Which technique involves asking clients to rate the severity of a problem?

The technique that involves asking clients to rate the severity of a problem is known as problem scaling. This approach is used in social work to help clients articulate their feelings and perceptions about the intensity of the issues they are facing. By using a scale, clients can provide a quantitative measure of their experiences, which can serve as a useful tool for both the client and the social worker in assessing issues and tracking progress over time.

Problem scaling facilitates a clearer understanding of the client's perspective, helping to identify areas that require immediate attention or intervention. This method encourages clients to engage in self-reflection and fosters open communication about the severity of their challenges. It also allows for the identification of changes in perception over time, which can be a significant aspect of therapy and intervention processes.

In contrast, the other concepts mentioned, such as motivational scaling, severity assessment, and impact evaluation, while related to the assessment of issues in varying degrees, do not specifically focus on obtaining a client's self-rated level of severity regarding a problem. Motivational scaling, for example, centers more on a client's readiness or willingness to change rather than rating severity directly. Therefore, problem scaling is distinctly characterized by its focus on the client's own assessment of issue severity, making it the correct choice.