Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

What underlying issue might be indicated by a teenager stating she was a pawn in a hostile parental relationship?

1. Physical neglect

2. Emotional abuse

3. Financial instability

4. Cultural challenges

The correct answer is: Emotional abuse

When a teenager expresses feeling like a "pawn" in a hostile parental relationship, it suggests that she is experiencing emotional turmoil due to the dynamics between her parents. This statement indicates that she might be used as a tool or a means of manipulation in the conflict between her parents, which can lead to significant psychological distress. Such experiences can manifest as emotional abuse, where the child feels a lack of safety, support, and validation from their caregivers. Emotional abuse encompasses behaviors that demean, belittle, or manipulate a child, contributing to feelings of worthlessness and confusion. The language used by the teenager reflects a deep-seated sense of entrapment and helplessness that is often associated with emotional abuse, as it points to a lack of emotional support and stability in her home environment. The other options, while they may present challenges in a teenager's life, don't align as closely with the implications of being a "pawn" in conflicts. Physical neglect would primarily involve a failure to meet basic physical needs, while financial instability would pertain to economic factors affecting the family's well-being. Cultural challenges could involve navigating identity or heritage issues, but they don't directly relate to the interpersonal dynamics implied in feeling like a pawn. Thus, the focus on emotional manipulation and