Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.10 Physical Contact

Preparing for the ASWB exam means more than just memorizing definitions and theories; it’s about learning how to think ethically in real-life situations. One topic that often catches test-takers off guard is Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.10 Physical Contact. At first glance, this might seem like common sense. Just don’t touch clients, right? But the NASW Code of Ethics leaves room for nuance, and that’s exactly where the exam questions tend to focus.

Physical contact in Social Work isn’t inherently unethical, but it’s fraught with potential for misinterpretation, cultural insensitivity, or even emotional harm. That’s why understanding what’s appropriate and when is critical for safe, ethical practice. Whether it’s a handshake, a comforting hand on the shoulder, or avoiding touch altogether, every decision must be intentional and grounded in ethical standards. For exam purposes, you’ll need to demonstrate that you know how to make those decisions, even under pressure.

This article unpacks the meaning and implications of section 1.10 of the NASW Code, explains how it’s tested on the ASWB exam, and gives you a clear strategy for answering related questions. You’ll also learn why Agents of Change is one of the most trusted resources for exam prep. If you’re serious about passing your exam and being a competent, compassionate Social Worker, this is a topic you can’t afford to overlook.

Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you be next!

1) What Is Section 1.10 Physical Contact?

Section 1.10 of the NASW Code of Ethics addresses how Social Workers should navigate physical contact in professional relationships. It focuses on the emotional and psychological well-being of clients, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and the importance of boundaries. This section is especially relevant to ASWB exam questions that challenge your ability to apply ethics in nuanced, real-world scenarios.

Here is the full text of Section 1.10:

1.10 Physical Contact
Social Workers should not engage in physical contact with clients when there is a possibility of psychological harm to the client as a result of the contact (such as cradling or caressing clients). Social Workers who engage in appropriate physical contact with clients are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern such physical contact.

Let’s break that down into manageable parts and explore what each one means.

“Social Workers should not engage in physical contact with clients when there is a possibility of psychological harm to the client…”

This first part sets a boundary of caution. It advises social workers to avoid physical touch whenever it could lead to emotional or psychological harm. The risk doesn’t have to be guaranteed, just possible. This means that if a client has a trauma history, anxiety, or discomfort with touch, the Social Worker must take that into account and avoid physical contact altogether.

Touch might seem harmless or even comforting to one person, but it can be deeply triggering to another. The Code urges practitioners to take the client’s experience seriously, regardless of intention. The safest route is to err on the side of protecting the client’s emotional well-being.

“…(such as cradling or caressing clients).”

This phrase gives specific examples of touch that is never appropriate in Social Work practice. Cradling and caressing imply intimacy, which crosses professional boundaries and undermines the therapeutic relationship. These examples are clear violations of ethics and can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension or revocation.

It’s also important to recognize that these examples don’t represent a complete list. They serve as a warning against any physical act that conveys affection or intimacy that goes beyond professional support.

“Social Workers who engage in appropriate physical contact with clients…”

This is where the Code acknowledges complexity. Not all physical contact is forbidden. There are situations where touch may be appropriate, but only under certain conditions. For example, a handshake, a culturally expected gesture, or brief contact in a crisis situation may fall within ethical guidelines.

However, the phrase “appropriate physical contact” demands that the Social Worker be highly intentional and informed. You can’t assume touch is okay just because it feels natural or well-meaning.

“…are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries…”

Here, the Code places full responsibility on the Social Worker. It’s not enough to react in the moment. Practitioners must actively establish boundaries, talk about them when necessary, and make sure they are respected consistently. This includes explaining to clients why certain types of physical contact are or aren’t appropriate, and making sure those boundaries are communicated clearly.

Cultural sensitivity is key here. In some cultures, a handshake or a bow may be a sign of respect or greeting. In others, touch between unrelated individuals may be inappropriate. The Social Worker must be aware of these differences and adapt their approach accordingly. It’s not just about professional norms, but about meeting the client where they are—respectfully and ethically.

“…that govern such physical contact.”

