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Understanding Social Work Theories and Perspectives

Explore the Person-in-Environment perspective, levels of conceptualization, Bio-Psycho-Social Approach, Systems Theory, Ecological Theory, and Strengths Perspective in social work. Learn about viewing clients' problems in context, different levels of conceptualization, and the importance of strengths-based approaches.

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Understanding Social Work Theories and Perspectives

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  1. GOALSTo understand and differentiate between the following theories/perspectives: ~ Person-in-environment perspective ~Micro, mezzo, and macro levels ~Bio-psycho-social approach ~Systems theory ~Ecological theory ~Strengths perspective

  2. Homeostasis?

  3. What is the person-in-environment perspective? ~Clients/problems should be viewed in the context of the environment in which they occur ~Considers people’s “systems” ~Important perspective in social work

  4. What is meant by micro, mezzo, and macro levels of conceptualization? ~Micro = Individual ~Mezzo = Small groups ~Macro = Large groups

  5. What is the Bio-Psycho-Social Approach? ~Looks more at the biological, psychological, and immediate social realms in an individual’s life Bio = health, genetics, weight, etc. Psych = mental health, IQ, coping, etc. Social = relationships with friends, family, etc.

  6. What is Systems Theory? ~Views human behavior as result of active interactions between people and their social systems ~Specific terminology: Boundaries Differentiation Entropy Feedback Homeostasis Input Output Roles Subsystems System

  7. What is Ecological Theory? ~Looks at the individual, the environment, and the interaction between the two MACRO Religion Politics EXO Partner’s workplace Business Norms MICRO Work Culture Daycare MESO Interaction of Microsystems Church Economics Child’s school Gov Home Neighborhood School Media Laws

  8. What Terms are Associated with Ecological Theory? ~Social Environment ~Adaptation ~Coping ~Energy ~Interdependence ~Transactions

  9. What is the Strengths Perspective? ~Based in the assumption that people can grow, change, and adapt.

  10. CENTRAL IDEAS BEHIND THE STRENGTHS PERSPECTIVE • People are often doing amazingly well, the best they can at the time, given the difficulties they face and the known resources available to them. • People have survived to this point—certainly not without pain—but with ideas, will, hope, skills, and other people, all of which we need to understand and appreciate in order to help. • Change can only happen when you collaborate with clients’ aspirations, perceptions, and strengths and when you firmly believe in them.

  11. One Way to Assess/Conceptualize Strengths Strengths Quadrant 1 Quadrant 2 Environmental Factors (Natural & non-natural resources) Personal Factors (psycho-physiological) Quadrant 3 Quadrant 4 Deficits (obstacles)

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