SW Dictionary Flashcards
Absolute poverty
The lack of income and/or assets which prevents one from obtaining a subsistence level of functioning
Attachment disorder
Inability to form emotional bonds with caretakers, often the results of negative early childhood experiences.
Behavioral model
The practice theory / model based on learning theory which focuses on the process of shaping and changing behavior through the use of rewards and reinforcement
Behavioral rehearsal
Demonstration of a desired behavior by a social worker or therapist, followed by role play and rehearsal of the behavior which can then be employed in real life settings and situations
Behavioral theory
Orienting / explanatory theory in which human behavior and development are seen as responses to antecedent stimuli and consequences, both positive and negative
Benign neglect
Withholding help based on a belief that harm may be caused by providing such help
Bio-psycho-social theory
Orienting / explanatory theory about how holistic theory of human development that attempts to explain the ways in which biological, psychological, and social development are interactive in terms of influencing development
Brawner Rule
The standard by which a person is deemed to be not guilty by reason of insanity, including the inability to behave in accordance with law or understand that his/her conduct is wrong
Brief therapy
Psychotherapy practiced for a limited number of sessions and with clear goals and objectives
Capacity building
Process of developing the abilities, attributes, resources and will to set and reach goals by a client, group, organization, or community
Case finding
Process of seeking out persons eligible to receive services provided by an agency, often done through outreach activities
Chaos theory
Orienting / explanatory theory that describes how rapid and sudden changes may occur in social systems, may appear to be chaotic and random, but may be the result of positive feedback loops (both positive and negative) and change efforts that suddenly impact the entire social system and creative change
Classism
Negative stereotyping about people based on their socioeconomic status
Client - Micro
Individual or family which is seeking or being provided social services
Client - Mezzo
Group, organization or community that is seeking or being provided social services
Client - Macro
Society, social policy, social change, or research as the entity being
served or targeted
Client centered model
The model of social work practice that assumes clients are capable of dealing with their problems in social functioning, and in which the social worker partners with the client to encourage him/her to take the lead in devising interventions
Closed System
A social system that is not open to feedback or input from other sources, has rigid boundaries, is self-contained, and tends to resist change
Cognitive behavioral model
The practice theory / model based on behaviorism and social learning theory that helps clients recognize the impact of self-defeating or erroneous cognitive beliefs or perceptions on their behavior
Cognitive restructuring
The therapeutic process of assisting an individual to see cognitive errors and self-defeating beliefs and develops more positive thoughts and beliefs
Competency
Possession of the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for social work practice, as measured against the University of Montana School of Social Work Competency Catalogue, NASW standards for practice, and the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policies and Academic Standards core competencies.
Conflict theory
Orienting / explanatory theory which states that individuals and social systems are often in conflict, and this conflict between and within families, groups, communities and other social systems impacts human behavior and development
Consensus approach
The process of coming to agreement about issues and approaches for dealing with them. Arising from the feminist perspective on social work practice, consensus organizations are those which commit to consensus, in at least a general sense, in order to share power and commit to a course of action as a group.
Conservatism
The political belief in traditional values, societal structures and mores that commonly lead to a commitment to decreasing governmental influence in and funding for public issues and programs
Counter-transference
Emotional reactions by a professional toward a client that originate in the professional’s personal experience, and which may be projected onto a client
Crisis intervention model
The practice theory / model which focuses on helping clients deal with overwhelming crisis situations by drawing upon their strengths and resources to get them through the crisis and return to a normal level of functioning, and in which a professional may take a more directive role because of the client’s inability to proceed
Crisis theory
Orienting / explanatory theory about how individuals and families who experience significant crises may exhibit fairly predictable behaviors, responses and patterns of recovery
Critical theory
The orienting / explanatory theory that critiques positivism as the only accepted way of knowing, questions underlying assumptions of individual, theoretical and scientific understandings, recognizes structural and political contributors to social problems and oppression, and suggests that personal choice and power can transform the social environment
Cultural Theory
Orienting / explanatory theory about how individuals and groups which experience oppression or discrimination will be impacted in their development by these experiences, both positively and negatively
Culture of Poverty
The belief that poverty is perpetuated because poor people’s values,
experiences, and motivations prevent them from becoming financially independent.
