ASWB LSW Theory-Based Study Guide 2025/2026:
Cognitive, Behavioral, Systems, Moral, Developmental
Theories + DSM-5 Practice
What is most closely linked to social cohesion? - correct answer Level of
trust within the community is most closely linked to social cohesion and thus
should be assessed FIRST.
During assessments, what should a social worker rule out FIRST if client is
displaying behavioral issues? - correct answer Rule out medical issues that
may indicate behaviors
Sexual abuse in children - correct answer Promiscuity, low self-esteem and
eating disorders are most strongly associated with sexual abuse.
Transference - correct answer redirection of a client's feelings for a
significant person to a social worker. Often manifested as an erotic attraction
toward a social worker, but can be seen in many other forms such as rage,
hatred, mistrust, parentification, extreme dependence or even placing SW in
an esteemed status.
Countertransference - correct answer redirection of a SW's feelings toward
a client or a SW's reaction with a client.
What is the strategy to inform the public and decision makers of a community
problem? - correct answer Using multiple media communication techniques
BEST addresses the concern about community awareness.
If parents of a child refuses medical treatment and the child is at imminent
risk, what should guide a social workers response? - correct answer The
child's right to medical treatment supersedes the parent's right to refuse
treatment
, Culturgram - correct answer assesses the impact of heritage and belief
systems on a family's interactions
Ecomap - correct answer diagram used to identify the direction and
intensity of family relationships between members and/or community
institutions of importance to the family
Genogram - correct answer a family therapy technique that records
information about behavior and relationships on a type of family tree to
elucidate persistent patterns of dysfunctional behavior
When is the most appropriate time to gather history? - correct answer The
MOST appropriate time to gather history is during initial visit as part of the
biopsychosocial assessment.
In children, what is strongly linked to future negative social interactions with
peers? - correct answer The most strongly linked long term effect with
negative social interactions with peers is INSECURE ATTACHMENT
Paternalism - correct answer the policy or practice on the part of people in
positions of authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those
subordinate to them in the subordinates' supposed best interest. I.E. Law to
wear seatbelts
Nihilism - correct answer Life has no meaning
Familism - correct answer idea that the family's well-being takes
precedence over the concerns of individual family members
Cognitive, Behavioral, Systems, Moral, Developmental
Theories + DSM-5 Practice
What is most closely linked to social cohesion? - correct answer Level of
trust within the community is most closely linked to social cohesion and thus
should be assessed FIRST.
During assessments, what should a social worker rule out FIRST if client is
displaying behavioral issues? - correct answer Rule out medical issues that
may indicate behaviors
Sexual abuse in children - correct answer Promiscuity, low self-esteem and
eating disorders are most strongly associated with sexual abuse.
Transference - correct answer redirection of a client's feelings for a
significant person to a social worker. Often manifested as an erotic attraction
toward a social worker, but can be seen in many other forms such as rage,
hatred, mistrust, parentification, extreme dependence or even placing SW in
an esteemed status.
Countertransference - correct answer redirection of a SW's feelings toward
a client or a SW's reaction with a client.
What is the strategy to inform the public and decision makers of a community
problem? - correct answer Using multiple media communication techniques
BEST addresses the concern about community awareness.
If parents of a child refuses medical treatment and the child is at imminent
risk, what should guide a social workers response? - correct answer The
child's right to medical treatment supersedes the parent's right to refuse
treatment
, Culturgram - correct answer assesses the impact of heritage and belief
systems on a family's interactions
Ecomap - correct answer diagram used to identify the direction and
intensity of family relationships between members and/or community
institutions of importance to the family
Genogram - correct answer a family therapy technique that records
information about behavior and relationships on a type of family tree to
elucidate persistent patterns of dysfunctional behavior
When is the most appropriate time to gather history? - correct answer The
MOST appropriate time to gather history is during initial visit as part of the
biopsychosocial assessment.
In children, what is strongly linked to future negative social interactions with
peers? - correct answer The most strongly linked long term effect with
negative social interactions with peers is INSECURE ATTACHMENT
Paternalism - correct answer the policy or practice on the part of people in
positions of authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those
subordinate to them in the subordinates' supposed best interest. I.E. Law to
wear seatbelts
Nihilism - correct answer Life has no meaning
Familism - correct answer idea that the family's well-being takes
precedence over the concerns of individual family members
