ASWB Individual Practice Exam

In the context of a client dealing with multiple life stressors, the presenting problem often encapsulates how they are coping with these significant changes. When a client experiences a profound loss, such as the death of a spouse, it can lead to a range of emotional and behavioral reactions. Adjustment issues refer specifically to the difficulties a person has in adapting to life changes or stressors, such as bereavement, and encompasses the emotional turmoil and challenges the client faces in this situation.

In this case, the loss of a spouse serves as a major life change that can trigger a variety of responses, making adjustment issues a central concern. Clients may experience grief, anxiety, depressed mood, or difficulty managing their daily routines, which all fall under adjustment difficulties. Addressing these adjustment issues is crucial for effective therapeutic intervention, as they directly relate to the client's current emotional state and capacity to cope with other stressors.

While substance abuse, financial difficulties, and relationship conflicts can certainly be relevant factors in a person's life, they would be considered secondary or even consequences of the primary adjustment issues stemming from the significant loss. By focusing on adjustment issues, a therapist can better assist the client in navigating their grief and developing coping strategies, ultimately helping them adjust to their new reality.