Respond to two colleagues:
- Analyze the disadvantages of using a psychosocial framework in social work practice with the group your colleague chose.
1-ASH-
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.
When working with clients, social workers should take the time to become familiar with psychosocial issues that the client may face. Individuals result from many formative factors, situations, and stressors (Turner, 2017). It is valuable to recognize that individuals will experience a problem differently. For this discussion, I chose an individual with a disability. Individuals with disabilities experience stressors that negatively impact their psychosocial well-being. Individuals with disabilities often deal with issues with self-concept due to societal stigmas and personal challenges related to their condition. The way that they perceive themselves can impact their psychological well-being. The presence of supportive relationships and networks is crucial for individuals with disabilities. When support is not readily available and accessible, it could lead to feelings of isolation (Flynn et al., 2015). Studies have demonstrated that these perceptions of these individuals can result in adverse effects, such as social rejection and avoidance actions. The individual may struggle to resist the influence of societal norms and attitudes (Milligan & Neufeldt, 2001). Economic status is a social factor that can impact disabled persons. These individuals are more likely to be unemployed and live in poverty (“Disability & Socioeconomic Status,” 2010). Understanding the client’s values and beliefs is essential as it can shape their treatment needs. These factors intertwine to shape the psychological and social experiences of individuals with disabilities, highlighting the importance of addressing both aspects in promoting their well-being and integration into society.
Identify and explain how you would apply a psychosocial intervention that addresses one of the four specific psychosocial factors you described above.
Applying a psychosocial intervention for individuals with disabilities involves focusing on how they see themselves related to their disability and life experiences. Individuals with disabilities often face challenges related to negative self-perceptions of their disability (Flynn et al., 2015). Cognitive restructuring techniques provide a structured approach to help them examine and modify these beliefs. This approach involves encouraging self-reflection on how their thoughts and beliefs about themselves impact their emotions, behaviors, and interactions with others. By challenging and reshaping these perceptions, individuals can foster a more positive self-image and improve their overall well-being and social interactions.
Identify one advantage of using a psychosocial framework in social work practice with the group you chose.
Using this psychosocial framework in social work practice with individuals with disabilities can empower them to transform their thought patterns and beliefs actively. This psychological framework can lead to improved self-esteem, reduced feelings of helplessness, and enhanced ability to cope with challenges associated with their disability.
2-AMB-
- 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. Be sure to follow these requirements:
- Two factors you describe should be psychologically related.
While looking for an article for this week’s discussion board, I kept going back and reading the two (2) articles cited above. I found good points in each article that just stood out to me, and I couldn’t decide which one to use, so I decided to use both. Gilbert et al. (2013) talks about intrinsic motivation which is when someone does something just for the enjoyment of doing it (Oudeyer & Kaplan, 2007). This could go hand in hand with their lack of self-esteem or poor self-esteem. A person with a disability may feel less than others (Dong et al., 2022) so when they find something they enjoy doing for themselves, they do it for the self-esteem boost.
- Two factors you describe should be socially related.
Having friends/coworkers that support them is critical to their success in life, both socially and in the workplace. Everyone needs support to get through the day, as person with a disability (physical or mental) just needs a little more. This could be a support group or accommodations to help their day go a little easier (Dong et al., 2022). Active listening is an important tool that everyone should use daily no matter who they are dealing with. When you use Active Listening, you let the person you are holding a conversation with that you care about what they have to say.
- Identify and explain how you would apply a psychosocial intervention that addresses one of the four specific psychosocial factors you described above.
I commonly use Active Listening everyday. With my husband, children, coworkers, clients, just about anyone I meet that would like to talk. I feel Active Listening is one of the most important and valuable skills we will develop as Social Workers. It lets the person we are talking to know that what they are saying is important.
- Identify one advantage of using a psychosocial framework in social work practice with the group you chose.
Using a psychosocial framework helps us learn what is working and what is not so that we can work on improving the system and world for our clients and everyone else.
