Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

What approach does a social worker often take when working with families experiencing conflict?

1. Promoting autonomy

2. Encouraging family unity

3. Facilitating open communication

4. Directing authority

The correct answer is: Facilitating open communication

Facilitating open communication is a crucial approach that social workers take when addressing family conflicts. This strategy involves creating a safe and inclusive environment where family members can express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly. By encouraging dialogue, social workers help families identify the root causes of their conflict, explore different perspectives, and increase mutual understanding. Open communication is essential in conflict resolution as it allows family members to articulate their needs and grievances without fear of retribution or misunderstanding. When family members can communicate effectively, they are more likely to work collaboratively toward solutions that respect everyone’s viewpoints and contribute to healthier relationships. This approach contrasts with others that may not directly address the underlying issues of conflict. For instance, promoting autonomy focuses more on individual independence rather than collective resolution, while encouraging family unity might overlook individual grievances that need to be addressed. Directing authority can create power imbalances and discourage open dialogue, which is counterproductive to conflict resolution. Thus, facilitating open communication stands out as the most effective method for social workers dealing with family conflicts.