Theory Comparison Group Paper Theory has been defined as, “an organized set of assumptions, beliefs, or ideas about particular phenomena in the world (Teater, 2015).” Theory is used to understand and explain possible and perceived instances, behaviors and outcomes (Teater, 2015). Social workers use theory in order to understand, as well as, introduce interventions and solutions to their client’s individual situation. It is important for students entering into the social work profession to have a base knowledge of theories, with basic understanding of their similarities and differences to appropriately apply theory in practice. The theories which will be focused on in this paper include Systems Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Theory. Major Focus of Theories System Theory’s major focus is on how an individual interacts with their …show more content…
System Theory addresses individual needs, expectations, and attributes of the people living in the society. CognitiveBehavioral Theory focused on the mind, thoughts, feelings and emotion while system approach concentrates on the how the individual minds and thoughts function in the society. The Cognitive Behavioral Theory identifies patterns of irrational, self-destructive thought and action that influence emotions (Walsh, 2013). Both methods aimed to address dysfunctional behaviors and hope to ensure change on the individual and the family as a whole. The use of System Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Theory is to create a balance between the individual person and the family. Both methods serve as the therapeutic tool used in preserving the disparity within the family and treating individual mental health related problems (Kerr, 2000).For an individual to function effectively in society, the individual must be cognitively balanced. However, both approaches take into account individual’s functionality within the
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Show MoreStructured Family Therapy (SFT) refers the mere undesignated rules that structure how a family interacts with one another (Walsh, 2010). The family unit is composed of systems or parts, and the parts must be unified to compile a whole unit to create homeostasis (Broderick, 1993). SFT therapy is warranted when dysfunction enters the family unit, and creates a deficiency of adaption by the individual which disrupts the family structure (Boyle, 2000). The family structure is composed of major components such as: subsystems, executive authority, boundaries, rules, roles, alliances, triangles, flexibility, and communication (Walsh,
Social Work is the study of people and how they interact with the systems in their environment and other people. Social Workers use theories, sets of ideas or concepts, of human behavior and apply them within their professional social work ethics to the problems facing clients in order to help them gain balance in the systems in their lives. Theories help to organize knowledge enabling social workers to help make sense of problems. There are many different theories. They have been grouped into broad categories called theoretical lenses (Rogers, A. 2013).
Theories can help explain why a problem is occurring and where the most effective intervention should take place. Theories can be obtained from research and from facts. According to Michael Tropeano “a theory is a statement backed by evidence gathered through the scientific method intended to explain something. Theoretical approaches for social work are often used to explain human behavior and serve as starting points for practice models and treatments.”
The author makes the assumption that the reader understands the core concepts in traditional family therapy and that whilst many writers influenced the development of family therapy, the major models were primarily structural family therapy, strategic family therapy, and Murray Bowen (Flaskas, 2010). Four powerful theories evolved to form the backbone of family therapy – general systems theory, cybernetics, communications theory and ecological theory. These were the major initial paradigms and this has been considered as first order family therapy where the therapist was viewed as pure observer and the understanding that a person’s behaviour is not determined only by one’s internal world, but acknowledges that the social context is a primary determinant. This shift in thinking has been illustrated as movement from autonomous self to relational self (Olsen et al, 1980; Rasheed et al, 2011).
Therapy has been used for many generations as a mean to resolve dilemmas in a persons’ life. Unfortunately, due to cultural aspects, therapy is generally centered on an individual. We typically presume that any problem that one may exhibit can be solved through personal realizations. However, society and therapists alike are beginning to understand that circumstances we encounter and actions we exhibit are directly related to our environment. Family therapy focuses on interactions. There is no distinguishing factor that manifests and leads to a condition or disorder. No one plays a particular good or bad role. Relationships are a key factor in family therapy (Nichols, 2009).
