Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

What is the best approach for a social worker dealing with a client who shows emotional instability?

1. Immediate hospitalization

2. Consistent therapeutic support and monitoring

3. Referring them to a peer support group

4. Assuming it's a temporary phase

The correct answer is: Consistent therapeutic support and monitoring

The best approach for a social worker addressing a client who demonstrates emotional instability is to provide consistent therapeutic support and monitoring. This approach fosters a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, which is essential in helping the client manage their emotions and develop coping strategies. Consistent support allows the social worker to observe changes in the client's emotional state, adapt interventions as necessary, and provide ongoing encouragement for personal growth. Regularly monitoring the client’s emotional health helps in identifying triggers or patterns that contribute to instability. This is especially important as emotional instability can often stem from underlying mental health issues that require intervention. Through therapeutic support, the social worker can guide the client toward healthier coping mechanisms and potentially connect them with additional resources if needed. While immediate hospitalization may be necessary in extreme cases where the client poses a risk to themselves or others, it is not generally the first line of action for emotional instability unless there are safety concerns. Referring clients to peer support groups may be beneficial, but this is typically most effective as a supplementary resource alongside therapeutic support rather than a primary intervention. Assuming that emotional instability is just a temporary phase dismisses the complexity and importance of addressing potential underlying issues, which can hinder effective treatment and support.