Association of Social Work Boards Masters (ASWB MSW) Practice Exam

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What does decompensation refer to in the context of defense mechanisms?

Improvement of psychological health
Deterioration of existing defenses
Development of new coping strategies
Enhancement of physical abilities

The correct answer is: Deterioration of existing defenses

Decompensation in the context of defense mechanisms refers to a deterioration of existing defense mechanisms. This means that the individual's original ways of coping with stress or anxiety are not working as effectively anymore and they may experience increased emotional distress. Option A, improvement of psychological health, is incorrect because decompensation is associated with a deterioration rather than an improvement. Option C, development of new coping strategies, is also incorrect because decompensation does not involve creating new coping strategies, but rather the breaking down of existing ones. Option D, enhancement of physical abilities, is unrelated to decompensation and defense mechanisms.