
Addiction Theories and Concepts 110
Substance Use Disorder 111
Non-Substance-Related Disorders 112
Goals of Treatment 113
Stages of Treatment 113
Treatment Approaches 114
The Effects of Addiction and Substance Abuse on Individuals,
Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities 114