Assignment: Application of Crisis Theory and Resiliency Theory to a Case Study
It is common for social workers to be presented with a crisis situation brought forth by clients, families, communities, and/or organizations. The ultimate goal is to restore the client to equilibrium. The five stages of the crisis are (1) the hazardous event, (2) the vulnerable stage, (3) the precipitating factor, (4) the state of active crisis, and (5) the reintegration or crisis resolution phase.
There are times when a social worker will use more than one theory to assist in conceptualizing the problem and intervention, particularly if the theories complement each other. For example, resiliency theory can be used alongside crisis theory.
To Prepare
Review the same case study you selected in Week 2.
Use the Analysis of a Theory Worksheet to help you dissect the theory. Use this tool to dissect the theory, employ the information in the table to complete your Assignment, and then keep it to add to your Theories Study Guide in Week 11.
By Day 7
Submit a 1- to 2-page case write-up that addresses the following:
Map the client’s crisis using the five stages of the crisis.
Describe the client’s assets and resources (in order to understand the client’s resilience).
Describe how you, the social worker, will intervene to assist the client to reach the reintegration stage of the crisis. Be sure that the intervention promotes resiliency.
Explain how using crisis theory and resiliency theory together help in working with a client.
Submit also, as a separate document, your Week 5 Analysis of a Theory Worksheet.
Be sure to:
Identify and correctly reference the case study you have chosen.
Use literature to support your claims.
Use APA formatting and style.
Remember to double-space your paper.
Here are the Resources for this week’s assignment.
Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Chapter 7, “Social Work Theory and Practice for Crisis, Disaster, and Trauma” (pp. 117–130)
Chapter 29, “Resiliency Theory and Social Work Practice” (pp. 441–451)
Hadfield, K., & Ungar, M. (2018). Family resilience: Emerging trends in theory and practice. Journal of Family Social Work, 21(2), 81–84. https://doi.org/10.1080/10522158.2018.1424426
Smith-Osborne, A. (2007). Life span and resiliency theory: A critical review. Advances in Social Work, 8(1), 152–168. https://doi.org/10.18060/138
Smith-Osborne, A., & Bolton, K. W. (2013). Assessing resilience: A review of measures across the life course. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 10(2), 111–126. https://doi.org/10.1080/15433714.2011.597305
Document: Analysis of a Theory Worksheet (Word document)
Document: Theory Into Practice: Four Social Work Case Studies (PDF)
Optional Resources
Dombo, E. A., & Ahearn, F. L. (2017). The aftermath of humanitarian crises: A model for addressing social work interventions with individuals, groups, and communities. Illness, Crisis, & Loss, 25(2), 107–126. https://doi.org/10.1177/1054137315606830
