“The life course is the progression and path an individual takes from conception to death, and considers that the whole life of the individual presents opportunities for development, change and growth” (Crawford and Walker 2010). Being aware of what life course one’s on and the impact of transitions within a person’s life course is important for social work practice. It is important that social workers reflect on both their own and other’s experiences throughout the life course and support this understanding within the various theoretical frameworks. It helps us to understand the common themes which have affected people through the age and helps us understand why people behave the way they do in certain situations.“Understanding of life course aims to encourage us in the flexibility of imagination which is required in order to enter into the lives of people at different ages and to see the world from their point of view” (Sudbery, 2010, p.231). This essay will critically explore why social workers need to know about the life course. It will do so by examining the particular area of sexuality, and as a related issue, adolescent mental health, this being one of the chief risk factors in coming out. It therefore follows that because social workers deal with service users from birth to death, it is crucial to understand what life course one is on and the impact that passing from one transition to another can have on an individual (Thomson, 2008). This will enable social workers to understand what this stage means to a service user when interpreted in their own narrative and how to effectively help. In addition, social workers would respond differently when for example dealing with an adolescent as compared to a middle age adult. L... ... middle of paper ... ... & Human Sexuality , Volume 8, Issue 1, 75-95 Mercer, L. R. & Berger, R. M. (1989). Social service needs of lesbian and gay adolescents. Adolescent Sexuality: New Challenges for Social Workers. Haworth Press. Moses, E. A. & Hawkins, R. O. (1982). Counselling Lesbian Women and Gay Men: A Life Issues Approach. St Louis: Mosby. Moore, S & Rosenthal, D. (1993). Sexuality in Adolescence. London: Routledge Muss, R.E (1966). ‘Theories of adolescence’. New York: Random House. U.S. Council of Economic Advisers (2000). Teens and their parents in the 21st century: An examination of trends in teen behavior and the role of parental involvement. Washington, DC: White House Walker, S. (2008). Social work and child and adolescent mental health. Dorset: Russell House Publishing Ltd. Thompson, N. (2009.) Understanding Social Work. Third Edition: Palgrave Macmillan
The adult mental health social work may be considered complex and challenging due to the issues it faces. The practice entails the involvement of a certain number of professionals which have the authority to make an immense impact on the service users’ lives. The association with the social services may initiate within the service users a certain amount of discomfort and vulnerability. This may be because it could carry with it a certain degree of unwarranted labelling and prejudice. Apart from the impact that the involvement of the social services have on the service users, it is worth noting that there are further challenges which may be encountered, and they do not only arise from the complexity of the service users’ situation alone, they may also stem from the social worker’s capacity and experience to practice, laws, policies, funding and other factors that cannot always be controlled. The social workers have many tools to help and support the service users, however, been entrusted with authority as well as an element of power to make decisions through their assessments, they are also expected to practice responsibly because of the immense impact their evaluations have on people’s lives. These together with the legal accountability and the professionally required, ethical and moral congruence may be a fertile ground for conflict of interests. For example, a discrepancy between the views of the social worker and the service user regarding needs of services.
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It is very reasonable to conclude that research on depression of those who identify as gay, lesbian or transsexual is not accurate; there is an underreporting of people who identify as these sexual orientations because of the fear of being different. It is understood that those apart of the LGBTQ community actively hide their identity in hopes to avoid being rejected or abused (Bird, 2013). Once the reporting issue of having a smaller percentage of the actual representation of the LGBTQ population is put aside, there is evidence that highly suggests that lesbians and gay men are at higher risk for psychiatric disorders than heterosexuals (Cochran, 2001). Even after underreporting, there is still enough information to conclude that sexual discrimination can have harmful effects on the quality of life. Common factors that have been observed in lesbians and gays that can potentially increase depression during Cochran's study are anxiety and mood disorders and decreased self esteem. Cochran and her partner also noted that dissatisfaction with how one is treated beca...
For section one of this portfolio I am hoping to explore and evaluate the role of the social worker. As well as looking at legislation they abide by, the families they work alongside as well as analysing parenting styles. Families and their relationships are important and central to social work practice I am hoping to explore the information around this the role of a social worker involves shielding vulnerable people, developing relationships where possible, and helping and proving support to enable families to stay together (Holland. S and Crowley. A, 2013). According to (The British
Furthermore, one will attempt to demonstrate the importance of understanding the life course development in context of health and social care by using a case scenario provided.
According to the article: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health: Fundamentals for Nursing Education. The authors reviewed the limited knowledge about values, beliefs, experiences, tolerance, and health car e needs of certain populations such as the Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) population. Each of these
This paper has effort to generally show youths growing up gay. A number of issues have been presented involving gay identity formation, parental interaction, and disclosure. Homosexuality is a very controversial subject. By no mean does this paper try to say that it is “totally correct.” However, the paper does examine logical theoretical ideas of what gay adolescents endure, using and combining research and reports of other gay studies.
Wilson, K. et. al., 2011. Social Work ' Introduction to Contemporary Practice'. 2nd ed. Essex, England.: Pearson Education Ltd .
The counseling profession, along with various organizations, have made trying efforts in supporting the well-being of multicultural and oppressed populations. Sexual minorities are among this group, and living in a dominantly heterosexual society, subjects them to harsh discriminations, which can affect various aspects of their lives. Organizations have been developed to assist with the acceptance of nonheterosexuality and provide support to the individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Although great measures have been made to bring awareness and support to the sexual minority population, such as the legalization of same sex marriage in 2015, much remains in addressing oppression issues to assist their overall
Social Work is a profession that prides itself on the ability to cultivate positive relationships with people who may be very different from us. There may be differences in age, race, personality, gender, socioeconomic status, health, sexual orientation, rank, power, and privilege, as well as beliefs regarding religion and politics. The experience of these differences can cause a Social Worker to feel emotionally and cognitively disturbed. The ability to become aware of and consciously attend to these internal disturbances can positively affect the quality of relationship we are able to
Sexual orientation is a key aspect in any person’s life. The way of life for a gay, lesbian, and all sexual minorities are drastically different than those who are heterosexual. The critical time period for sexual development is in the early stages of childhood. Although childhood is a critical period, many studies have been conducted ranging from those in their twenties and thirties (Carver, Perry, & Egan, 2004). Storms (1981) believes that the content of one’s sexual fantasies that arouses the stimuli of their erotic orientation. Storms (1981) also stated that sexual orientation is a combination of social development and sexual development that takes place during an individual’...