ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

The self object need of mirroring primarily helps to validate what in a child?

1. Their abilities

2. Their creativity

3. Their perfect self-image

4. Their relationships

The correct answer is: Their perfect self-image

The self object need of mirroring plays a crucial role in helping a child develop their sense of self and self-esteem. Mirroring provides children with the feedback they need to validate their inner experiences and sense of identity. Specifically, it affirms and reflects a child’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, allowing them to form a consistent and coherent self-image. When a caregiver or significant other mirrors a child's emotional state or achievements, it reinforces the child's perception of themselves. This validation is fundamental in establishing a "perfect self-image," which is an idealized view of who they are or can be. In this context, a child learns to understand their significance and worth through the recognition and acknowledgment provided by others, enhancing their self-concept. Thus, the mirroring self object need primarily supports the validation of their perfect self-image, laying the groundwork for healthy self-esteem and emotional development later in life.