Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

For a 15-year-old with type 1 diabetes rebelling at home, what is the MOST likely underlying reason for his behavior?

1. He is seeking attention from his parents

2. He needs to control whatever parts of his life he can

3. He is feeling overwhelmed by his health condition

4. He is resisting authority as a teenager

The correct answer is: He needs to control whatever parts of his life he can

The most likely underlying reason for the behavior of a 15-year-old with type 1 diabetes rebelling at home is that he needs to control whatever parts of his life he can. Adolescence is a time of significant growth and independence-seeking, and for a teenager managing a chronic condition like type 1 diabetes, feelings of lack of control over health can lead to a desire to assert control in other areas of life. This situation can create frustration, especially if the teenager feels that their health condition is dictating many aspects of their daily routine and relationships. Engaging in rebellious behavior can be a way to assert autonomy in a challenging environment where they feel they may lack power over their health management. While seeking attention, feeling overwhelmed, or resisting authority can certainly contribute to behavior during adolescence, the context of a chronic illness like diabetes magnifies the teenager's need to exert control. Therefore, their rebellion can often be interpreted as a response to feeling powerless in a life dominated by health management and parental oversight concerning their condition.