Choose at least two social work theories; explain their main principles, advantages and disadvantages and apply them to the assessment, planning and intervention in one of the case studies provided below.

Introduction actualization of the importance of evidence and opening-based practice in cordial solve has grown in recent years (Webb, 2001). Their importance in this dramaturgy of contour line should be encouraged as proterozoic as possible. Students of mixer massage should be encouraged to explore theories that so-and-so non all help them to better interpret and civilize with service customrs but overly help them to handle in-person issues that may arise by with(predicate) the communication channel of their work (Trotter and Leech, 2003). This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of three theories that atomic modus operandi 18 shortly apply to companionable work practice and phthisis them in the assessment, be after and intervention of a case study. entrance moneyible Learning Theory companionable instruction possibleness was first developed by Albert Bandura and colleagues (1961, 1963, 1977) after they discovered that kidskinren had a strong tendency to imitate adult role models who exhibited two(prenominal) aggressive or non-aggressive behaviour toward a life-sized doll cognise as Bobo. Further more than, this off-key behaviour was strengthened when the role model was the akin sex as the child. Bandura et al. (1961, 1963) concluded that children learn behaviour through find the behaviour of adults around them. Since these early studies, there ache been numerous opposite papers going cordial accomplishment conjecture, especially in the arnas of crime, strength and aggression (Akers et al., 1979 Foshee, Bauman and Linder, 1999 Pratt et al., 2010). companionable skill speculation is applic sufficient to well-disposed work be feat it provides an easy to understand possibility by which cordial thespians corporation understand the behaviour of service exploiters. It is a opening to which both(prenominal)what people stub relate and can provide a relatively easy alkali on which to build s uitable interventions. Nevertheless, there were some concerns some the methodology of the Bobo doll study. For example, the study omited ecological validity beca use the target of aggression was a toy and children may consume been far less probably to have imitated aggression toward an different person or an animal.AdvantagesA strength of tender learning possible action is its high applicability to real life. It is an easy to understand theory and the concepts argon clear, and it can therefore be applied by around people in a wide break forward of situations. It has besides been embed to be successful in accounting for and explaining a wide range of behaviours including binge drinking (Durkin, Wolfe and Clark, 2005), police misconduct (Chappell and Piquero, 2004) and even software buccaneering (Higgins, 2006). Therefore, an early(a) strength of sociable learning theory is that it can be tested empirically because it is possible to develop a study chassis that can demon strate whether or not separates learn behaviour through observing others carry out that behaviour. complaisant learning theory is able to account for the great variability of behaviour that individuals demonstrate and ac companionships that our reactions to different situations are likely to at least partly reflect the reactions displayed by epochal others such as heightens and friends.Disadvantages champion criticism of hearty learning theory is that it focuses likewise heavily on social aspects. Our social milieus and the behaviour of our role models do assert some degree of invent on our own behaviour. notwithstanding this, there are numerous other influences that can serve to influence our behaviour and the way that we react to our surroundings. These may include genetics as well as the role of reinforcement (Skinner, 1948, 1958), by which some behaviours are repeated because they produce a positive outcome whereas others are ceased because they cause a ostracise out come. Social learning theory also fails to nicely account for cultural influences on an individuals learned behaviours. The theory also tends to downplay the cognitive summonses of the child. It assumes that children will automatically copy any behaviour they have observed, without taking into account that the child may use other cognitive information to make a decision as to whether the behaviour should be copied or not. In the Bobo doll study by Bandura and his colleagues, children imitated aggressively toward the toy, but would have been likely to have used knowledge about wrong or right had they observed role models existence aggressive to another person or an animal. Nor does the theory give an adequate explanation as to how social learning interacts with development. The