Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

What should the social worker ask FIRST to understand the impact of stressors on a couple experiencing marital conflict?

1. The wife's work history and her prognosis for re-employment.

2. The couple's styles of coping and their degree of effectiveness.

3. The effect of socioeconomic factors on the couple's problems.

4. The effect of dysfunctional patterns in the couple's communication.

The correct answer is: The effect of socioeconomic factors on the couple's problems.

To effectively understand the impact of stressors on a couple experiencing marital conflict, it is crucial for the social worker to explore the socioeconomic factors affecting their lives first. Socioeconomic status influences various dimensions of a couple's interactions and conflict, including access to resources, job stability, and external stressors such as financial strain. By assessing these factors initially, the social worker can identify how external stressors may contribute to the marital discord, setting a foundation for deeper exploration into communication patterns, coping styles, and individual work histories later on. Understanding socioeconomic factors helps frame the context of the couple's challenges and illuminates the broader societal influences that could be exacerbating their conflict. This foundational knowledge allows for a more comprehensive approach when delving into other areas like communication styles and coping mechanisms, which may be influenced by their socioeconomic status.