Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Practice Exam

Suzy, a 5-year-old, is taking care of her depressed mother. What type of behavior is Suzy exhibiting?

1. Responsible Behavior

2. Role Reversal

3. Emotional Neglect

4. Child Leadership

The correct answer is: Role Reversal

Suzy is exhibiting role reversal behavior. In typical developmental stages, children rely on adults for emotional support and care. However, when a child takes on the responsibility of caring for or providing emotional support to a parent—for instance, when a parent is depressed—this indicates that the child is stepping into a nurturing role that is generally expected from an adult caregiver. This behavior can be a response to the circumstances surrounding Suzy's environment, where she may feel compelled to take care of her mother to stabilize the household or provide comfort. Such role reversal can lead to significant emotional challenges for a child, as they may become overly responsible for issues that they are not equipped to handle, impacting their own emotional development and well-being. It's important to recognize the implications of this dynamic in Suzy's life, as it often reflects a lack of appropriate adult support and can lead to confusion about familial roles and expectations.