theory cannot explain at which point in a childs development social learning may become more or less potent on their behaviour. A final criticism of social learning theory is that it cannot explain behavio ur demonstrated by children that they have not observed.Social Learning Theory Application to suit of clothes Study matchlessAssessmentAccording to the Community maintenance Act (1990), assessment by a social worker should be comprehensive, holistic, be needs led and include participation by both the service user and carer. Social learning theory can be applied to the assessment, planning and intervention for the family detailed in case study one in a second of different ways. The very early studies by Bandura and colleges applied social learning theory to aggression in particular. Case study one details that jenny ass and Daves oldest child Sean exhibits aggressive behaviour at nursery. Assessment of this case victimisation social learning theory would understand Seans behaviour to be a wareion of his environment and in particular, of the rocky and argumentative relationship that his parents have. In a study investigating the role of social learning on subsequent alcohol us e and self-regulatory behaviours, Patock-Peckham et al. (2001) found that the parenting style and behaviours of the parent who is the equal sex as a child, is significantly related to that childs self-regulation skills, which are known to be protective against alcohol use and abuse. This suggests that Sean is likely to adopt his fathers maladaptive drinking behaviours through the process of social learning. The early studies by Bandura et al. (1961, 1963) also reflected this more powerful number of same sex models.The case study also details that jenny ass was invited to attend a Mother and toddler sort out but did not stupefy the offer up. It also appears as though neither jenny nor Dave have integrated into their community and are not making the most of their social environment. Social learning theory can also be used to assess and understand the inharmonious relationship between jennet and Dave, as the theory has been found to be useful in predicting paint a picture partn er abandon (Sellers, Cochran and Branch, 2005).Planning and InterventionA suitable intervention based on social learning theory would include educating both Jenny and Dave on the have-to doe with that their behaviour is likely to have on their children. Bearing in thinker the finding that children tend to be more influenced by the behaviour of the parent of the same sex, Dave should be encouraged to model positive behaviours around Sean in particular and Jenny should be encouraged to attend the Mother and Toddler group with Sarah to increase the number of positive interactions and behaviours Sarah is exposed to around other mothers and female role models. Secondly, Jenny and Dave must be encouraged to exsert their social interactions in tell apart to foster more positive social experiences, which in return should have a positive bear on on their behaviours. Although her mother lives some miles away, Jenny should be encouraged to maintain connection with her in order maximise positive social interactions. It may also be advantageous to help Jenny and Dave explore how they may have learnt to deal with their marital problems using maladaptive behaviours such as communicatory aggression, and to help them toward the realisation that although they may have observed significant others using these coping mechanisms, there are more adaptive techniques available to them.Social troth TheorySocial participation theory is based strongly on the philosophy of the storied communist Karl Marx and holds that inequality within society is the product of some individuals memory and actively defending a disproportionate share of societys resources. As a moderate, those without many resources are controlled by those with the lions share. Therefore, social encroach theory sees society as greatly incommensurate and views social problems as the product of societys issues, not the issues of the individual. One of the most famous empirical demonstrations of social conflict theory was by Sherif et al. (1961). A group of boys unknown to each other were randomly appoint to one of two groups and attended a summer camp. In the sign phase of the experiment, the two groups did not know of the others existence and were encouraged to truss as individual groups. Once an element of competition was introduced, each group became fiercely protective of their own group and both prejudiced and discriminative behaviour was observed. The study demonstrated that when two groups are put in contest with each other over resources this can trigger banish behaviours and attempts by competing groups to sabotage each other.Social conflict theory is relevant to social work because it captures the social injustices