Non-Developmental Theories of Human Functioning

Question 1

Social Role Theory

Answer 1

No stages, basic themes

1. Certain beh prescribed by ourselves, families, etc relative to our position in that system.
2. Every role involves both our own expectation and abilities as well as expectations of others.
3. There are certain social norms that set the outside limits for congruent nonconflicted interactions
4. There are emotionally charged value judgements to how people carry out their roles both on the part of the person occupying the role position and others.
5. Social functioning may be seen as the sum of roles performed by the human system.
6. Concept of role, role functioning, role expectations, and role transactions may be used to increase the knowledge base for the assessment of the problem situation.

Question 2

Social Role Theory related concepts

Answer 2

Role ambiguity- expectations not clear
Role conflict- 2 or more opposing views on role definition.
Role reversal- roles are opposite to that which previously existed.
Locus of control- extent to which an individual believes that life events are under his own control (internal locus of control) or under the control of external forces (external locus of control)

Question 3

Social Authority or power

Answer 3

Different types of power-
Coercive- power from control of punishment
Reward- power from control of rewards
Expert- power from superiou ability or knowledge
Legitimate- power from having legitimate authority

Question 4

Communication Theory

Answer 4

3 assumptions:
1- 1 cannot NOT communicate
2- All human communication is multi-leveled (literal and implied)
3- The message sent is not necessarily the message received - it is how it is responded to that causes the problem

Question 5

Communication Theory Discrepancies

Answer 5

1-contradictory communication- 2 or more contradictory messages on same communication level (I love you, no I hate you)
2-Incongruent communication
3- ambiguous communication
4- paradoxical communication (couples, whining practice), double bind, giving 1 message and acting out another.
5- Stimulus-response dilemma
6- Overload at the content level- “But”, SW, mediator, moderator