As can be ascertained from just a small collection of readings, even theorists differ widely in their interpretations and applications of theory. Every '-ist ' of every '-ism ' believes that their approach is more beneficial than those of the others. Whether they are aware of it or not, even those social work practitioners who would underrate the benefits of the use of theory in their practice, preferring instead to rely on their own intuition and experience, are still employing
Theory is defined as “…”. In the social work profession, it is not enough to just understand the definition of theory, but rather be able to integrate theory into practice when working to plan interventions at multiple practice levels. This integration of theory into the social work practice is an emphasis of the profession as noted in the profession’s core competencies. Core competency 2.1.6 “engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research” (NASW code of ethics) is the basis for theory integration within the social work profession. The profession’s practice behaviors state that social workers must “use research evidence to inform practice” (NASW code of ethics). In other words, social workers should “attend to findings
According to Richard Charles (2001) “the effectiveness of family systems theory rests not much on empirical research but on clinical reports of positive treatment outcomes, the personal benefits experienced by the families that underwent this kind of treatment, and the elegance of Bowen’s theory” (p. 279). Bowen’s family systems theory views the family as an emotional unit and is a theory of human behavior. Systems thinking are used to describe the complex interactions in the unit. However, the client’s ability to differentiate himself/herself from the family of origin is the basis for Bowen’s family systems theory. In addition, the primary focus for growth within the emotional system is differentiation of self. Differentiation of self will be explored as well as how it relates to a church congregation.
In completing this case analysis, one thing that will inform and influence my future social work practice is to always define the presenting problem first. Once the presenting problem is defined, one can come to a conclusion on what framework, theory and intervention will be most applicable more logically. With the presenting problem defined, it can be broken down into sections. The framework that is most appropriate due to the nature of the issue, what theory fits with the client’s situation best and what intervention will have the most impact with the client. I will also remember to discuss possible interventions with the client and discuss what would be the most appropriate. Once the problem is defined, the framework and theory has been
In understanding others, one must first understand our own family background and how it affects our understanding of the world. Conversely, family systems draw on the view of the family as an emotional unit. Under system thinking, one evaluates the parts of the systems in relation to the whole meaning behavior becomes informed by and inseparable from the functioning of one’s family of origin. These ideas show that individuals have a hard time separating from the family and the network of relationships. With a deeper comprehension of the family of origin helps with the challenges and awareness of normalized human behaviors. When interviewing and analyzing the family of origin, allow one to look at their own family of origin
Family systems therapy began during the early 20th century; specifically emerging during the “golden age” in the 1970’s and ‘80s based on the pioneering work of Nathan Ackerman, Virginia Satir, and Salvador Minuchin (Shoai, 2014). Historically, families have been viewed as functioning under systemic patterns. Rather than viewing problems as belonging to the individual, the therapist sees the problem as created and maintained by the family (Shoai,
Theoretical perspectives in the study of human behavior can easily be applied to cases in social work practice. The mental health field in particular lends itself to the application of different human behavior theories. Specifically, depression can be viewed through the lens of Social Cognitive Theory, or Social Cognitive Learning. There is one case of a woman with depression, whose name will be changed, that social cognitive theory can be applied to. Cheryl is a 58 year old woman who has been diagnosed with Major depressive disorder. She has had this diagnosis since she was 17 years old. Many of her symptoms and experiences can be viewed or explained in terms of social cognitive theory.
The theoretical perspective approach useful for analyzing this family is the family systems theory. This approach views individual problems in relationship to other family members and significant others within the social environment. The family system theory is easily amendable to include techniques from other theories including cognitive behavioral strategies to create the most effective treatment plan for the client systems.
For this week's discussion the theory that resonated with me the most is the Cognitive Behavioral Theory with Dr. Krumboltz. I have always been drawn to the CBT, as I feel that an individual's negative or destructive behaviors can be changed for the better with the right intervention, client understanding, acceptance and awareness of their role in their behavior. Dr. Krumboltz terms this as a learning approach (01:35). The video displays Dr. Krumboltz and his client Robin discussing the issues Robin is experiencing with her mother-in-law, as well as the impact those issues at times have on her marriage.
The family systems perspectives have two fundamental assumptions. First, a family must be understood as a whole. A family cannot be understood by an individual’s functioning only but as a whole, which includes all the other members’ contribution too. This means that a family member’s behavior is interconnected with each other as the family has circularity pattern; things are conveyed to each other in a circular manner and everyone’s view and perspectives are heard.