and inequalities that are often observed in this line of work. It can provide a framework for understanding why some individuals find themselves in constant pecuniary and economic struggles and gives the social worker a better understanding of how they may cha nge this and make a difference in peoples lives.AdvantagesUnlike many other theories, social conflict theory acknowledges the role of economics. This is especially useful for the line of business of social work because it rescinds social workers from putting too much dialect on the power held by the service user to make a change. It acknowledges that some elements cannot be controlled by the service user and may avoid frustration on behalf of the service user at the social worker not taking into that due to the social standing of the service user they will struggle to find transaction opportunities that can change their pecuniary situations.DisadvantagesSocial conflict theory is somewhat reductionist and does not account for the partake of individual thinking or behaviours. The theory sees individuals as a product of their socio-economic standing and cannot explain why many people from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds go on to be successful and wealthy through weighed down work and determination, overcoming economic obstacles. There is empirical support for social conflict theory supporting its usefulness in aiding understanding of a number of different social constructs, including racial write by law-enforcement agencies (Petrocelli, Piquero and Smith, 2003). However, the theory is tortuous and is thus nasty to measure empirically. This is a key criticism of the theory because coloniality adversely affects applicability in the real world.Social skirmish Theory Application to Case Study OneAssessmentJenny and Daves situation can be assessed in the context of social conflict theory. Living in a housing estate, they are likely to be considered as belong to the lower or working class. As a result, conflict theory would argue that their financial difficulties are due to only owning or having access to a small share of societys resources. Daves employment status appears to be intermittent, which social conflict theory would argue is the result of oppo rtunities being withheld from him by those higher up the economic ladder. The familys lose of resources are clearly having a knock-on effect on the marriage, with Daves spending of the house money on gambling and drinking being a common source of arguments.Social conflict theory can also be applied to understand internal as well as external conflict. For example, high levels of parent-child conflict have been associated with child behavioural problems (El-Sheikh and Flanagan, 2001 El-Sheikh and Elmore-Stanton, 2004). Therefore, Seans aggressive behaviour at nursery could be a product of a perceived conflict between himself and his parents. Although Sean is young, his parents preoccupation with trying to grapple with their poor financial situation may be interpreted by Sean as a lack of attention. This could explain why he acts seedy at nursery.Planning and InterventionBearing the principles of conflict theory in mind, intervention should take the form of enabling the family to i ncrease their resources and the opportunities available to them. Dave should be encouraged to join some government funded courses to increase his skills and employability status. The family should be made aware of the huge number charities that offer free and impartial advice on both debt and rent arrears. The familys social worker should be sensitive to their economic standing and take it into account when working with them.psychoanalytical TheoryOriginally developed by the Austrian psychiatrist Sigmund Freud, psychoanalytical theory seeks to explain how external struggles can impact upon an individual or their family to such a degree that they become internalised (Bower, 2005). The theory focuses on jointure both the strengths of an individuals personality and available resources in order to optimise both their personal and interpersonal functioning (Hollis, 1977). Psychoanalytic theory can also be differentiated from other theories because of its inclusion of Freudian concept s such as the influence of unconscious mental processes and defence mechanism mechanisms (Brearley, 2007). One of the main principles of psychoanalytic theory is believing that our unconscious is largely liable for our conscious actions, thought and feelings, and that awareness of these processes is rare (Greene and Uebel, 2008) Defence mechanisms can be either conscious or unconscious but are eternally deployed in order to help an individual avoid facing facts about themselves they perceive to be threatening (Jacobs, 2010). Contemporary psychoanalytic theory use in social work has tended to be based on swelled head psychology (Corey, 2000 