Assignment: Application of Theoretical Perspectives
As you near the completion of your second course in human behavior and the social environment, you are likely able to identify several theories that help explain human development at different phases of the life span. Are any of the theories you have studied of particular interest to you? How might you apply these theories to your social work practice?
You select a theory of life-span development and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses as it relates to social work practice. You also practice an important social work skill as you interview a colleague to obtain information about his or her life-span development.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Analyze theories of life-span development
• Apply theories of life-span development to social work practice
• Apply social work interview techniques
Required Readings
Dybicz, P. (2012). The hero(ine) on a journey: A postmodern conceptual framework for social work practice. Journal of Social Work Education, 48(2), 267-283.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
Villadsen, K. (2008). 'Polyphonic' welfare: Luhmann's systems theory applied to modern social work. International Journal of Social Welfare, 17(1), 65-73.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
Document: Life Span Interview (PDF)
You will use this document for your Life Span Interview Assignment.
Optional Resources
Use the link below to access the MSW home page, which provides resources for your social work program.
MSW home page
Discussion: Theories of Life-Span Development
Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman (2016) stated, "We need theories to guide our thinking and our work so that we may undertake research-informed practice" (p. 127-128). At the same time, the authors asserted, "No theory will be perfectly applicable. Perhaps you will decide that only one or two concepts make any sense to you in terms of working with clients" (p. 128). Though you may be able to apply only a few concepts in a particular theory to your work with clients, as a social worker, you should be applying evidence-based research to your work. Empirically-based developmental theories may guide you as you assess clients and their presenting problems. You may also apply developmental theories to your treatment decisions.
For this Assignment, you discuss theories of life-span development by evaluating a theory that seems especially relevant to you and your role as a social worker. Select a theory of life-span development to address in this Discussion. This may be a theory described in the resources of this course, or you may select a theory based on personal research. Locate at least one scholarly resource (not included in the course resources) that addresses the theory you selected.
Post a Discussion in which you analyze the theory of life-span development that you selected. Summarize the theory; then, identify the strengths and weaknesses of this theory, especially as it relates to social work practice. Explain one way you might apply the theory to your social work practice.
Read a selection of your colleagues' posts.
Respond to at least two colleagues who addressed theories that are different from the theory you addressed. State whether you might apply the theories your colleagues evaluated to your social work practice. Provide support for your position.
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.