ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

What is the main goal of Ego Psychology interventions?

1. To explore past traumas

2. To enhance communication skills

3. To maintain and enhance the ego's control

4. To develop new coping strategies

The correct answer is: To maintain and enhance the ego's control

The main goal of Ego Psychology interventions is to maintain and enhance the ego's control. This approach focuses on strengthening the ego's ability to mediate between the demands of the id (instinctual drives), the superego (moral standards), and reality. By doing so, interventions aim to improve an individual's adaptive functioning, increase impulse control, and enhance their capacity for reality testing. This enables clients to respond more effectively to life's challenges and stresses. Ego Psychology emphasizes the development of the ego's skills and abilities, ensuring that a person can function effectively in their environment while managing internal conflicts and external pressures. It particularly looks at how the ego can be empowered to handle various life situations, leading to improved functioning and psychological well-being. While exploring past traumas, enhancing communication skills, and developing new coping strategies can all be part of therapeutic processes, the specific identity of ego psychology centers on the ego's capacity for control and adaptation, rather than merely addressing these other aspects.