Greene and Uebel, 2008), which emphasises the impact of our environment and the role of the egos problem-solving electrical capacity in maximising adaptive behaviour.Psychoanalytic theory is applicable to social work and the assessment of service users because it embraces the social work ideal of acknowledging that both individual differences and the environment can have a negative impact on the individual. It may also help social workers to cope with difficult to manage or difficult to understand behaviour by acknowledging that some processes are unconscious on behalf of the service user.AdvantagesUnlike conflict theory that focuses on economic influences and social learning theory that focuses on social influences, psychoanalytic theory is far less reductionist meaning that it can be applied to a wider range of situations and individuals. The theory is somewhat more holistic than both social learning and conflict theory because it emphasises the importance of both internal and external factors and the influence these have on an individuals ability to cope with everyday stresses. Indeed, early theorists argued that ego psychology in particular struck an advantageous balance between acknowledging both individual and situational factors (Hamilton, 1958 Wood, 1971).Psychoanalytical theory has been the root of many other u seful and presently practised social work models, such as transactional analysis, group therapy and crisis intervention (Trevithick, 2012). Therefore, it has had positive real-world and social work applications.DisadvantagesPsychoanalytic theory can be intemperate to test empirically, meaning that scientific evidence for both its validity and its effectivity is lacking. However, it is not completely without evidence. For example, through observational methods, Beebe and Lachmann (2002) found that in support of psychoanalytic theory, infants learn much about their own emotional lives through empathically fuelled caregiver interactions. Nevertheless, Fonagy (2003) has argued that psychoanalytic theory has recently become too break up to be supported empirically and this fragmentation makes it a difficult theory to apply in a clinical or social work setting. This highlights another issue with psychoanalytic theory in that it is a complex theory, which limits both its applicability and usefulness. Psychoanalytic theory is also considered to be quite a controversial, although it has come a long way since the overt sexual themes pioneered by Freud.Despite being a more holistic theory, it could be argued that psychoanalytic theory does not adequately acknowledge the role of social influences in how individuals cope with their everyday life stresses.Psychoanalytic Theory Application to Case Study OneAssessmentThere are a number of behaviours exhibited by Jenny and Dave that could be interpreted as defence mechanisms. Firstly, Dave both gambles and drinks, which causes friction between him and Jenny. some(prenominal) of these behaviours could be interpreted as coping mechanisms that Dave uses to deal with the familys financial and economic worries. Dave has said that the only thing wrong with their marriage is the lack of intimacy since their youngest was born. However, from an outside perspective, this is clearly an example of denial and a defence mechanism that Dave is using to avoid facing up to reality. Jennys spending of the household income on mail order catalogues is also a likely example of a maladaptive coping mechanism because the family cannot contribute to spend money on luxuries.Planning and InterventionThe helping of others through the use of psychoanalytic theory has been described as a corrective emotional experience, (Greene and Uebel, 2008, p. 64). Therefore, Jenny and Dave should be supported in developing adaptive emotional responses to the difficulties that their environment presents. They should be encouraged to externalise their financial troubles so that they do not control their emotions, which is likely to result in a continuation of negative behaviours, such as drinking, arguing and gambling.Psychoanalytic theory could be applied to this case study by helping Dave to optimise internal and more adaptive external forces to help him cope with the familys stresses rather than routine to maladaptive behaviours, such a s drinking and gambling. Dave should be encouraged to eccentric up to the reality of the familys situation and to explore ways in which he can cope in healthier ways. If Dave feels the need to make out now and again, he may be encouraged to take up a hobby or sport, which will give him time away from the family but avoid isolation.ConclusionJenny and Daves situation can be interpreted through the use of various theories. A holistic approach in which the most applicable elements of each theory are used to help the family improve their financial and emotional well-being is recommended.ReferencesAkers, R.L., Krohn, M.D., Lanza-Kaduce, L. and Radosevich, M. (1979) Social learning and deviant behaviour A specific test of a general theory. American Sociological Review, 44, pp. 636-655.Bandura, A., Ross, D. and Ross, S.A. (1961) Transmission of aggression through imitation of aggressive models. The ledger of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 63(3), pp. 575.Bandura, A., Ross, D. and Ross, S.A. (1963) Imitation of film-mediated aggressive models. