Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

The scenario presented showcases a situation where the client's son feels observed and lacks privacy, which can lead to emotional distress for both the son and the client. Understanding this problem as role discomplementarity provides insight into the dynamics of the parent-child relationship.

Role discomplementarity occurs when the roles individuals play in a relationship do not match or align well. In this case, the mother may be behaving in a way that imposes unwanted supervision on her son, while he may seek independence and privacy during a developmental phase where autonomy is crucial. This discrepancy in their expectations and experiences results in the son feeling suffocated or monitored, leading to his upset, and consequently, the mother's concern for her son's emotional state.

This framing emphasizes the need to address the relational aspects of their interaction and the importance of recognizing developmental needs, particularly during adolescence or other transitional phases. In this context, resolving the distress might involve the mother reassessing her role and how it impacts her son's sense of autonomy and privacy. Ultimately, role discomplementarity highlights the importance of understanding interpersonal dynamics in therapeutic settings, guiding social workers in finding strategies for better communication and establishing respect for individual needs within family relationships.