Social Work Licensing Practice Exam

The correct choice is the one that describes the defense mechanism in which repressed urges are manifested as physical symptoms or disturbances in bodily function. This process is known as conversion.

In conversion, psychological distress is converted into physical symptoms. For example, an individual experiencing anxiety might develop a physical ailment, such as a headache or paralysis, which does not have an identifiable medical cause but reflects underlying emotional conflict. This mechanism allows individuals to express psychological distress indirectly, often because they may not be consciously aware of or able to articulate their feelings.

Understanding conversion is important in social work and mental health, as it aids in recognizing when a person's psychological issues might be presenting as physical problems. By identifying these symptoms, a social worker can appropriately support the individual in exploring the underlying emotional factors contributing to their distress.