Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

Which technique is found to be more successful in changing personality in children than in adults?

1. Behavior modification

2. Mirroring

3. Free association

4. Manipulation of the environment

The correct answer is: Manipulation of the environment

The technique of manipulating the environment is recognized as being more successful in changing personality in children compared to adults due to the greater plasticity of children's developing brains and their adaptability to new situations and stimuli. Children are still forming their identities and are more influenced by external factors, such as their surroundings, social contexts, and interactions with caregivers and peers. By altering their environment, including the types of interactions and experiences they are exposed to, significant changes in behavior and personality can occur. In contrast, adults generally have more established and fixed personalities and are often less open to change. Techniques like behavior modification or mirroring may work to some extent but are generally less effective in producing overarching personality changes in adults. Free association, a method often used in psychotherapy, is also less applicable, as adults may not respond as readily to the exploratory nature of this technique due to their more entrenched thought patterns. Thus, manipulating the environment aligns more closely with the developmental needs and responsiveness of children, leading to more impactful changes in their personality.