In the Beech family case, the social worker's primary focus would be to:

• A. Challenge Mr Beech to change careers
• B. Give support to Mr Beech and help him work through the stresses involved in pursuing his academic career
• C. Criticize Mrs Beech for lack of support
• D. Recommend separation of the couple

Answer: (B)

The main idea is providing support to the client to cope with stressors connected to a major life pursuit within the family context. In the Beech family, the social worker would focus on helping Mr Beech manage the pressures of pursuing his academic career, offering validation, exploring coping strategies, and guiding him to balance responsibilities so the family can function more adaptively. This approach emphasizes support and problem-solving rather than pressuring him to change careers, blaming his partner for the stress, or recommending separation, unless there are safety concerns.