LMSW Practice Test

One psychological mechanism that tends to obstruct identification and treatment of alcoholism is?

1. denial

2. magical thinking

3. projection

4. sublimation

The correct answer is: denial

Denial is a common psychological mechanism that obstructs the identification and treatment of alcoholism. Individuals struggling with alcoholism may refuse to acknowledge the extent of their drinking problem. They might rationalize their behavior, minimize the consequences of their alcohol use, or even believe that they do not have an issue despite clear evidence to the contrary. This denial makes it difficult for them to seek help, admit they have a problem, or engage in the treatment process. Recognizing denial as a significant barrier is essential for social workers and other professionals in developing effective treatment plans and interventions that can help clients face their addiction. Other mechanisms, such as magical thinking, projection, and sublimation, play different roles in psychological functioning but are less central to the specific challenge of recognizing and addressing alcoholism. Magical thinking involves believing that one’s thoughts can influence reality, projection entails attributing one's own undesirable traits to others, and sublimation is a defense mechanism that channels unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions. While these mechanisms can affect behavior and relationships, denial remains the primary obstacle to acknowledging and treating alcohol dependency.