gambling Here's a free practice question to get you a little more ready to pass the ASWB exam:

A social worker meets with a man who has a gambling problem. The man acknowledges that he wants to stop gambling but states he frequently finds himself at the casino after work. The social worker encourages him to imagine losing a large sum of money that results in the loss of his car and his home, and the argument with his wife that would ensue. What techniques is the social worker MOST likely using?

A. A solution-focused approach.

B. Virtual reality therapy.

C Covert sensitization.

D. Operant conditioning.

What's your answer?

Oftentimes on the ASWB exam, you're just not going to recognize the concepts presented. This may be one of those times. How to approach such questions? Just like you do most others: process of elimination.

Let's take these one at a time.

A solution-focused approach encourages a client to identify behavioral changes that would help them live the sort of life they want. In this instance, the social worker might ask a client how his life would be different if he didn't have a gambling problem and what he would be doing with his time instead of gambling.

Not it.

Virtual reality therapy uses a computer to simulate a real-life situation exposing clients to the sources of their anxiety.

Not it.

Operant conditioning uses positive and negative consequences to change a person's behavior.

Hmmm...not really.

Which leaves us with one answer. The correct answer: C. Covert sensitization.

You didn't need to know what covert sensitization was to get the right answer here. And it's not likely to come up on the exam. But here, just in case you really, really want to know more, is a description from addiction.com [link expired]:

Covert sensitization is a specific form of aversion therapy.  Also known as verbal aversion therapy, this behavior modification approach is often used in the treatment of various types of addiction as well as other undesirable or self-destructive behaviors, desires, and habits.  Overeating, alcohol and drug abuse, and smoking are good examples of the types of behaviors that can respond well to covert sensitization.

Covert sensitization was first introduced in the 1960s as a form of treatment for unwanted behaviors by American psychologist Dr. Joseph Cautela.

There you have it. A little piece of info that may come in handy. And also a review of all the other concepts covered in the answers. That's how practice questions work. You learn how to approach questions and you learn tons of content as you go. So...practice, practice, practice. SWTP's full-length exams await.

Happy studying and good luck on the exam!


September 25, 2019
Categories : 
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