Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What does malingering refer to?

1. Genuine physical illness

2. A psychological disorder

3. Faking illness to avoid responsibilities

4. A form of anxiety

The correct answer is: Faking illness to avoid responsibilities

Malingering refers to the deliberate fabrication or exaggeration of symptoms for the purpose of obtaining some form of external gain, such as avoiding work, evading legal responsibilities, or obtaining medication. This behavior is intentional and not a result of a genuine psychological or physical condition. The definition of malingering specifically highlights the motivation behind the action, which is to evade responsibilities rather than a true manifestation of illness. This differentiates it from legitimate medical or psychological issues where the individual is experiencing real symptoms. In contrast to the other options, which either describe actual medical or psychological conditions or forms of anxiety that individuals genuinely experience, malingering is characterized by a conscious effort to deceive for personal benefit.