A Case Study in Applying Theories to Practice

A Case Study in Applying Theories to coiffureIntroductionThe aim of this assignment is to generate how a societal doer would apply a behavioral Method as an understanding and hinderance on the case study supplied. I will do this by explaining what behavioral genial get is, how it is used in practice, how it meets the needs of the affect user and identify ain ch wholeenges along the way. I will quiz to challenge my own views and ideals on the helper user, and how these stooge be challenged for Anti-Oppressive execute.The score of behavioral Social exertMost of what makes us truly human, near of what makes us individuals rather than clones, most of what gives us a discernible temperament made up of characteristic patterns of doings, emotion and cognition is the resolving of encyclopedism (Sheldon and McDonald, 2008). The Behavioural Perspective focuses on the individual and the relationship between stimuli in an environment and how it determines deportment through learning (Westen, 2001). This is similarly how Behavioural Social Work is executed, by focusing on doings that is observable and veerable. standardized another(prenominal) radiation diagrams of friendly exploit modes it has been adopted from other disciplines, and in fussy Psychology, but has been adapted to achieve measured military issues and effective practice for Social Work (Watson and West, 2006). on that principal are quad main Theories that are germane(predicate) and used in Behavioural Social WorkThe first behavioral theory is Respondent condition, first introduced by Ivan Pavlov, who used experiments on dogs to trace how to condition a response after the presence of a authoritative stimuli has been removed.The second major deportmental theorist is B.F Skinner and his Operant Conditioning, he observed that the behaviour of organisms can be controlled by environmental consequences that each increase (reinforce) or decrease (punish) the likelihood of the behaviour occurring (Westen, 2001). He claimed that the issuecome of behaviour was voluntary and goal directed, and always controlled by the consequences the behaviour would take away to.The next behavioural theory identified is Social Learning surmisal, which ext blockades behavioural ideas and claims that most learning is gained by copying others around them, rather than them organism reinforced as skinner claimed. That behaviour is shaped by find others and interpreting it (Payne, 1997).The fourth behavioural theory is cognitive Learning Theory and was introduced by Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck in the 1960s, this is a theory that focuses on the way muckle perceive, process and retrieve information (Westen, 2001). A perception of the environment from foregoing experience.It was during the 1980s that Social Work adopted behavioural theory as a regularity of determineing with help users, part of the reason for this was the mogul of the theory to achieve realistic out comes (Watson and West, 2006). The learning theory used in social devise is a combination between all four theories listed above Respondent Conditioning, Operant Conditioning, The Social Learning Theory and Cognitive Learning. These are used to enable the social histrion to observe behaviour and therefore intervene appropriately (Watson and West, 2006). The importance of behavioural social work is that the behaviour is learned and can therefore be unlearned. Cognitive learning theory focuses on this specifically and its engagement with cognitive processes which produce thoughts and feelings (Sheldon, 1995). Behavioural social work allows the service user to modify and heighten their behaviour through a process of reinforcement, some(prenominal) positive and negative, to produce a likeliness of a wanted behaviour occurring (Watson and West, 2006).There encounter been criticisms of this form of social work as it involves deciding what figure behaviour is. This may lead to d iscriminatory and oppressive practice, as a perception of normal behaviour can come from a range of sources, such as, personal and professional set (Trevithick, 2000). Another criticism is that the social worker may be seen as having significant power in deciding a future for the service user, which may in turn lead to besides problems. To overcome these criticisms for an affective and constructive service for users, social workers have to be aware of empowering skills to financial aid the service user facilitate themselves. Informed combine and nimble participation is also a significant part of behavioural social work (Watson and West, 2006).How is Behavioural Social Work Used in Practice?Some of the reasons a behavioural method was chosen for intervention is because it mainly targets problem solving, and anger management, which are some of the problems faced by the family in the case study.The first gunpoint of Behavioural Social Work is the process of Assessment. This wil l begin by identifying the service users problem(s) (Howe, 1998). It not but identifies the problem behaviour, but how it manifested to begin with, and what can be done to assortment it.The first stage of assessment and intervention is to establish the behaviour to work with (Watson and West, 2006). Within the case study, the problem is the behaviour of Jake who is increasingly violent and pugnacious towards his parents and siblings. To establish the intensity and occurrence of his aggression it should be recorded and written down. This will provide clarity and understanding of the nature of the violence, which person(s) are personate when he does it and what are the consequences of his behaviour (Watson and West, 2006) The problem behaviour has to be draw in terms that are observable and measureable (Howe, 1998). To ensure an accurate certification of behaviour, partnership should be used with the parents and social worker for authorization (Watson and West, 2006). A contac t either written or verbal can be useful in establishing aims and goals for sessions, and an overall aim for behaviour (Howe, 1998).Operant learn is one of the main theories used in Behavioural Social Work this is ramble into practice by the ABC Assessment, which uses the identification of Antecedents, Behaviour and Consequences to help shape wanted behaviour (Hudson and Macdonald, 1998 cited in Watson and West, 2006). The Antecedent what precedes the behaviour, The Behaviour in this case aggression and violence, and the Consequence What happens immediately after the violence i.e Is the behaviour being reinforced? Once all the assessment has been carried out and all the information gathered, the social worker and the service user (parents) must work together to plan a method of intervention which promotes a wanted behaviour, this will be a baseline