Question

A couple is seeing a social worker for marital problems. During one session, the wife compliments her husband. The husband says, "Its nothing." What should the social worker do FIRST?

A. Explore the wife's reason for the compliment
B. Assist the husband in accepting the compliment
C. Focus on the husband's inability to accept praise
D. Suggest a couples communication workshop

Answer 1

The social worker's first action should be to assist the husband in accepting the compliment as it helps in reinforcing positive communication and acknowledges the immediate emotional dynamics between the couple.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a husband responds to his wife's compliment with "It's nothing," the social worker should first assist the husband in accepting the compliment. This initial response is crucial because it can address immediate emotional dynamics and reinforce positive communication within the couple's relationship. By doing so, the social worker helps to foster a supportive environment where compliments are seen as affirmations of value.

Focusing on why the wife gave the compliment or the husband's general inability to accept praise may be relevant, but these are secondary considerations that can be explored after the immediate interaction is addressed. Similarly, suggesting a couples communication workshop could be a useful intervention, but it wouldn't address the immediate interaction.