- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Lifespan Development in Counseling Flashcards

A counselor is working with a client who lost a spouse six months ago and is still experiencing intense grief. Which Worden task of mourning is most focused on adjusting to an environment without the deceased?

Answer: Adjusting to the world without the deceased

Worden's third task involves adapting to external, internal, and spiritual changes that result from the loss of the deceased.

Which developmental concept describes the discrepancy between a child's current abilities and what they can achieve with guidance from a more skilled partner?

Answer: Zone of Proximal Development

Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is the range of tasks a child can perform with assistance but not yet independently.

A 55-year-old male client reports feeling like his life has stalled and he has contributed nothing meaningful. Erikson would view this as unresolved conflict from which stage?

Answer: Generativity vs. Stagnation

Generativity vs. Stagnation is the middle adulthood stage focused on contributing to society and guiding the next generation.

Gilligan criticized Kohlberg's moral development theory primarily because it:

Answer: Was based predominantly on male samples and neglected care-based ethics

Gilligan argued Kohlberg's model was androcentric and overlooked an ethic of care, which she found more characteristic of women's moral reasoning.

A therapist working with an elderly client uses reminiscence therapy to help integrate life experiences. This approach is most aligned with which theoretical framework?

Answer: Erikson's ego integrity stage

Reminiscence therapy aligns with Erikson's final stage, helping older adults achieve a sense of meaning and integrity by reviewing their life story.

According to attachment theory, an infant who explores freely when the caregiver is present but becomes very distressed when separated and is not easily comforted on reunion displays which attachment style?

Answer: Anxious-ambivalent (resistant) attachment

Anxious-ambivalent (resistant) attachment is characterized by high distress at separation and difficulty being soothed upon the caregiver's return.

A counselor working with a client navigating the 'empty nest' transition would most appropriately frame this using which developmental lens?

Answer: Midlife transition and role adjustment

The empty nest transition is a midlife developmental event requiring role redefinition as parenting duties decrease.