Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

When a client expresses hopelessness yet envisions a life without problem behaviors, this indicates that they are engaging in self-reflection and consideration of change. This aligns with the contemplation stage of change, where individuals recognize their problematic behaviors and begin to think about the possibility of change, even if they experience feelings of hopelessness.

In this stage, a client may be weighing the pros and cons of making a change and considering the potential benefits of a life free from their problem behaviors. They may acknowledge the difficulties they face but simultaneously hold onto the idea that improvement is achievable. This duality of experiencing hopelessness while still picturing a better future is indicative of being in contemplation, as they are not yet committed to action but are seriously considering it.

Other stages, such as precontemplation, preparation, and maintenance, do not fit this scenario as directly. In precontemplation, individuals typically do not see their behaviors as problematic, while in preparation, they would be actively planning to make changes. Maintenance involves sustaining the changes already made, which does not apply here since the client is still expressing hopelessness about the future.