Theories study guide Worksheet: Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study Most theories can be dissected and analyzed

Theories study guide Worksheet: Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study Most theories can be dissected and analyzed

. All theories will tell you something about their focus or unit of analysis. A theory will identify its major or key concepts. It will also point to the definition of the problem and its cause. This then guides how the social worker assesses and intervenes, because the theory will also articulate the role of the social worker and how change occurs. Basic Assumptions of the Theory Directions: For each section, respond in 2 to 3 sentences to the following prompts. Where relevant, provide citations to support your claims. Name of theory Systems Theory Name of theorist Ludwig von Bertalanffy What are the major assumptions of the theory? Ecological systems theory (Turner, 2017; Zastrow et al., 2018) basically acknowledges circular causation within a client's lived experience, and places it within the context of the multiple transactions between the individual and the social environment. Models that stress the function of an individual and models that emphasize the role of society (systems) are both used to address the issue of poverty from a psychological perspective (Turner & Lehning, 2007). What are the theory's key concepts? A nested-systems diagram serves as a conceptualization of the emphasis on different systems or the influence

3 Theories study guide of society in shaping individual behavior. The lack of emphasis on the role of the individual in earlier models was a major point of criticism. The micro-, mezzo-, exo-, macro-, and chronosystem levels of development are all taken into account in contemporary models (Turner, 2017; Zastrow et al., 2018). What is the theory's focus or unit of analysis? This theory takes as its basic unit of analysis the effects of a person's social interactions on that person's behavior and ability to function (Zastrow et al., 2018). Every interaction a caretaker has with a child who has a disability, for instance, has an effect on the youngster. However, transactions in the micro-, meso-, and macro- systems where disability resources and policy exist also have an effect on the child. The physician needs to think about how these structures influence the child and their family. What is the theory's overall explanation for the cause of problems? The social environment is seen as the fundamental source of causality in earlier forms of the theory because of the great impact it has on individual behavior in that setting. However, contemporary models include account for the influence of the person's social surroundings (Turner, 2017; Zastrow et al., 2018), broadening the scope of potential causes. Application to a Case Study <Ella Shultz> Directions: For each section, respond to the following prompts. Where relevant, provide citations to support your claims. In 1 to 2 sentences, how does the theory define the client's presenting problem? According to ecological systems theory, the disagreement within Ella's family system is the root cause of her housing instability and court-ordered residency. Because of this, Ella has developed friendships that promote dangerous strategies for survival, leading to conflicts with members of her mesosystem like the police. In 1 to 2 sentences, how does the theory explain the cause of the client's presenting problem? From an ecological theoretical standpoint, Ella's difficulties may be traced back to the dysregulated interactions within her family system, creating a virtuous cycle of dysfunction. As a result, there have been complicated transactions within the mesosystem, including charges of crime and other unlawful activities.

4 Theories study guide In 1 to 2 sentences, how does the theory explain the role of the social worker for this client? To alleviate Ella's suffering and restore her ability to function normally, Ella's social worker needs to strengthen the areas where she is not sufficient. In 1 to 2 sentences, what does the theory say about how this client will improve or how change will occur? Clients, according to Ecological Systems Theory, do better when they and their therapists work together to identify and resolve the most significant sources of stress or dysfunction in Ella's social environment. Using the theory, list two to three (2-3) assessment questions to ask this client to explore the client's goals and how they will get there. 1.Which of the many individuals, relationships, and settings in which you engage is the most stressful for you, Ella? 2.Ella, what will it look like when the systems in your life are no longer causing you stress? According to the theory, identify two to three (2-3) specific practice intervention strategies for the client relative to the presenting problem. For each, explain in 1 sentence how it will help meet the client's goals. 1.Treatment for Ella's anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with cognitive behavioral therapy. 2.The social worker and Ella may be able to work together to create a sol