SOCIAL WORK MODELS

Social Work Models

Social Work Models

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to describe a social work case using each of the following social work models: Psychodynamics, Behaviourism, Cognitive, Task centred and humanistic (Reamer, 2006). Starting with an introduction we will proceed towards the techniques, advantages, disadvantages and in the last column is about the relation of these models to particular case studies (Agnew, 2004). Psychodynamics model

What is it?

Techniques of model

Advantages & Disadvantages

Theorists involved

Relation to case study

The name of the model is Psychodynamics

Psychodynamics is the study of the interrelationship of diverse components of the brain, character, or psyche as they concern to mental, emotional, or motivational forces particularly at the lifeless level (Agnew, 2004).  The mental forces engaged in psychodynamics are often split up into two different techniques (a) interaction of emotional forces: the interaction of the emotional and motivational forces that sway demeanour and mental states, particularly on a subconscious level; (b) inward forces influencing behavior: the study of the emotional and motivational forces that sway demeanour and states of mind.

Together with the clinician, patients are assisted to bring conflicting aspects of their self into awareness, and through time, begin to integrate the conflicting parts and resolve aspects of the tension (Axinn, 2008).

In psychodynamic psychotherapy, patients become increasingly aware of dynamic conflicts and tensions that are manifesting as a symptom or challenge in their lives. This is talked about in different ways in each of the psycho dynamic psychological theories, but all share the common goal of attempting to describe the dynamic nature of the tension between conflicting parts, assist the client in coming to terms with the tension, and begin the process of integration and healing (Agnew, 2004).

Psychodynamics theories are in basic agreement that the study of human behaviour should include factors such as internal processes, personality, motivation and drives, and the importance of childhood experiences (Reamer, 2006). Classic theories about the role of the unconscious sexual and aggressive drives have been re-evaluated to focus on conscious experience, resulting in, for example, the birth of ego psychology (Axinn, 2008).

Applied to Anne's situation, the model would hold that Anne's emotional disturbance arose as a result of her transactions with an ongoing stressful environment; this because the model holds that it is the interrelationship or transaction between a stressful environment and the child which make for psychological problems (Agnew, 2004).

Behaviourism model

What is it?

Techniques of model

Advantages & Disadvantages

Theorists involved

Relation to case study

The name of the model is Behaviourism

Arguably, there is nothing truly exciting about behaviorism loosely understood. It enthrones behavioral evidence, an arguably inescapable practice in psychological science. Not so behaviorism the doctrine (Axinn, 2008). This entry is about the doctrine, not the attitude. Behaviorism, the doctrine, has caused considerable excitation among both advocates and critics (Reamer, 2006).

Critics have raised several objections to the Skinnerian social picture (Axinn, 2008). One of the most persuasive, and certainly one of the most frequent, adverts to Skinner's vision of the ideal human society. It is a question asked of the fictional founder ...