The final phrase reinforces the need for structure and consistency. When physical contact is allowed, it must be governed by boundaries that are clearly defined and maintained. That means you don’t make exceptions for certain clients, nor do you allow unclear practices to develop over time. If a client hugs you once and you allow it without discussion, they may expect that it’s acceptable in the future.

To govern physical contact ethically, document any relevant incidents, discuss any gray areas with your supervisor, and always keep your client’s emotional safety as the top priority.

By fully understanding Section 1.10 Physical Contact, you’ll be better prepared to apply this knowledge during the ASWB exam. More importantly, you’ll also strengthen your ability to maintain professional and therapeutic boundaries in practice. This awareness not only protects your clients, but it also protects you as a Social Worker.

Agents of Change packages include 30+ ASWB topics, 2 free study groups per month, and hundreds of practice questions so you’ll be ready for test day!

2) Why Ethics of Physical Contact Matters on the ASWB Exam

Ethical decision-making is at the heart of Social Work practice, and the ASWB exam reflects that. Topics like physical contact, covered under Section 1.10 of the NASW Code of Ethics, aren’t just theoretical. They show up in exam scenarios designed to test your judgment, awareness, and ability to navigate gray areas.

1. It Tests Your Boundary Awareness

Physical contact, even when well-intentioned, can easily blur boundaries in the client and Social Worker relationship. The ASWB exam uses this topic to assess whether you understand how to maintain professional distance without losing empathy.

What they’re looking for:

Can you identify when touch crosses the line?
Do you recognize how physical contact can be misinterpreted?
Are you able to set and maintain clear boundaries in ethically complex situations?

2. It Highlights Cultural Competence

The exam isn’t just testing your knowledge of rules. It’s testing your sensitivity to cultural nuance. What’s acceptable in one culture may be deeply offensive or misunderstood in another. Section 1.10 of the NASW Code makes it clear that culturally sensitive boundaries matter.

Be prepared to think through scenarios like:

A client offers a culturally significant gesture of touch. How do you respond?
A client refuses physical touch due to religious beliefs. How do you respect that?
You’re working in a diverse setting with differing norms around physical interaction.

3. It Emphasizes Client-Centered Decision-Making

The exam often presents questions where multiple answers seem ethically sound. In these situations, the correct answer centers on the client’s safety, emotional experience, and well-being rather than your comfort or assumptions.

Client-centered considerations include:

Is the client vulnerable due to trauma, age, or mental health concerns?
Could physical contact cause harm or confusion, even if brief?
Does the client have the capacity to give meaningful consent for physical touch?

4. It Covers Documentation and Supervision Practices

In some situations, touch might occur unintentionally or in response to a crisis. The ASWB exam may test your knowledge of what to do after the fact. Ethical practice doesn’t stop in the moment. It extends into how you follow up.

Expect exam questions on how to:

Document an incident involving touch
Explain your actions to a supervisor
Reflect on and learn from ethical challenges involving physical boundaries

5. It Reinforces the Role of Self-Awareness

Social Workers bring their own values, histories, and cultural frameworks into every client interaction. The ASWB exam challenges you to recognize when your own instincts might not align with ethical best practices.

Watch for questions that test your ability to:

Set aside personal preferences in favor of client safety
Avoid justifying behavior because it feels natural
Pause and assess before responding physically in emotionally charged sessions

Understanding Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.10 Physical Contact is about more than just avoiding mistakes. It is about practicing with intention, humility, and respect. The ASWB exam pushes you to apply these values in the moment, under pressure, and with the client’s dignity always in focus.

When you prepare using trusted resources like Agents of Change, you’re not just memorizing material; you’re also gaining a deeper understanding. You are training your ethical reasoning through practice exams, live discussions, and study plans that keep you focused and consistent. The more you prepare, the more naturally ethical judgment will come to you on exam day and in real-world practice.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Physical Contact

A Social Worker is meeting with a new client who has experienced recent trauma. At the end of the session, the client appears tearful and moves toward the Social Worker with open arms, clearly seeking a hug. What is the MOST appropriate response?

