Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

What is a potential issue for a social worker seeing both a mother and child weekly?

1. A lack of communication

2. Possible rivalry between the mother and child

3. Overly strict boundaries

4. Time management conflicts

The correct answer is: Possible rivalry between the mother and child

Seeing both a mother and child on a weekly basis can create a dynamic where the social worker may inadvertently foster a rivalry between the two. This situation can arise in scenarios where the interests or needs of the mother and child may conflict, leading to competition for the social worker's attention or support. For instance, if both parties feel they need to be prioritized for different reasons, it might produce tension. The social worker's challenge is to maintain neutrality and facilitate healthy communication between the mother and child. If not managed carefully, the sessions could unintentionally create an environment where each party feels they need to compete for validation or support, undermining the therapeutic process and potentially harming their relationship. While the other options consider valid aspects of the therapeutic relationship—such as communication issues, boundaries, and time management—the risk of rivalry uniquely points to the challenges presented by dual relationships in therapy, where differing agendas can complicate the role of the social worker and disrupt the therapeutic alliance.