Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Social work theories
Explain the role of theory in social work practice
What is the theory and the biopsychosocial- spiritual framework in social work practice
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Social work theories
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
A Biopsychosocial spiritual assessment (BPSS) is vital to use when providing a framework for the client’s presenting problems. It serves as a guide to help Social Workers determine how the client’s biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions affect their overall functioning. The BPSS assessment allows the Social Worker to view the client holistically, examine barriers that prevent the client from receiving proper treatment, and the ways the client’s interacting systems have an impact in their life. For the purpose of this paper, I will complete a biopsychosocial assessment based on the information my client has disclosed to me and implement strategies necessary to achieve his treatment goals.
Social Work is the study of people and how they interact with the systems in their environment and other people. Social Workers use theories, sets of ideas or concepts, of human behavior and apply them within their professional social work ethics to the problems facing clients in order to help them gain balance in the systems in their lives. Theories help to organize knowledge enabling social workers to help make sense of problems. There are many different theories. They have been grouped into broad categories called theoretical lenses (Rogers, A. 2013).
A difficulty that has occurred commonly is that a definition of spirituality cannot be agreed on. In a broad explanation of both religion as well as spirituality, religion constitutes the organization of faith, implementing prayer, ministry and theology. Spirituality could be viewed as a more individualized experience with a higher being, creator or idea (Walker et al., 2004, p. 70). These expressions allow a vision of client diversity that is found in all counseling classifications. While defining religion and spirituality properly seems trivial, when training counselors to properly apply the use of such variables in their therapies, a concrete explanation is imperative.
With the three categories “that must be considered simultaneously: psychology, theology, and spirituality” (McMinn, 2011, p.190). From the stance of psychology counselors are thought to be more subjective by placing themselves on the outside in order to properly view the issues or concerns that the client may have. Theology, is thought to spear spirituality. “May God guide each of us to the deep, still waters of Life, where we find hope, courage, humidity compassion and peace” (McMinn, 2011, p.
The assessment tool that I plan to use in this intervention is the biopsychosocial spiritual assessment tool. This assessment tool will give me a good impression of what Marcel is dealing with. This assessment tool will give me information such as some of Marcel’s background information, such as age, mender, and ethnicity. This assessment tool will also give me some insight on Marcel’s childhood. Some of the things he may have experienced in that time in his life that has caused a negative effect on his life and if some of those experiences are connected to the problem that he is having. This assessment tool will also address some of Marcel’s family background. This information is important because it may show some of the
Theory has been defined as, “an organized set of assumptions, beliefs, or ideas about particular phenomena in the world (Teater, 2015).” Theory is used to understand and explain possible and perceived instances, behaviors and outcomes (Teater, 2015). Social workers use theory in order to understand, as well as, introduce interventions and solutions to their client’s individual situation. It is important for students entering into the social work profession to have a base knowledge of theories, with basic understanding of their similarities and differences to appropriately apply theory in practice. The theories which will be focused on in this paper include Systems Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Theory.
Worthington, E. L. Jr., Hook, J. N., Davis, D. E., & McDaniel, M. A. (2011). Religion and spirituality. In J. C. Norcross (Ed.), Psychotherapy relationships that work (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press
“Clinically, the HIV infected adolescents present as physically stunted individuals, with delayed puberty and adrenarche. Mental illness and substance abuse are important co-morbidities” (Naswa, 2010). Naswa, 2010 also reports that adolescences with HIV have a higher susceptibility rate to contract STD’s that the average individual due to the thinner lining of mucus in the ovaries at this stage of their development. The stigma of living with HIV is also a factor for her psychosocial development. The fact that she contracted this disease from her father further contributes to emotional trauma.
Social workers should have a strong knowledge base comprising of information gathered from variety of empirically tested theories which allows them to effectively appreciate the nature of people’s problems. Theory is a vital component in social work practice that guides the way in which social workers view and approach their clients, at micro, mezzo and macro level. Theory helps predict, explain and assess situations and
Theory is defined as “…”. In the social work profession, it is not enough to just understand the definition of theory, but rather be able to integrate theory into practice when working to plan interventions at multiple practice levels. This integration of theory into the social work practice is an emphasis of the profession as noted in the profession’s core competencies. Core competency 2.1.6 “engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research” (NASW code of ethics) is the basis for theory integration within the social work profession. The profession’s practice behaviors state that social workers must “use research evidence to inform practice” (NASW code of ethics). In other words, social workers should “attend to findings
In today’s society, there are a large number of individuals who are on the pursuit for spiritual development that is consistent with their “belief that spirituality is vital for growth and essential for dealing with life’s problems” (Morrison, Clutter, Pritchett, & Demmitt, 2009). Even moreso it’s no surprise to learn about the movement among the vast number of clients seeking to address concerns of spirituality within their counseling sessions.
As a social worker, I have never interrogated my theoretical orientation, in part because I considered that common sense, agency´s directions, and social policies guided social work interventions. In fact, Mullaly (2010) discusses that social workers do not see the relation between theory and practice, and social work is perceived as a performance of practical duties. This was my perception until now, in particular, because I have been analyzing anti-oppressive principles and I realized that my experience has many nuances of those principles. Therefore, my past interventions have some commonalities with the anti-oppressive perspective, and then some strengths and limitations compared to the Canadian social work. (1) One of these strengths is empowerment. Power is an important element of
Implementing healthy relationships will give individuals that have HIV the skills that are necessary to create effective disclosure amongst themselves, as well as allow them to make decisions to negotiate safe sex. Positive choices and having healthy relationships are based on the decision of whether or not to disclose an individual’s HIV status, which is very prevalent in reducing the risk of transmitting HIV. Positive choices and having healthy relationships are also prevalent amongst peers that are able to reach peers, as well as encouraging the use of a person living with HIV the ability to allow reach individuals who are implementing sexual behaviors that are placing them at risk.
The aim of social work is to improve the conditions of the society. It can be very challenging however frameworks are acquired in order to be able to provide solutions (Greene 2008). Theories give objectives to support social workers to help people improve their social circumstances. There are a variety of theories that explains human behaviour and factors which influence them (Howe 2009). Theories such as psychodynamic theory sees human behaviour as experiences from childhood however, behavioural theory sees it as actions that brought positive behaviour.
This paper will include a self-assessment of my own spirituality and how I view spirituality. Peer-reviewed scholarly articles will be included in the essay pertaining to spirituality and my belief. In the following paragraphs will also include the integration of spirituality within social work practice. I believe spirituality does various things for me in my life: it heals me, helps in a time of need, and guides me towards positive aspects of life, which many people believe the spirit does the same for them.