Week 4: 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 theory as 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.

This week, 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

Students will:

• 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

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017).
Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches
(6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

• Chapter 26: The Psychosocial Framework of Social Work Practice (pp. 411–419)


• Chapter 30: Role Theory and Concepts Applied to Personal and Social Change in Social Work (pp. 452–470)

Required Media

Optional Resources

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.