Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

In situations involving a child displaying tantrums, the priority for a social worker should be to assess for possible environmental stressors. This step is crucial because tantrums can often be a response to external factors affecting the child’s emotional and behavioral state. Understanding the child's environment allows the social worker to identify triggers that might contribute to the tantrums, such as family dynamics, school-related issues, or changes in the child's routine.

Once the social worker gathers information about the surroundings and experiences that could be influencing the child's behavior, they can formulate a more comprehensive intervention strategy. This understanding also lays the groundwork for subsequent steps, such as psychoeducation or behavior modification, but addressing environmental stressors initially ensures that interventions are relevant and adequately tailored to the child's specific situation.

While psychoeducation and behavior modification strategies are important, they may not address the root of the problem if the underlying environmental stressors are not understood. Similarly, focusing on parental discipline techniques might shift the burden away from understanding broader influences on the child's behavior. Thus, starting with a thorough assessment of the child's environment aligns with a holistic approach to addressing behavioral issues.