Question

A 15-year-old who was sexually abused for two years by a relative is meeting with a social worker for an initial evaluation. The social worker wants to assess the impact that the abuse has had on the client. To accomplish this, the social worker should focus on:

A. The client's sexual identity.
B. The client's level of repression.
C. The client's psychosocial functioning.
D. The client's self-care.

Answer 1

The social worker should focus on assessing the client's psychosocial functioning to understand the overall impact of the abuse, which includes emotional, social, and mental health. This assessment will reveal the diverse and interconnected consequences of childhood sexual abuse on the individual's well-being.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assess the impact that abuse has had on the client, a social worker should focus on the client's psychosocial functioning. This encompasses a broad range of areas which may have been affected by the abuse, such as emotional stability, social interactions, and overall mental health.

Research shows that childhood sexual abuse can lead to a variety of long-term consequences affecting one's physical, mental, and social well-being. The child may face difficulties in academic performance, engage in risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, and potentially exhibit signs of psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety. These complex effects merit a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's psychosocial functioning, which includes their capacity to maintain a regular routine, manage personal relationships, and navigate daily challenges.

While aspects such as sexual identity, levels of repression, and self-care can also be important, they fall within the context of the larger psychosocial functioning picture and are often interconnected in the trauma-informed approach to care. Therefore, a focus on psychosocial functioning will guide the social worker towards understanding the overall impact of the abuse on the client's life.