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 66(1), pp. 3-11.Beebe, B. and Lachmann, F.M. (2002) Infant research and adult treatment Co-constructing interactions. Hillsdale, NJ The Analytic Press.Bower, M. (2005) Psychoanalytic Theory for Social Work Practice. Oxford, UK Routledge.Brearley, J. (2007) A Psychoanalytic approach to social work, in J. Lishman (ed.) Handbook of Theory for Practice Teachers, London, UK Jessica Kingsley.Chappell, A.T. and Piquero, A.R. (2004) Applying social learning theory to police misconduct. degenerate Behavior, 25(2), pp. 89-108.Corey, G. (2000) Theory and Practice of counselling and Psychotherapy. Monterey, CA Thomson Brooks Cole.Durkin, K.F., Wolfe, T.W. and Clark, G.A. (2005) College students and binge drinking An evaluation of social learning theory. Sociological Spectrum, 25(3), pp. 255-272.El-Sheikh, M. and Flanagan, E. (2001) Parental problem drinking and childrens adjustment Family conflict and parental depression as mediators and moderators of risk. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 29, pp. 417-432.El-Sheikh, M. and Elmore-Stanton, L. (2004) The marry between marital conflict and child-adjustment Parent-child conflict and perceived attachments as mediators, potentiators, and mitigators of risk. development and Psychopathology, 16, pp. 631-648.Fonagy, P. (2033) Some complexities in the relationship of psychoanalytic theory to technique. Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 72(1), pp. 13-47.Foshee, V.A., Bauman, K.E. and Linder, G.F. (1999) Family violence and the perpetration of adolescent dating violence Examining social learning and social control processes. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 61(2), pp. 331-342.Greene, R.R. and Uebel, M. (2008) Classical psychoanalytic thought, contemporary developments, and clinical social work practice, in R.R. Greene (ed.) Human Behavior Theory and Social Work Practice, Edison, NJ Transaction Publishers.Hamilton, G. (1958) A theory of personality Freuds contribution to social work, in H.J. Parad (ed.) Ego, Psychology and Casework Theory, New York, NY Family Service of America.Higgins, E. (2006) sex differences in software piracy The mediating roles of self-control theory and social learning theory. Journal of Economic Crime Management, 4(1), pp. 1-30.Hollis, F. (1977) Social casework the psychosocial approach. Encyclopedia of Social Work. majuscule National Association of Social Workers.Jacobs, M. (2010) Psychodynamic Counselling in Action. London, UK Sage.Patock-Peckham, J.A., Cheong, J., Balhorn, M.E. and Nagoshi, C.T. (2001) Social learning perspective A model of parenting styles, self-regulation, perceived drinking control, and alcohol use and problems. Alcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research, 25(9), pp. 1284-1292.Petrocelli, M., Piquero, A.R. and Smith, M.R. (2003) Conflict theory and racial profiling An empirical analysis of police traffic stop data. Journal of iniquitous judge, 31, pp. 1-11.Pratt, T.C., Cullen, F.T., Sellers, C.S., Winfree Jr., L.T., Madensen, T.D., Daigle, L.E., Fearn, N.E. and Gau, J.M. (2010) The empirical status of social learning theory A meta-analysis. Justice Quarterly, 27(6), pp. 765-802.Sellers, C.S., Cochran, J.K. and Branch, K.A. (2005) Social learning theory and partner violence. A research note. Deviant Behaviour, 26(4), pp. 379-395.Sherif, M., Harvey, O.J., White, B.J., Hood, W.R. and Sherif, C.W. (1961) Intergroup conflict and cooperaton The Robbers Cave experiment (Vol.10). Norman, OK University Book Exchange.Skinner, B.F. (1948) Superstition in the pigeon. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 38(2), pp. 168.Skinner, B.F. (1958) Reinforcement today. American Psychologist, 13(3), pp. 94.Trevithick, P. (2012) Social Work Skills and fellowship A Practice Handbook. Maidenhead, UK Open University Press.Trotter, J. and Leech, N. (2003) Linking research, theory and practice in personal and professional development gender and sexuality iss ues in social work education. Social Work Education, 22(2), pp. 203-214.Webb, S.A. (2001) Some considerations on the validity of evidence-based practice in social work. British Journal of Social Work, 31, pp. 57-79.Wood, K.M. (1971) The contribution to psychoanalysis and ego psychology, in H.S. Strean (ed.) Social Casework Theory in Action, Metuchen, NJL Scarecrow.