Strength-Based Perspective And Disengagement Systems Theory

In this section, some theoretical perspectives that are often used in social work are going to be applied to Antwone. The perspectives that will be applied will be the strengths, systems, conflict, humanistic, and psychodynamic perspectives. After their application, the perspectives will then be used to assess and evaluate Antwone. It is through this application, assessment, and evaluation that a deeper understanding of the main character as well as the perspectives can be reached.

Shanell Bathersfield conducted a self-assessment. She initially determined that the systems theory was one that she was not comfortable with. Through the last few course weeks, she was able to gain an in-depth perspective on several theories that are impactful in the social work field. The coursework and utilizing Juana and Adelina as case studies, truly gave an exclusive insight on how theories are used to understand the client’s circumstances and improve their well-being.

As a result of applying appropriate theory the organisation and structure of social work practice may be enhanced (Howe 1999:104). Social workers use theory to inform practice and provide a sense of direction and guidance in their professional engagement with service users

As defined by Crossman (Disengagement Theory n.d.) “Disengagement theory states that in every society, the elderly undergo a process of adjustment in which they leave important public roles and narrow their social world to family and friends”. Thus, the

During my internship at a nursing home as social workers, we use the systems theory a lot. Sometimes families come in to visit their family member that is living in the nursing and once the family leaves the social workers notice that the resident is now acting different.

System perspective see’s human behaviors as the outcome of interactions within and among social systems of interrelated parts. These social systems of interrelated parts consist of people within the family, friends, school and work. System perspectives can be understood as the subsystem of larger systems, where each system has its unique identity but they are all interdependent. From a system perspective, behaviors are influenced from the past which are learnt from within the family and other social systems. Within a system perspective, there are smaller systems that a Social Worker may consider for a more holistic view. This is done by considering the role the physical and social environment has on a person’s behavior as well as protective and risk factors that influences positive and negative outcomes.

A system is “A set of interrelated and interdependent parts arranged in a manner that produces a unified whole” (robbins 2006), and Systems theory is the

Systems theory describes a set of interrelated parts, comprising a functional whole. According to this theory, social systems construct society rather than individuals (Luhmann, Gilgen, & Mitchell, 2012). The theory provides a framework for understanding human existence and recognizes the transactional nature of human life within physical and social environments. This theory could aid in analyzing the interconnected parts that may have stifled an individual’s growth, adaptation, and their pursuit of goals.

The systems Perspective sees human behavior as the outcome of interactions within and among systems with interrelated and interdependent parts; as defined by its boundaries. Changing one part of the system affects other parts and the whole system, with predictable patterns of behavior (Hutchinson, 2015). The family system has been a widely used theory of family interventions and assessment. The family systems theory is focused on the family dynamic, involving structures, roles, communication patterns, boundaries, and power relation (Rothbaum, 2004). Many theorist such as Bowen, developed the systems theory that focuses on how a

This section of the paper will discuss the definition of social work, values associated with social work and arguments for and against the use of systems theory in social work practice. Social work can be described as a field of study that encompasses individuals and their environment. Social work can be defined as work trained professionals do to elevate stressors of individuals so they may become more self-sufficient and empowered to live to their fullest potential.

The strength based approach is a groundbreaking concept that has changed the paradigm of problem solving within Social Work. Instead of focusing on the trials, problems and adversity that face a consumer. We acknowledge the difficulty, we do not underestimate it or belittle it, yet we try and change the focus of the situation and outlook of the individual to focus on their skills, achievements, qualities, gifts and strengths.

Dr. Murray Bowen, a psychiatrist, offered us the family systems theory. This theory views the family as an emotional unit, further providing a thinking systems approach to describe the complex interactions in the unit. Bowen offered, “A change in one person’s functioning is predictably followed by a reciprocal change in the functioning of others” (Kerr, 2000). If one person within the family unit is having a difficult time, it effects everyone within the family unit. An example of this would be a father who is the primary breadwinner for his family suddenly loosing his job. Prior

Systems thinking is the capacity to see the master plan and to recognize patterns as opposed to conceptualizing change as segregated events. System thinking requires the other four orders to empower a learning organization to be figured it out. Additionally system thinking demonstrates that there is no outside that the reason for your issues at a piece of a solitary system.

In a contemporary social work practice, Mr Anderson report detailed his symptoms which points towards possibility of early brain damage (dementia), although further investigation is important for early intervention and to find out what support he and his carer needs. Everyone grieves differently and Mr Anderson’s grieving process could have exacerbated his misuses of alcohol, isolation and his mutual withdrawer, which reinforces the psychosocial theories; the disengagement theory, activity theory and continuity theory, however, this log will explore the disengagement theory and activity theory. Disengagement theory claimed that ageing is inevitable, it is natural and acceptable for older people to withdraw from the society according to Cumming & Henry, (1961). Drawing from a biological perspective, Mr Anderson’s physical energy has decreased, as older adult energy diminishes as they age; also, his interest in the society has lessen, he now has fewer interaction. From psychological level, he has been showing less interest in things that are going on around him and he spend more time looking inward and embracing his alcohol

Healy stated “the original proponents of general systems theory used biological terminology to explain client needs, situations and the purpose of social work practice” (2005). The term that is applied for systems theory is for all systems in general. All systems have boundaries within which both physical and mental energy is exchanged. There are two types of systems that this applies to. Closed systems have no interchange across the boundaries whereas open systems have permeable boundaries or guidelines but there is also some room for movement, within reason.