Assignment: Psychosocial Theory and Role Theory
Social work takes a holistic view to social problems, arguing that they are complex and multilayered, often contributed to by a number of individual, psychological, and social processes. Consequently, psychosocial theory is a theoretical lens that has been employed in social work to apply to an array of problems and populations. It also emphasizes respecting diversity factors and the strengths that individuals, families, and communities bring to the change process.
When attempting to understand the presenting problems of individuals, families, and/or organizations, it is also important to take into account the social roles they take on. As the name implies, role theoryas a theoretical lens focuses on the roles assumed by individuals. The theory maintains that people's behaviors are influenced by their role and the inherent expectations, norms, and power that underlie those social roles.
You will put on two new theoretical lenses-psychosocial theory and role theory. You will examine how problems are conceptualized through the world of psychological and social processes as well as social roles.
Learning Objectives
• Analyze unique psychosocial factors that are distinct to diverse population groups
• Apply psychosocial theory and role theory to a social work case study
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of psychosocial theory and role theory.
Discussion: Psychosocial Theory and Diverse Groups
There will be times when a social worker is presented with a case where they are not familiar with the surrounding psychosocial issues. Because social workers are on a continual journey in learning, it is important to read pertinent literature. This Discussion provides an opportunity to visit Walden Library and strengthen your skills in identifying and locating an empirical research article.
To prepare:
• Select one of these three groups: (1) an immigrant individual from a racial or ethnic minority group, (2) a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) individual, OR (3) an individual who is physically disabled.
• Review the Walden Library resources listed in the Learning Resources.
• Then conduct a library search for an empirical study focused on one of the groups above and the unique psychosocial factors or issues a social worker should be aware of when working with that group.
Post:
• Post the APA-style reference for the article you found in the library.
• Describe four specific psychosocial factors that should be taken into account in order to understand the psychosocial context when working with the group you selected. (Two of these factors should be psychologically related and two of these factors should be socially related).
• Identify and explain a psychosocial intervention that addresses one of the four specific psychosocial factors you described above.
• Identify 1 to 2 outcomes you might measure if you were to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.
• Evaluate one advantage of using a psychosocial framework in social work practice with the group you chose.
Respond to two colleagues:
• Evaluate the disadvantages of using a psychosocial framework in social work practice with the group your colleague chose.
Assignment: Application of Role Theory to a Case Study
You will use role theory to apply to your chosen case study. In other words, your theoretical orientation-or lens-is role theory as you analyze the case study.
Use the same case study that you chose. (Remember, you will be using this same case study throughout the entire course). Use the "Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study" worksheet to help you dissect the theory. You do not need to submit this handout. It is a tool for you to use to dissect the theory, and then you can employ the information in the table to complete your assignment.
To prepare:
• Review and focus on the same case study that you used in Week 2.
• Review the websites and guides for developing PowerPoint skills found in the Learning Resources.
• Record presentation using PersonalSpace.
Submit a narrated PowerPoint presentation using Kaltura Media that includes 11 to 12 slides.
• Each slide should be written using bullet points, meaning no long paragraphs of written text should be in the slides.
• Include a brief narration of less than 30 seconds for each slide (i.e., the narration takes the place of any written paragraphs, while the bullet points provide context and cues for the audience to follow along).
Your presentation should address the following:
• Identify the presenting problem for the case study you selected. (Remember the presenting problem has to be framed from the perspective of role theory. For example, the presenting problem can be framed within the context of role functioning).
• Identify all the relevant roles assumed by the client.
• Analyze the social expectations and social and cultural norms revolving around the role, social position, and role scripts of one of the roles assumed by the client.
• Explain the role and social position of the social worker in working with the client in the case study.
• Describe how the role(s) and social position(s) assumed by the social worker will influence the relationship between the social worker and the client.
• Identify three assessment questions that are guided by role theory that you will ask the client to better understand the problem.
• Identify and describe two interventions that are aligned with the presenting problem and role theory.
• Identify one outcome that you would measure if you were to evaluate one of the interventions you would implement to determine if the intervention is effective.
• Evaluate one advantage and one limitation in using role theory in understanding the case.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.