Chapter 8

Front 1

What is social problem solving?

Back 1

The cognitive-behavioral process by which individuals understand problems in living and directing their efforts at finding solutions to them, according to the problem-solving model.

Front 2

What is a problem?

Back 2

A discrepancy between one’s current state of affairs or situation and one’s goal.

Front 3

What is a solution?

Back 3

An individualistic coping resource designed to change a problem situation or one's reaction to it or both

Front 4

What are the three criteria effective solutions must meet?

Back 4

- solve targeted problem
- maximize positive consequences
- minimize negative consequences

Front 5

What are the five components of social problem solving?

Back 5

- problem orientation
- problem definition and formulation
- generation of alternatives
- decision making
- solution implementation and verification

Front 6

What clinical skills do you need to conduct a psychological assessment?

Back 6

1. Gathering relevant data
2. Integrating information into an explanatory case report

Front 7

What is the primary tool of assessment?

Back 7

The clinical interview

Front 8

Give three examples of the "who" questions.

Back 8

- Who is the client?
- Who is requesting the information (referral)?
- Who is paying for the evaluation

Front 9

Give three examples of the "what" questions.

Back 9

- What is the goal of assessment?
- What is the chief complaint of the client?
- What are the reasons of referral?

Front 10

Give three examples of the "when" questions.

Back 10

- When did the problem begin?
- When is the situation most problematic?
- When was the referral made and how long did it take for the client to follow through?

Front 11

Give three examples of the "where" questions.

Back 11

- Where the chief complaint or problem and the setting in which the evaluation take place?
- Where does the problem occur?
- Where will the patient be seen?

Front 12

Give two examples of the "why" questions.

Back 12

- Why is the client seeking a consultation, evaluation, or treatment now?
- Why is the client seeking the services of a mental health professional?

Front 13

Give three examples of the "how" questions.

Back 13

- How can you help the client?
- How much information does the client expect you to have about him or her?
- How much information does the referral source want back from you?

Front 14

What do you need to obtain for any information from the client and any other parties?

Back 14

- informed consent
- release forms

Front 15

What do psychologists usually include in initial interviews/intakes/comprehensive assessments?

Back 15

- Background history
- Current mental status
- Summaries of objective and subjective testing
- DSM-IV diagnosis
- Clinical impressions
- recommendations

Front 16

What should precede any formal testing procedure?

Back 16

The interview.

Front 17

Why is interviewing important before testing?

Back 17

- help figure out a structure
- develop positive rapport
- reveal new information not obtained earlier
- help the therapist to better understand the client
- determine specifics of assessment

Front 18

What should you do during the assessment?

Back 18

- Determine the general goal (diagnosis, description, prediction, etc.) of the intake evaluation
- Decide the format of the interview
- State the way you (the clinician) would like to be addressed, explain treatment, etc.; conduct introductions
- Obtain consent/confidentiality agreements

Front 19

What are the limits of confidentiality and release information?

Back 19

- Records (student academic records, patient’s medical record, etc.)
- Forensic evaluations
- Insurance companies
- Assure clients of their rights and protections within the professional relationship
- Present additional consent forms

Front 20

What are the three types of questions that can be asked during interviews?

Back 20

- close ended
- multiple choice
- open ended

Front 21

List three characteristics of a close ended question.

Back 21

- restrictive in information requested and obtained
- increase chance many questions can be asked in a shorter period of time
- can make clients feel rushed, surveyed, or misunderstood

Front 22

List three characteristics of a multiple choice question.

Back 22

- has designated appropriate responses available to the person being questioned
- can force responses into predetermined categories
- Least desirable as part of most interviews

Front 23

List three characteristics of an open ended question.

Back 23

- allows clients to speak freely
- conversational interviewing style
- can cause the interview to lose focus

Front 24

What can be used to keep the interview going?

Back 24

- prompts
- reflective statements
- summary statements
- transitions

Front 25

What is the criteria for delivering a written report?

Back 25

- another treating non-psychologist professional who requested the assessment
- The client or client’s parents
- The clinician’s own records
- another psychologist/mental health professional who does not conduct the type of assessment required for the client

Front 26

List aspects of verbal feedback.

Back 26

- Explain to patients how diagnostic/clinical impressions were formed, what recommendations were made, and why
- use concrete and simple language
- be available for questions
- maintain role of evaluator
- may need to communicate verbally with professionals before they get a written report

Front 27

What is an obstacle?

Back 27

An obstacle arises when there is a discrepancy between what is and what one would like a situation to be.