National Counselor Exam (NCE)

What concept is illustrated by a receptionist not allowed to sing at work but singing at home?

1. The reflective effect

2. The counterbalancing effect

3. The compensatory effect

4. The expressive effect

The correct answer is: The compensatory effect

The concept illustrated by a receptionist not being allowed to sing at work but feeling free to sing at home aligns with the idea of expressing oneself differently in varied environments. In this context, the situation reflects the expressive effect, which describes how individuals adapt their behavior and emotional expression based on their surroundings or context. The expressive effect highlights the contrast between the professional setting at work, where certain behaviors like singing may be deemed inappropriate or distracting, and the personal setting at home, where the individual feels free to express themselves without restrictions. This variation showcases how social norms and the expectations of specific environments influence behavior, allowing for expression in one setting while curbing it in another. Hence, the correct answer is based on understanding how emotional expression can be shaped by the context in which one finds themselves, emphasizing the importance of the environment in facilitating or constraining personal expression.