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

448 Pages·2017·3.31 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®
Masters 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 masters exam guide : a comprehensive study guide for
success / Dawn Apgar, PhD, LSW, ACSW.
Description: Second edition. | New York, NY : Springer Publishing Company,
[2018] | index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2017034875 | ISBN 9780826147110
Subjects: LCSH: Social workers—Certification—United States. | Social
service—United States—Examinations—Study guides. | Social
service—United States—Examinations, questions, etc.
Classification: LCC HV40.52 .A74 2018 | DDC 361.3076—dc23 LC record available at
https://lccn.loc.gov/2017034875
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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® Masters Exam Guide: A Comprehensive
Study Guide for Success, Second Edition
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 (27%)
1. Human Growth and Development 47
Theories of Human Development Throughout the Lifespan
(e.g., Physical, Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Behavioral) 47
Social Development 47
Emotional Development 50
Cognitive Development 50
Behavioral Development 54
The Indicators of Normal and Abnormal Physical, Cognitive,
Emotional, and Sexual Development Throughout the Lifespan 56
Child Development 56
viii Contents
Adolescent Development 59
Adult Development 59
Theories of Sexual Development Throughout the Lifespan 62
Theories of Spiritual Development Throughout the Lifespan 64
Theories of Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Development
Throughout the Lifespan 65
The Effects of Physical, Mental, and Cognitive Disabilities
Throughout the Lifespan 67
The Interplay of Biological, Psychological, Social, and
Spiritual Factors 67
Basic Human Needs 68
The Principles of Attachment and Bonding 69
The Effect of Aging on Biopsychosocial Functioning 70
The Impact of Aging Parents on Adult Children 70
Gerontology 71
Personality Theories 72
Biological 72
Behavioral 72
Psychodynamic 72
Humanist 73
Trait 73
Theories of Conflict 73
Factors Influencing Self-Image (e.g., Culture, Race,
Religion/Spirituality, Age, Disability, Trauma) 73
Body Image and Its Impact (e.g., Identity, Self-Esteem,
Relationships, Habits) 74
Parenting Skills and Capacities 76
Authoritarian Parenting 76
Authoritative Parenting 76
Permissive Parenting 76
Uninvolved Parenting 76
The Effects of Addiction and Substance Abuse
on Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,
and Communities 77
Feminist Theory 78
The Impact of Out-of-Home Placement (e.g., Hospitalization,
Foster Care, Residential Care, Criminal Justice System) on
Clients/Client Systems 78
Basic Principles of Human Genetics 79
The Family Life Cycle 79
Family Dynamics and Functioning and the Effects
on Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,
and Communities 81
Theories of Couples Development 82
The Impact of Physical and Mental Illness on Family Dynamics 84
Contents ix
Psychological Defense Mechanisms and Their Effects on Behavior
and Relationships 86
Addiction Theories and Concepts 88
Substance Use Disorder 89
Non-Substance-Related Disorders 90
Goals of Treatment 90
Stages of Treatment 90
Treatment Approaches 91
Systems and Ecological Perspectives and Theories 92
Applications to Social Work 92
Some System Theory Terms 92
Role Theories 93
Theories of Group Development and Functioning 93
Key Concepts 95
Theories of Social Change and Community
Development 96
The Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships 96
Models of Family Life Education in Social Work Practice 98
Strengths-Based and Resilience Theories 99
The Impact of Stress, Trauma, and Violence 99
Crisis Intervention Theories 100
Theories of Trauma-Informed Care 101
The Impact of the Environment (e.g., Social, Physical,
Cultural, Political, Economic) on Individuals,
Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities 102
The Effects of Life Events, Stressors, and Crises on Individuals,
Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities 102
Person-in-Environment (PIE) Theory 103
Communication Theories and Styles 103
Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Approaches 106
Psychoanalytic Theory 106
Psychosexual Stages of Development 107
Individual Psychology 108
Self Psychology 109
Ego Psychology 109
Object Relations Theory 110
The Impact of Caregiving on Families 111
The Dynamics and Effects of Loss, Separation, and Grief 112
2. Concepts of Abuse and Neglect 113
Indicators and Dynamics of Abuse and Neglect
Throughout the Lifespan 113
Indicators and Dynamics of Sexual Abuse 113
Indicators and Dynamics of Psychological Abuse and Neglect 114
Indicators and Dynamics of Physical Abuse and Neglect 115