Child Life Certification Practice Test 2026 - Free Child Life Practice Questions and Study Guide

Self-effacing behavior refers to actions that are characterized by a lack of self-assertion or an avoidance of drawing attention to oneself. This type of behavior often reflects a sense of insecurity or a desire to remain unobtrusive. In the context of the choices presented, nail biting or sucking fingers illustrates self-effacing behavior as it typically occurs in response to anxiety or nervousness. These behaviors are often subconscious and can signal an individual’s effort to cope without overtly expressing their feelings or concerns.

In contrast, playing games and using medical replicas are generally active and assertive behaviors that may indeed help with coping, but they do not fall under the category of self-effacing because they involve engagement and interaction rather than withdrawal or a lack of assertiveness. Similarly, expressing frustrations verbally is a more assertive way of handling feelings and does not exhibit the self-effacing tendency that is seen in behaviors like nail biting or finger sucking.