ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam

What understanding does a child achieve in the object constancy phase?

1. Mother is a constant figure nearby

2. Mother has a separate identity

3. Child is entirely self-reliant

4. Mother's presence is unnecessary

The correct answer is: Mother has a separate identity

In the object constancy phase, a child develops the understanding that a significant figure, typically the mother, has a separate identity from themselves. This phase is crucial in the child's emotional development, as it signifies the ability to maintain an internal image of a caregiver even when that caregiver is not physically present. This realization allows the child to navigate separation and loss with a greater sense of security, as they can conceptually hold onto the idea of the caregiver while learning to explore the world independently. The child begins to recognize that the caregiver is not only there for their immediate needs but is also a unique individual with their thoughts and feelings. This ability to perceive others as separate entities supports healthy attachment and contributes to the child's future social and emotional functioning. In contrast, options relating to the mother being a constant figure nearby or her presence being unnecessary do not capture the essence of object constancy, as these ideas are more about proximity or dependency rather than the recognition of separate identity and autonomy. The notion of the child being entirely self-reliant does not align with this developmental stage, which emphasizes the importance of an attachment figure rather than independence.