Assignment: Observing behavior

Assignment: Observing behavior

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Why do you feel connected to some individuals and not others? What knowledge could you gain about an individual’s behavior that might draw you toward or away from that individual? An individual’s behavior often is influenced by prior learning, how that learning is processed, and the social context that contributed to the learning. By observing behavior, you can gain insight into how an individual thinks, which likely can help you identify if there is a benefit or a cost to interacting with an individual. These concepts are supported by behaviorism, social learning, and exchange theories. How might understanding these theories help you to identify the reasons for your clients’ behaviors? How might these theories apply to specific populations?

For this Discussion, review this week’s resources. Select one of the following theories: social learning theory, exchange theory, or behaviorism theory as the focus of this discussion. Then, select a specific population and think about how the theory you selected might contribute to social work practice with that population.

·      Post a brief description of the theory and the population you selected.

·      Then explain how that theory might contribute to social work practice with the population you selected.

References (use at least 2)

Robbins, S. P., Chatterjee, P., & Canda, E. R. (2012). Contemporary human behavior theory: A critical perspective for social work (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.

Collett, J. L. (2010). Integrating theory, enhancing understanding: The potential contributions of recent experimental research in social exchange for studying intimate relationships. Journal Of Family Theory & Review, 2(4), 280–298.

Kalischuk, R. G., & Nixon, G. (2009). A transpersonal theory of healing following youth suicide. International Journal Of Mental Health and Addiction, 7(2), 389–402.

Discussion 2: Transpersonal Theory

Social work practice recognizes that there is more to being you than your physical self, your personal identity, and your intellect. Once the physiological and safety needs are met, why might some individuals still find themselves in need of guidance? The absence of basic physical needs is not the only concern that social workers help clients solve. Transpersonal theory speaks to the needs that individuals share as human beings, including love, creativity, belonging, meaning, and purpose. Understanding transpersonal theory prepares social workers to respond to presenting concerns that inhibit clients’ personal peace, empowerment, and self-esteem.

For this Discussion, review this week’s resources. Consider what it means to be a transpersonal social worker. Then, think about how transpersonal theory and your own belief system might affect your approach to social work practice. Finally, reflect on how you might help clients with belief systems that differ from your own.

·      Post a brief explanation of what it means to be a transpersonal social worker.

·      Then, explain the influences of transpersonal theory and your own belief system on social work practice.

·      Finally, explain how you might help clients with belief systems that differ from your own.

References (use at least 2 or more)

Robbins, S. P., Chatterjee, P., & Canda, E. R. (2012). Contemporary human behavior theory: A critical perspective for social work (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.

Collett, J. L. (2010). Integrating theory, enhancing understanding: The potential contributions of recent experimental research in social exchange for studying intimate relationships. Journal Of Family Theory & Review, 2(4), 280–298.

Kalischuk, R. G., & Nixon, G. (2009). A transpersonal theory of healing following youth suicide. International Journal Of Mental Health and Addiction, 7(2), 389–402.

Discussion 3: Controversy in Psychopharmacological Intervention to Treat Substance Abuse Disorders

Controversy surrounding the treatment of substance abuse disorders with other substances extends from the most basic to the philosophical. Some health care providers focus on the removal of all substances to address the addiction and argue that complete abstinence is the only real option. They believe that no medications should be given (except to save one’s life) during treatment for substance abuse. Many mental health professionals, particularly in America, hold these views. In contrast to removing all substances, others focus on the ability of the client to function. Many programs support the belief that addicts can live normal lives with controlled use of substances.

How do these opposing views in the treatment of addiction clients affect the addiction mental health practice? How does the mental health professional working with addiction prepare and support the mental health care team and the client? How do programs like the 12-step Narcotics Anonymous program compare with other approaches as far as research results?

For this Discussion, select a medication used in treating substance abuse disorders. Then, conduct a search for any controversy surrounding the use of this medication in treating substance abuse disorders and prepare to defend its use.

·       Post a description of the major actions, intended effects, and side effects of your selected medication.

·       Explain controversy surrounding the use of this medication in treating substance abuse disorders.

·       Defend the effective use of this medication and support your defense with evidence from the Learning Resources or from your personal research.