Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

The correct response is rooted in Erikson's psychosocial stages, specifically the stage of "Industry versus Inferiority." This stage occurs typically between the ages of 6 and 12 and is critical for children as they begin to develop a sense of competence and achievement in their skills and abilities. During this time, individuals face challenges that require them to demonstrate their abilities, such as doing well in school and engaging in social tasks. Success in this stage leads to feelings of competence, while failure can result in feelings of inferiority.

In the context of the scenario where a client experiences low self-esteem because of parental criticism, this aligns with the challenges faced in the Industry versus Inferiority stage. If a child receives negative feedback or criticism from parents, it can lead to doubts about their abilities, fostering a sense of inferiority that can persist into adulthood. This undermines the development of self-esteem and confidence in their competencies, rooted in the experiences they had during this formative stage.

The other stages referenced do not directly relate to the issue of low self-esteem stemming from parental criticism. Identity versus role confusion pertains to adolescence and the struggle to form a cohesive identity. Generativity versus stagnation relates to middle adulthood and focuses on contributing to society and helping guide the next