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

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What role does symbolization play in psychological mechanisms?

  1. Facilitates dream formation

  2. Is a form of neurotic compulsion

  3. Acts as a primary defense mechanism

  4. Serves to increase logical thinking

The correct answer is: Facilitates dream formation

Symbolization plays an important role in psychological mechanisms as it helps to facilitate dream formation. This is because symbols can represent complex or difficult emotions or experiences in a more manageable way, allowing the unconscious mind to express itself through dreams. While the other options may have some relation to certain psychological mechanisms, they do not directly pertain to the role of symbolization. For example, neurotic compulsion can involve repetitive behaviors, but it does not necessarily involve the use of symbols. Similarly, while symbolization can be used as a defense mechanism, it is not the primary defense mechanism. Additionally, symbolization may indirectly contribute to increasing logical thinking, but it is not its primary role. Therefore, A is the most accurate choice for the role of symbolization in psychological mechanisms.