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Social Work Theories
Behavior theory - not concerned with internal mental processes but rather how human behavior is developed, sustained, or eliminated through punishment and reinforcement (classical conditioning, operant conditioning -> positive and negative reinforcement) (stimulus response) Practice model: assessment specifies behaviors, defines baselines, and specifies stimulus, antecedents, and consequences. Frequency, magnitude, and direction of problem behavior are monitored during and following the intervention. Goals are specific to behavioral change. Social learning theory - emphasizes that learning takes place through observation, practice, and interaction between the person and others in the environment. Cognitive theory - focuses on the rationality of one's thinking patterns and the connections among behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. activating event > belief, thoughts > emotion, action Practice model: assessment focuses on present thinking, feeling, and behavior. the goal is to change the client's consciousness, the interaction focuses on problem solving and having client examine why he or she thinks or behaves in the living situation. "accurate thinking" Usage: can be used with individuals, groups, families, and communities when resolution of problems is the focus. Cognitive intervention - acquire new info, adjust cognitive assumptions, or change habits of thinking.
help client identify the thoughts preceding and accompanying the distressing emotions and nonproductive action. Assess the client's willingness to consider alternative thoughts in response to the problem situation. challenge the client's distorted beliefs by designing tasks that he or she can carry out in daily life to test their validity. Cognitive restructuring - Education (providing info to the client) Attribution development the ABC review Point-counterpoint (pg 115) Cognitive coping - Self- instruction Problem solving Communication skills development Other types of social skills development relaxation skills development Scientific Management (macro) - There is "one best way" for an organization to run Rigid structure with clear hierarchies Ppl as tech-- employees viewed as "cogs in the machine" Employees have very little power or involvement in decision making Seen as out of date now, esp in human service agencies Human Relations - Similar to scientific management-- rigid and employees are not empowered to contribute to decision making acknowledge importance of social factors and nonmonetary incentives in lives of employees
Those concepts that emphasize reciprocal relationships between the elements that constitute a whole. These concepts also emphasize the relationships among individuals, groups, organizations, or communities and mutually influencing factors in the environment. Systems theories focus on the interrelationships of elements in nature, encompassing physics, chemistry, biology, and social relationships Psychodynamic theory - needs, drives, and emotions motivate human behavior. Emotions have a central place in human behavior. Early childhood experiences are central in the patterning of an individual's emotions, and therefore, central to problems of living throughout life Conflict Theory - This theory draws attention to conflict, dominance, and oppression in social life. Groups and individuals try to advance their own interests over the interests of others. Power is unequally divided Social order is based on the manipulation and control of nondominant groups by dominant groups. Social change is driven by conflict, with periods of change interrupting long periods of stability. Strenghts perspective -
- The social worker assumes that the client has multiple strengths. The social worker tries to assess the strengths of the client and emphasizes these strengths in the helping relationship. focuses on empowering or discovering the power within people. respects the resilience of people in overcoming adversity. builds on the client's knowledge of his or her own situation and aspirations for change.
usage: all client systems : micro, mezzo, macro. Feminist perspective - This perspective takes into account the role of gender and the historical lack of power experienced by women in our society. Feminist social workers emphasize the collaborative relationship between the social worker and the client and place an emphasis on equality and empowerment of women in our society. Problem solving model - focuses on understanding the problem, brainstorming possible solutions, having the client pick a solution, having the client try out a solution and then evaluating how the solution worked Task centered model - This model focuses on breaking down the problem into small tasks that the client can accomplish. The social worker may use rehearsal, deadlines, and contracts, in order to help the client feel successful and motivated towards solving the problem. assessment is specification of target problem and desired outcome. specifies tasks needed to resolve problems. helps client carry out task as necessary. goals are related to what the client wants. usage: for time limited treatment of problem living. Solution focused model - This model starts with the solution and then helps the client establish the steps that will lead to the solution. This model is the one that uses the miracle question to help clients envision the future that they want to obtain. Narrative model - This model uses letters and other methods to help the client re-author their lives.
development of self through awareness and responsibility, one must take responsibility of one's own existence Model: assess what the client is experiencing, what client wants. surface client's awareness, locate client's energy, generate self-support Usage: in situations in which worker and agency have time and inclination to allow client to develop self- knowledge and to engage in self- exploration. most effective in oversocialized, retrained, constricted individuals. integrative model - based in a psychoanalytic frame of reference. incorporates systems theory, Assumes family is the link between the individual and the larger society. Model: assess family structure, functioning, and history with emphasis on placement of current problems. goal is to modify or change aspects of the family relationship system that are not functional. worker enables and supports family members. task oriented. uses advice, education, and guidance. demonstrates techniques. encourages appropriate role development, communication patterns, decision making, and family responsibility. usage: in situations where there is a parent-child, family, or marital problem. Locality development - sees community as eclipsed and lacking relationships, uses problem solving capacity of community persons. model: assessment is problem solving with citizens. process includes exploration, organization of community persons, discussion of problems, action, new projects, the goal is the development of community capacity and integration. the worker is an enabler, catalyst, coordinator, and teacher. usage: to involve a total community or neighborhood in discovering and solving problems. Social action model -
concepts used include disadvantaged population, social injustice, derivation, inequality. concerned with power, conflict, confrontation, the community is seen as made up of conflicting interests that are not easily reconcilable and as having scarce resources. goal is the shifting of power relationships and resources as well as basic institutional change that benefits "me and mine." the worker is an advocate, negotiator. client is seen as victim and employer of worker. strategy is to crystalize issues and develop organization to take action against enemy target. practice usage: when individuals are seen as victims of unjust systems. social planning model - sees the community as an entity with many interacting systems. emphasizes decision making, power control, and the agency system. assessment identifies social problem, its cause, and its possible resolution. the process includes study and assessment of the problematic situation; determining preferences and influences relevant to the problem; examining alternative goals and strategies and their consequences; selection of goals, strategies, and programs. usage: when rational planning toward the alleviation of social problems is desired.
