LMSW Practice Test

A young man separates from his wife. He goes back to live with his parents saying that he cannot afford an apartment. He argues with his mother incessantly and makes many demands of her. He gives the impression that he has not separated from her. The social worker would first work with

1. his mother

2. the man alone

3. the man and his mother

4. the man and his wife

The correct answer is: his mother

The correct approach in this situation is to work with the mother initially. The dynamics between the young man and his mother are deeply intertwined, particularly given that he has returned to live with her and is exhibiting behavior that suggests a continuing dependency. By focusing on the mother, the social worker can address the impact of her son's demands and arguments on her wellbeing. This engagement can help the mother understand her own feelings regarding her son's return home and the conflicts they are experiencing. It also opens up a pathway to discuss boundaries, expectations, and the nature of their relationship, which appears to be heavily influenced by unresolved issues tied to the son’s recent separation from his wife. Engaging with the mother first can be strategic; it allows the social worker to gauge the family dynamics and the mother’s perspective, which can later inform how to best involve the son in the intervention. In such cases, the parent may need support and guidance on how to set healthy boundaries and contribute positively to both their relationship and the son’s adjustment to his new life circumstances.