The strengths-perspective in social work is best described as...

• A. Focusing on Deficits and Pathologies.
• B. Understanding that all Individuals have the Ability, Resilience, or Other Resources that can be Used to Address a Problem.
• C. Claiming Clients Lack Resources.
• D. Emphasizing External Causes.

Answer: (B)

The key idea being tested is recognizing and using a client’s existing strengths and resources. The strengths-based approach views people as capable of change who bring skills, resilience, coping strategies, and social supports to the table. A social worker collaborates with the client to identify these assets and then builds practical steps to address the problem, rather than dwelling on what’s wrong or what the person lacks. This perspective emphasizes agency, empowerment, and the belief that solutions can come from within the individual or from available resources in the person’s life and community.

That’s why the statement about understanding that all individuals have the ability, resilience, or other resources that can be used to address a problem is the best fit. It captures the core stance of focusing on strengths and leveraging assets. By contrast, descriptions that center on deficits and pathologies, claim clients lack resources, or emphasize only external causes skew toward other approaches and don’t align with the strengths-focused mindset.