Chapter 3 - Theories and Approaches to Social Work Flashcards
What are foundational theories/perspectives?
Those theories which comprise general explanations about the underlying makeup and workings of society; they can focus on many areas and draw from foundational disciplines such as psychology, sociology, economics, political science, and the allied health professions
What are practice theories/models?
Those models that are built on foundational theories, but are specific to how social work is practiced in real-world contexts; focus on factors that are important for practitioners in assessing a client’s situation and working with a client to determine the most effective intervention
What is ecological theory?
Places the individual within a series of interdependent relationships; the goal is to understand how people and their environments mutually influence each other
Problems arise when there is a lack of “fit” between people and their environments
Problems at one level can create difficulties in another level
What is cognitive theory? What are its 3 goals?
Underlies a range of potentially effective intervention strategies (ex. CBT) which have roots in the psychodynamic perspective
The goals are:
- Understand the cognitive roots of anxiety to determine what is fuelling a person’s irrational or troubling behaviour
- Use specific techniques (ex. talk therapy) to expose the source of the problem
- Use these insights to resolve the issue, which can then help people manage their anxieties and develop more effective coping behaviours
What is systems theory?
Focuses on the working (or lack thereof) of wider social systems and structures; these systems comprise interrelated parts and constitute an ordered (or disordered) whole a breakdown in one system will affect other systems
Macrosystem - attitudes and ideologies of the culture
Exosystem- mass media, social welfare services, legal services, etc.
Mesosystem- parent-teacher conference, etc.
Microsystem- family, school community centre, health services, etc.
What is structural theory?
Similar to ecological systems theory, but practitioners consider all dimensions of personal problems and are particularly attuned to the less visible structural elements of these problems (class, race, ability, gender, etc.); recognizing that not every problem a client experiences is entirely caused by social structures, but knowing that there is always a structural element in any problem
Goals:
- Helping the individual deal with a difficult problem
- Changing the overall situation that is causing the problem in the first place as much as possible
What is critical theory?
Covers a number of more specific structural theories (feminist, anti-racist, post-colonial, etc.) and involves an analysis of socio-economic structures that oppress and exploit people; moves beyond understanding/interpretation of a criticism of a structure to engagement in social action for social change
What is anti-oppressive theory?
A cluster of theories (ex. feminist, anti-racist social work) that share the goal of understanding and responding to oppressive social conditions and relationships
What is generalist social work practice?
Social work which takes place on multiple levels (micro, meso, macro, interactions between levels) and allows the worker to adapt their interventions to the situation at hand; tailored to the needs of the client
What is empowerment?
The process of increasing the capacity of individuals or groups to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions/outcomes; achieved by building on client resources, capabilities, strengths, and resiliency
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
A form of psychotherapy that works to solve current problems by changing unhelpful thinking and behaviours
What is mindfulness?
Involves being present in the moment through attention and awareness without judgement; effective as a treatment intervention, mode of self-care, and way to enhance the client-worker relationship
What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
A mindfulness intervention that aims to gain insight into how stress and distress are increased by automatic and habitual patterns and by cognitive reactivity to sensations, thoughts, and emotions; aims secondly to reduce vulnerability to these mind states, eventually leading to lasting improvements in wellbeing
What is a solutions-focused practice model?
A practice model based on the belief that people have the necessary inner resources to resolve their problems and contribute to their own growth and change; focuses on “how” to attain goals rather than “why” problems originated
What is narrative therapy?
A form of psychotherapy that seeks to help people identify their values, skills, and knowledge so that they can confront whatever problems they may face; the therapist seeks to help the client co-author a new narrative about themselves and challenge the dominant discourses that shape peoples’ lives