for intervention (Watson and West, 2006)The next stage in the process of behavioural intervention is the implementation of the plan to change the unwanted behaviour. For this method to be effective it needs partnership of both(prenominal) parents and the social worker to establish roles, tasks and responsibilities (Howe, 1998). The main task for all entangled is to develop appropriate strategies to implement within a certain era frame (Watson and West, 2006), which will enable the social worker to evaluate the process and respond by either changing the strategies or the method implemented. In the case study john behaviour deteriorated after the new violate was born, so the strategies that could be implemented would involve activities and more contact with his mother, and the quietus of the family. Consequences of his bad behaviour should be consistent and happen immediately after an event (Watson and West, 2006). The main aim of Behavioural Intervention and Operant Conditioning is to focus on positive reinforcement rather than punishment, this is to positively change behaviour and motivate Jake to complet e goals (Watson and West, 2006).How Does Behavioural Intervention Meet the needfully of the Service User?Behavioural Social Work is effective in meeting the needs of the service user as it is specific, simple and structured. It whole shebang in partnership with the parents and gives them an understanding into why their son behaves the way he does, and that earth-closet behaviour is the problem and not Jake. Behavioural intervention is also cost effective and doesnt rely on financial help, therefore can be used immediately to help and support Jakes parents, as well as Jakes behaviour. One of the reasons why this method is wide used is because it is period limited this allows the social worker to assess if the method is effective and if it is not it can be easily altered or changed.This method is specifically relevant to the case study as Jakes behaviour is the problem, which has been learned through time. A positive to this is that it can be unlearned with the help of his parents. To avoid oppressive practice this has to be a method that includes Jake, both his parents and the Social Worker. This will ensure empowerment to Jakes parents a less likelihood of powerlessness over Jakes behaviour and a more effective outcome.Some of the negatives of this method if intervention is that it does not tackle the underlying problems to Jakes violence, but by using skills, values and knowledge the social worker can talk and support Jake to encounter other underlying issues.Challenges working with this service userSome of the challenges I would face being a social worker for this case is percentage Linda and Michael become more involved in changing Jakes behaviour. There is a new baby in the home and one other sibling besides Jake, and getting time to respond to Jakes behaviour may be difficult. There is also no other social support outside the home and Linda is very punctuateed and at the end of her tether with Jake, so getting time to spend with Jake alone may also be complicated. Another problem is that Michael is already threatening more or less having Jake removed from the home as his behaviour is so bad, so Michaels industry to assess and implement a behavioural intervention may be limited. To resolve these challenges I would have to use skills such as empathy and active listening, as well as appropriate questioning to gain a full awareness of the situation. The next step would be to involve both parents in trying to understand that Jakes behaviour is a result of learning and can therefore be unlearned in time, to show both parents that I am there to help and support both them and Jake for the sake of the family.Some personal challenges I would face as the social worker is trying to understand what it must be like to have three children under the age of ten, and being at a crisis point with one of them. To be so stressed that your husband is threatening to put one of your children into care because of his behaviour towards the rest of th e family. I cant help but feel how could anyone, through choice, want to put their child into care. gage things get that terrible that some parents cannot see any way out rather than this? I couldnt help but think that Michael is saying this because he is Jakes step father and not biological father, but then, I do not have children and therefore have never had a child with behavioural difficulties. But I do understand what stress can do to a person, and how it can seem like there is no way out. I must challenge these stereotypical views on Michael and realise he has raised Jake from six years old, and probably knows a lot more about Jakes behaviour and the family dynamic than I do, as a Social Worker.ConclusionA behavioural method for Social Work was chosen for this case study. It enables the social worker and the service user to work in partnership which is fundamental for a behavioural method to succeed. It includes a step by step process with defined roles and responsibilities to alter behaviour. Operant Conditioning is mainly used as its speech pattern is reinforcing positive behaviour, but with punishment which should be consistent and applied immediately. Behavioural Intervention provides the Social Worker with a method which can be implemented swiftly, but can also be evaluated after time for its effectiveness. This provides the social worker with the knowledge to alter a method or implement and new one. Values such as anti-oppressive practice and empowerment are vital to implement this method as they provide the service user with choice, roles and responsibilities. By challenging stereotypical views, a social worker can make informed decisions and support the service user effectively. everyplace all a behavioural intervention is used to alter behaviour, as it is the behaviour that is the problem, not the person.ReferencesHowe, D. (1998) An Introduction to Social Work Theory. Ashgate Publishing. Chapter 9Hudson, B. and Macdonald, G. (1986) Behaviour al Social Work An Introduction. London Macmillan cited in Watson, D. and West, J. (2006) Social Work offshoot and Practice. London Palgrave Macmillan.Payne, M. (1997) Modern Social Work Theory A slender Introduction. London Palgrave MacmillanSheldon, B. (1995) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Research, Practice and Philosophy. London RoutledgeSheldon, B. and Macdonald, G. (2008) A casebook of Social Work. London Routledge. Chapter 7Trevithick, P. (2000) Social Work Skills a Practice Handbook. Buckingham Open University Press.Watson, D. and West, J. (2006) Social Work Process and Practice. Palgrave MacmillanWesten, D. (2001) Psychology Brain, Behaviour and Culture. capital of Massachusetts John Wiley and Sons.