Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

A client exhibiting physical symptoms in response to emotional distress is likely demonstrating the defense mechanism known as conversion. This mechanism involves the transformation of psychological conflict or distress into physical symptoms. It often manifests as unexplained neurological or physical issues, such as paralysis, blindness, or other bodily complaints that do not have a medical basis. This response serves as a way for the individual to unconsciously express or cope with emotional pain or psychological trauma without having to confront the feelings directly.

Conversion is significant in many therapeutic contexts, as it highlights the connection between the mind and body, emphasizing that emotional issues can lead to physical manifestations. Understanding this mechanism allows social workers and clinicians to approach treatment in a comprehensive manner, addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of the client’s experience.

In contrast, while introjection, reaction formation, and projective identification are also defense mechanisms, they function in different ways. For instance, introjection involves internalizing the beliefs or qualities of others, and reaction formation entails behaving in a way that is opposite to one’s true feelings. Projective identification involves projecting one’s own feelings onto another person and then reacting to them as if they are theirs. None of these mechanisms specifically describes the phenomenon of experiencing physical symptoms as a direct manifestation of emotional conflict