Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

What might a client experiencing delusions believe regarding their colleagues?

1. They are trying to help him

2. They are conspiring against him

3. They are unaware of his talents

4. They are indifferent to his work

The correct answer is: They are conspiring against him

A client experiencing delusions may believe that their colleagues are conspiring against them due to the nature of delusional thinking, which often involves irrational beliefs firmly held despite evidence to the contrary. Delusions can create a distorted perception of reality, leading the individual to interpret neutral or ambiguous situations as personal threats. In this case, the client might feel that the actions or conversations of their colleagues are not just benign but rather part of a coordinated effort to undermine or harm them. This perception is characteristic of paranoid delusions, where individuals often feel threatened and may constantly be on guard against perceived plots or betrayals. While some individuals might have delusions that others, including colleagues, are indifferent or unaware of their abilities, such thoughts do not capture the intense suspicion and fear typically associated with delusions of conspiracy or persecution.