Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

A client exhibiting difficulty refraining from acting out during a session suggests what about their emotional state?

1. They are experiencing internal conflict

2. They may need medication for impulsivity

3. They have a high level of emotional regulation

4. They are demonstrating strong coping skills

The correct answer is: They may need medication for impulsivity

When a client shows difficulty in refraining from acting out during a session, it often indicates impulsivity, which can be linked to emotional distress or a lack of emotional regulation. This behavior can suggest that the client is struggling to manage their feelings effectively, potentially signaling deeper internal struggles. The connection to needing medication for impulsivity can be relevant in clinical contexts, especially if the behavior is persistent and severely impacts their functioning or well-being. In such cases, medication might be considered to help manage symptoms that contribute to impulsive behaviors. In contrast, the other options imply different aspects of emotional health. Internal conflict might be present in the client’s experiences but does not directly correlate with the outward acting out during sessions in the same way as impulsivity does. High emotional regulation or strong coping skills would typically manifest in the client behaving consistently and appropriately during sessions, rather than struggling with impulsivity. Thus, while some alternatives might offer insights into the client’s situation, the indication of needing medication directly connects to the observable difficulty in controlling impulses.