Mr. and Mrs. Beech continuously argue and bicker, though they agree in one area: Mr. Beech's beginning career as a college teacher. Both are pleased with his choice of the profession, the salary and the university that hired Mr. Beech. Mr. Beech is on the verge of an emotional collapse, however, due to his fears of starting a career and the stress involved in completing his dissertation and his work as an instructor. Mrs. Meech demands constant attention and interferes with his work. The social worker's primary focus in treatment would be to

Question

ttitudes that created the marital crisis.
B. give support to Mr. Beech and help him work through the stresses involved in pursuing his academic career.
C. examine and interpret the underlying causes of their marital conflict.
D. help Mrs. Beech minimize her destructive attacks on her husband.

Answer 1

B. give support to Mr. Beech and help him work through the stresses involved in pursuing his academic career.

The key is the phrase "on the verge." In this case, the worker should pay attention to the most critical issue first, and that is Mr. Beech's precarious psychological state. The remaining issues can be addressed when he is more stable.