Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

The concept being referred to here is equifinality, which suggests that various pathways and factors can lead to the same outcome or disorder. In the context of anorexia nervosa, equifinality acknowledges that multiple influences—such as genetic, psychological, environmental, and sociocultural factors—can contribute to the development of the disorder. This perspective is vital in understanding that individuals may experience and respond to these factors differently, leading to a similar diagnosis.

This differentiation is crucial in fields like social work and psychology, where a comprehensive understanding of a disorder can inform treatment approaches tailored to the unique experiences and needs of each client. By recognizing that anorexia nervosa can arise from various contexts and influences, practitioners can adopt a more holistic approach to treatment, addressing not just symptoms but also the underlying causes.

Other concepts mentioned, such as homeostasis, subsystems, and diagnostic-related groups, do not specifically address the idea that different factors can yield the same disorder. Homeostasis relates to maintaining stability in biological systems, subsystems refer to smaller components within a larger system, and diagnostic-related groups are classifications for healthcare billing. None of these concepts fully encapsulates the multifaceted nature of disorders like anorexia nervosa in the same way that equifinality does.