Biopsychosocial Spiritual Framework

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Introduction
Theory has become a vital part of the social work profession. It is so vital that its use is incorporated in the professions code of ethics and core competencies. As an individual studies further into the social work profession, they will notice an important framework used is the biopsychosocial spiritual framework. Social workers intervene at multiple system levels by acknowledging the importance of all dimensions of an individual. This paper will discuss the importance of theory in the social work profession. In addition, there will be discussion regarding the biopsychosocial spiritual framework and how it can be applied to practice with individuals infected with HIV/AIDS.
Defining Theory in Social Work Practice
Theory is commonly …show more content…

According to the Center for Disease Control HIV is the “virus spread through body fluids that affects specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cell or T-cells” (About HIV/AIDS, 2014). In addition, the Center for Disease Control says a person has escalated to AIDS when “your immune system is badly damaged and you become vulnerable to infections and your number of CD4 cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood” (About HIV/AIDS, 2014). Application of the biopsychosocial spiritual framework can be very beneficial when analyzing interventions regarding the assortment of issues and stressors that are associated with …show more content…

Individuals with HIV/AIDS may battle with low self-esteem and anxiety issues, these combined with lack of coping skills and improper education on HIV/AIDS can lead to depression and suicidal ideations (Vance, Struzick, Childs, 2010). A social worker can emphasize consistent communication, as suggested as an effective intervention through a social perspective; however, if the social worker does not also recognize that there are internal stressors within the individual then their intervention is incomplete; therefore, the intervention should also be deemed ineffective. Finally, the spiritual dimension can be used as an additional coping mechanism for an individual infected with HIV/AIDS. Spirituality has been known to help increase psychological adaptation, improve physical health, and provide healthy social support systems. (Dalmida, Holstad, Diiorio, & Laderman, 2009). In addition, spirituality is a great way to keep all dimensions of a person in balance in times of extreme stress and anxiety (Dalmida, Holstad, Diiorio, & Laderman, 2009). As a dimension that seems to impact all other dimensions, it is important for social workers to explore the spirituality of their clients and how it can be used to improve the intervention

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