Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

In therapeutic settings, what can modification of the environment lead to?

1. Increased subjective anxiety

2. Decreased objective anxiety

3. Reductions in resistance to treatment

4. Better patient compliance

The correct answer is: Decreased objective anxiety

Modification of the environment in therapeutic settings can significantly contribute to decreased objective anxiety. When the environment is adjusted—such as by enhancing comfort, reducing noise levels, or creating more inviting spaces—clients often feel more at ease. This can lead to a reduction in their physiological stress responses, which is what is referred to as objective anxiety. Objective anxiety relates to measurable signs of anxiety, such as increased heart rate or elevated blood pressure, which can be heightened in stressful or uncomfortable environments. By transforming the surroundings to be more conducive to therapy, practitioners can help clients feel safer and more secure, ultimately influencing their overall mental and emotional health positively. While modifications to the environment might also aim to reduce subjective anxiety or improve patient compliance, the direct connection between a better environment and the measurable reduction in anxiety makes this option particularly significant in therapeutic contexts. It emphasizes the vital role that setting plays in the overall effectiveness of the therapeutic process.