Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

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Prepare for the Social Work Examination with detailed questions on human behavior. Study effectively with multiple choice questions and expert explanations. Ensure your readiness for the test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What term describes the behavior when a client believes their destructive actions are reasonable?

Dissociation
Denial
Rationalization
Projection

The correct answer is: Rationalization

Rationalization is the term used to describe the behavior in which a client perceives their destructive actions as reasonable or justified. This defense mechanism allows individuals to explain their behavior in a way that makes it seem acceptable, often by providing logical or plausible reasons for actions that are typically seen as harmful or inappropriate. For example, a person who engages in self-destructive behavior might argue that they are simply acting on their needs or are entitled to indulge themselves, thus avoiding the emotional discomfort of confronting the negative impact of their actions. This understanding is critical in social work, as it enables practitioners to help clients recognize and confront the underlying issues behind their rationalizations. By promoting self-awareness, social workers can assist clients in making healthier choices and fostering more constructive behavior patterns.