A) Allow the hug, as the client is initiating it and clearly in emotional distress
B) Gently place a hand on the client’s shoulder while expressing verbal support
C) Politely decline the hug and offer a tissue while reinforcing emotional support verbally
D) Accept the hug and tell the client that physical comfort is part of building trust in therapy

Correct Answer: C) Politely decline the hug and offer a tissue while reinforcing emotional support verbally

Rationale:

Why C is Correct:
This response maintains ethical boundaries while still offering emotional support. Since the client has experienced trauma, physical contact, even if initiated by the client, can be psychologically risky. Section 1.10 of the NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes that Social Workers should avoid physical contact when there is a possibility of psychological harm. Offering a tissue and verbal affirmation shows compassion without crossing professional lines.

Why A is Incorrect:
Even though the client initiates the hug, this does not make it ethically safe. Trauma can distort how a person relates to others physically. Allowing the hug could reinforce unhealthy boundaries or cause unintended harm. The Social Worker must prioritize the client’s psychological safety over the desire to comfort physically.

Why B is Incorrect:
Touching the client on the shoulder, although seemingly mild, still risks triggering an emotional response. Without knowing the client’s history with touch, this action may be inappropriate. A better approach is to avoid physical contact entirely at this stage.

Why D is Incorrect:
Telling the client that physical comfort is part of building trust misrepresents the ethical standards of Social Work. Trust is built through consistent, respectful, and professional behavior, not physical contact. This choice suggests a blurring of boundaries that could undermine the therapeutic relationship.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 1.10 Physical Contact

Q: Can physical contact ever be appropriate in Social Work?

A: Yes, physical contact can be appropriate in certain situations, but only when it’s clearly defined, culturally sensitive, and poses no risk of psychological harm to the client. For example, a culturally expected handshake or brief supportive touch in a crisis may be ethically acceptable.

However, Social Workers must always assess the context, the client’s personal history, and any potential consequences. It’s essential to set and communicate boundaries ahead of time and document any contact that could raise concerns. When in doubt, prioritize the client’s emotional safety and consult with a supervisor.

Q: What if a client initiates physical contact—am I still responsible?

A: Absolutely. Even if a client initiates touch, the Social Worker remains fully responsible for maintaining ethical boundaries. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, it is the Social Worker’s duty to evaluate whether the contact is appropriate and whether it could cause harm.

For example, if a trauma survivor attempts to hug their Social Worker, allowing it could reinforce confusing boundaries or even retraumatize the client. Ethical practice requires pausing, redirecting the interaction respectfully, and offering support in a non-physical way.

Q: How should I prepare for questions on physical contact for the ASWB exam?

A: To prepare effectively, focus on understanding the intent behind Section 1.10 of the NASW Code of Ethics. Don’t just memorize the rules, practice applying them in context. Study realistic scenarios and learn to evaluate each one based on client safety, cultural sensitivity, and emotional boundaries.

Using a structured resource like Agents of Change can be incredibly helpful. Their study plans, live groups, and practice exams include ethical questions like these and help you build confidence in identifying the best responses under pressure. With access until you pass, you can begin studying without worrying about timing your purchase.

5) Conclusion

Understanding the ethical nuances of physical contact is essential for any Social Worker preparing for the ASWB exam. Section 1.10 of the NASW Code of Ethics serves as both a guideline and a reminder that even well-meaning actions can carry significant emotional consequences.

While touch might seem simple on the surface, it requires thoughtful consideration of cultural context, client history, and professional boundaries. On the exam and in practice, your ability to make ethical decisions in these moments reflects your readiness to support clients with both care and integrity.

The ASWB exam doesn’t just test your ability to recall information. It asks you to apply ethical reasoning in high-stakes, real-life situations. That means choosing the best answer isn’t always about what feels right. It is about what protects the client, honors their experience, and upholds the profession’s standards. When you know how to handle scenarios involving physical contact with clarity and professionalism, you are far more likely to pass the exam and begin your career on solid ethical footing.

► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com

About the Instructor, Dr. Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!

Find more from Agents of Change here:

► Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep

► Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/agents-of-change-sw

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.10 Physical Contact

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.10 Physical Contact