LMSW Practice Test

In joint or multiple interviewing, a social worker will focus on

1. dividing the interviewing time evenly

2. interactions between people and with the therapist

3. issues to be resolved

4. basic personality patterns of each individual

The correct answer is: interactions between people and with the therapist

In joint or multiple interviewing, the social worker's primary focus shifts to understanding the dynamics of the interaction among the participants as well as their engagement with the therapist. This approach allows for the exploration of relational patterns, communication styles, and conflicts that may arise within the group setting. By observing how individuals respond to one another, the social worker can gain insights into the underlying issues that may not be as readily apparent when individuals are interviewed separately. The interactions can reveal key information about relationships, power dynamics, and emotional responses, which are critical for effective assessment and intervention. The other options, while potentially relevant to the interviewing process, do not capture the essence of what makes joint or multiple interviewing distinct. For example, dividing interviewing time evenly might seem fair but doesn't reflect the importance of focus on relationships. Concentrating only on issues to be resolved or personality patterns limits the scope of understanding by ignoring how individuals interact with each other within the context of the interview.