Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

What symptom might a social worker identify as related to grief after the loss of a father?

1. Persistent sadness

2. Loss of physical sensation

3. Increased appetite

4. Isolation from friends

The correct answer is: Loss of physical sensation

The identification of loss of physical sensation as a symptom related to grief after the loss of a father might stem from a perspective focusing on physical manifestations of emotional trauma. In this context, grief can sometimes present with somatic symptoms, where emotional pain translates into physical sensations, numbness, or changes in bodily awareness. However, while physical sensations can fluctuate during grief, they are not typically categorized as a primary or prominent symptom. More common and recognizable symptoms of grief include persistent sadness, isolation from social connections, and changes in appetite, all of which reflect the emotional and psychological impact of loss. In this situation, persistent sadness accurately captures a key emotional experience associated with grief. Similarly, isolation from friends is a common response to loss, as individuals may pull away from social interactions during their mourning process. Increased appetite can also occur but is less associated with grief than a loss of appetite or changes in eating patterns in many cases. Therefore, while loss of physical sensation can occur, it is not one of the most recognized or characteristic symptoms of grief in the context of social work practice.