SOAD9060 Social Work Theories Online Tutoring

Answer 1:

The main principle that is applicable on this case study is the first principle of crisis intervention. The first one indicates to “mobilize a crisis intervention team in response to a significant critical incident, then actively implement the most appropriate crisis intervention tactics in response to observable signs or reported symptoms (evidence of need) of distress and/or dysfunction” (Everly, 2000, p. 2). This intervention emphasizes that a person needs crisis intervention when h/she is stressed due to that crisis, in other words that particular crisis is a response rather than an event. Same is the case with Jennifer, she is not able to drive or work due to the incident because of which she is stressed along with Thomas who is falling behind his studies. Moreover, Amelia also feels alone due to which she screams on strangers, this all happened due to the car accident. Everly and Mitchell (1999) suggested multiple intervention known as Critical Incident Stress Management, in my opinion Family Critical Incident Stress Management as shown below in Fig 1 for the Mitchell family would work because this will help them to support each other, recognize the efforts made by every family member and help Jennifer to be more productive. After analysing the case study, it seems Jennifer isn’t positive about her life due to all the problems the family is facing. She needs that motivation to be positive and find ways to tackle all the problems.

Answer 2:

Attachment theory was introduced by John Bowlby who refers to the theory as an extraordinary association between a child and h/her caregiver which later on nourishes their relationship in the future. He further defines the theory as an “inherent t biological response and behavioral system in place to provide satisfaction of basic human needs” (Flaherty & Sadler, 2011, p. 115). In the case of the given case study, the primary caregiver of both the children is Jennifer and the father only visit them occasionally. Jennifer has to work really hard to provide the children with the basic needs but ignores their emotional needs. However, when she met with an accident she isn’t able to drive or work that makes her dependent on Thomas. in this case study, the key attribute of attachment theory that is insecure disorganized attachment is applicable in Thomas’s case. This aspect of attachment theory shows that the child doesn’t have a planned tactic to handle stress (National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, 2015). The reason is that he cooks and takes care of Amelia as well as of the house but is falling behind in his studies. He doesn’t know how to handle the stress and his own needs aren’t met. Thomas would be helped through emphasizing on coping up with stress and to focus on his studies. This would shape my practice by allowing Thomas to be open in terms of his feelings, what he is thinking and what is going through his mind. This would allow me to help Thomas prioritize studies.

Answer 3:

Since centuries women have been fighting for their rights to eliminate patriarchy and achieve equal rights as the opposite gender. The second wave of feminism identified patriarchy and reinstated the fact that women have rights in politics, white collar jobs and are able to work as a man. In this case study, Jennifer is providing all the basic necessities to her kids in any way possible. She worked really hard despite of the fact that she had brain surgery. On the other hand, the father isn’t doing anything he just meets the family and doesn’t help them financially. Jennifer is a single mom raising her two kids without the help of a man and that was only possible after the second wave of feminism that gave rights to the women. It is important for a woman to be independent and assertive because if she is not, she won’t be satisfied and would always be marginalized. This will help me shape my practice by inspiring Jennifer and women like to be independent no matter what, to rely on themselves rather than someone else and to not be treated like a nobody. Women in this time should take their own decisions and should be confident.

Answer 4:

The strengths perspective theory emphasizes on the capabilities of clients and focuses on guiding them to measure and work towards achieving their future goals instead of looking for solutions of present or past issues. The strengths perspective theory is based on six principles “ a) the focus is on individual strengths rather than pathology; (b) the community is viewed as a source of resources; (c) interventions are based on client self-determination; (d) the practitioner–client relationship is seen to be primary and essential; (e) aggressive outreach is employed as the preferred mode of intervention; and (f) people are seen as being able to learn, grow, and change” (Arnold, Walsh, Oldham & Rapp, 2007 as cited in Saint-Jacques, Turcotte & Pouliot, 2009, p. ). The first principle is significant in this case study, I will explore what are the inner strengths of Jennifer that can help her to work towards finding a safe place for the Mitchell family. I will try to find out ways that can help the family in long term instead of finding ways that can only benefit them for a short period. Finding out solutions through her strengths can help to tackle the problems with successful approaches, like motivating her to leave the anti-depressants and help her to find positivity within her so she doesn’t need medicines to remain calm.