Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

During a counseling session, a couple begins to argue about finances, with the husband yelling and the wife crying. This interaction demonstrates what?

1. The couple's ability to effectively communicate

2. The couple's poor communication skills

3. The couple's understanding of each other's feelings

4. The effectiveness of conflict resolution techniques

The correct answer is: The couple's poor communication skills

The scenario described highlights the couple's poor communication skills. Effective communication involves not only the exchange of information but also the ability to discuss emotions and perspectives without escalating conflict. The husband yelling indicates an inability to express frustration in a constructive manner, while the wife's crying suggests feelings of distress and possibly a lack of feeling heard or understood. This dynamic demonstrates an unhealthy interaction, where emotions are heightened, leading to conflict rather than resolution or understanding. In contrast, effective communication would involve both partners expressing their concerns calmly and listening to each other, reflecting empathy and support. The disagreements over finances could instead be an opportunity for collaboration and understanding if approached with better communication skills. Understanding each other's feelings, as well as employing conflict resolution techniques, are also crucial aspects of healthy interactions, which are absent in this scenario.