Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

What behavior is typical of a teenager like Darlene, who has few strategies for self-expression?

1. Artistic expression

2. Acting out

3. Verbal communication

4. Isolation

The correct answer is: Acting out

When considering the behavior typical of a teenager like Darlene, who has few strategies for self-expression, acting out is often a prevalent response. Teenagers may struggle to articulate their emotions or engage in constructive forms of communication due to a lack of skills or opportunities to do so. As a result, they may express their feelings through disruptive or inappropriate behaviors, which can serve as a cry for help or a way to cope with internal struggles. Acting out can manifest as defiance, aggression, or risky behaviors, making it a common response among adolescents who feel unable to express themselves in more conventional ways. Artistic expression and verbal communication are generally seen as positive coping strategies, indicating a level of self-awareness and comfort in expressing feelings. Isolation can also occur but is often a sign of withdrawal rather than an active expression of feelings, and it may indicate a different set of emotional challenges. In contrast, acting out directly reflects an attempt to communicate underlying issues when other methods are unavailable or ineffective.