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A robust understanding of social work theories is essential for aspiring social workers, as these theories provide the framework for practice and research in the field. Here, we introduce seven foundational theories that inform contemporary social work practice. 1. Psychodynamic Theory.
- Psychosocial Theory
- Attachment Theory
- Systems Theory
- Behavioral Theory
- Cognitive Theory
- Cognitive Behavioral Theory
- Motivational Theory
- Empowerment Theory
- Task-Centered Model
- Crisis Intervention
Psychosocial theory, which Erik Erikson developed in the 1950s, is the main principle of social work. Also referred to as person-in-environment (PIE) theory, psychosocial theory posits that a person develops a personality in stages, based on environment and relationships with family and community. As children, teens and adults, humans go through su...
Attachment theory is one of the best-known theories that provide a framework for social workers to understand human behavior. Attachment theory holds that babies have innate behaviors whose purpose is to ensure that caregivers meet their needs. These behaviors include crying, making eye contact, clinging and smiling. The development of healthy atta...
Systems theory provides a framework for understanding why a person behaves in a certain way. Social workers can investigate all the factors that impact or have been impacted by a client, and by understanding all these systems, they can put together a picture of what drives a client’s behavior and choices. For example, systems theory provides an und...
Behavioral theory, or behaviorism, holds that people learn behaviors through conditioning. A person performs an action that’s reinforced through a natural consequence or a negative consequence. Social workers often use behavioral therapy techniques to treat patients. For example, therapists may use conditioning techniques to help clients modify und...
Cognitive theory holds that emotional responses come from thought processes. Social workers can use cognitive theory to help patients identify the thoughts that trigger a certain behavior. They can help patients reframe these thought processes to overcome negative behaviors. Cognitive theory and the associated social cognitive theory can be used to...
Social workers use cognitive behavioral methods to help clients reframe limiting or negative behaviors. They guide individuals through steps to understand their behavior, including the thought processes leading up to it. Social workers may use exposure therapy, meditation, journaling or other tools to help clients overcome anxiety and fears. Client...
What pushes a person to act? Many types of motivational theories seek to answer that question. One of the most famous is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: This theory states that only when the most pressing needs (food, shelter, safety) have been met can people seek higher goals (love, learning, art). One example of motivational theory in practice is mo...
Empowerment theory is a central tenet of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, as part of the profession’s commitment to social justice. Empowerment theory holds that social workers must support clients and their communities in building connections, fighting injustice and creating grassroots organizations. Empowerment th...
The combination of social work theories and methods provides a powerful toolkit for social workers. Based on the theories presented here, social workers have numerous methods for working with patients. For example, social workers may use a task-centered model to help their clients develop problem-solving skills. The goal of a task-centered practice...
Social workers have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, just as they are during other natural disasters. Social workers employ crisis intervention techniques and methodologies to treat and stabilize the mental and emotional health of people in crisis. They work in the community, in hospitals and in other healthcare facilities. Social wo...
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As a social worker, more knowledge can lead to a more informed approach, and more effective client interactions. Here, we’ll dig into decades of research to share a comprehensive set of social work theories and practice models, including: Systems Theory. Behaviorism and Social Learning Theory. Psychodynamic Theory.
Dec 2, 2020 · Social workers can incorporate components of several different clinical theories in their work with clients. Some popular approaches for social workers include theories of systems, social learning, psychosocial development, psychodynamic, transpersonal, and rational choice.
- Social learning theory. Social learning theory, which is also known as social cognitive theory, was developed by psychologist Albert Bandura. This theory posits that learning occurs by observing others and modeling their behavior.
- Systems theory. Systems theory proposes that people are products of complex systems, rather than individuals who act in isolation. According to this theory, behavior is influenced by a variety of factors that work together as a system.
- Psychosocial development theory. Psychosocial development theory was introduced by German psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, who believed personality develops in a series of stages.
- Psychodynamic theory. Psychodynamic theory was introduced by the founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. This theory is founded on the idea that humans are biologically driven to seek gratification.
Will You Use Theory as a Social Worker? Theories used in social work practice provide essential tools for developing interventions targeting the client’s needs. Each approach offers unique insights into a client’s environment dynamics and how different factors can influence their behavior.
Mar 24, 2022 · Nigel Horner, How to Use Social Work Theory in Practice: An Essential Guide, Malcolm Payne, The British Journal of Social Work, Volume 53, Issue 1, January 2023, Pages 687–689, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcac060
