Human Behavior in the Social Environment Flashcards
(52 cards)
What is person-in-environment theory?
Considers the influence the individual has on their environment and the influence that multiple environments (social, economic, family, political, cultural, religious, etc) have on the individual
PIE recognizes the impact of ___________ & _______________ on the individual
discrimination and oppression
How does PIE theory support social work goals
Promotes personal care and advances social justice
What perspective in social work is based on the PIE theory?
Strengths-based perspective
How are behaviors assessed using PIE?
by examining interactions between the individual and their environment
What are the 4 phases of Hildegard peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations
- Preorientation: prepares to meet client by self-reflecting and gathering information
- Orientation: client and professional meet, establish rapport, clarify roles, identify prpblems
- Working: therapeutic process begins; problems are explored, insight is developed, and strategies are implemented
- Termination: the relationship ends, with evaluation and reflection on progress and future goals
How does Peplau’s theory align with social work values?
emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, self-awareness, mutual respect, and treating clients as capable partners in their healing process
What’s the purpose of process recording in Peplau’s model
Allows practitioners to reflect on client interactions, assess therapeutic communication, analyze their role and emotions, and improve professional effectiveness
What is the main principle of systems theory in human behavior?
posits that individuals function as part of complex, interdependent systems (e.g. families, communities, institutions), and any change in one component of the system affects the entire system
What is the difference between open and closed systems?
Open systems: adoptive and receptive to feedback, input, and change
Closed systems: resist input and tend to maintain the status quo, often becoming dysfunctional over time
What are homeostasis and entropy in systems theory?
Homeostasis: system’s natural tendency to maintain internal stability
Entropy: gradual decline into disorder and disorganization when a system does not adapt
How is systems theory useful in social work practice?
Helps practitioners understand and assess how various systems influence a client’s behavior, identify strengths and weaknesses in systems, and create interventions that address systemic issues
how does ecosystems theory build upon systems theory
Ecosystems theory integrates ecological concepts, emphasizing the transactions between people and their environments, and how adaptation or maladaptation can occur due to these exchanges
what is meant by “goodness of fit” in ecosystems theory?
refers to the degree to which an individual’s needs, values, and identity align with their environment.
Poor fit can lead to stress or dysfunction, while a good fit promotes well-being.
what are the key intervention strategies based on ecosystems theory
- modifying environmental stressors
- strengthening social networks
- promoting client empowerment
- advocating for systemic changes in the community
What characteristics define a functional family system
A functional family system has open communication, emotional support, clear roles, the ability to adapt to stress, and healthy boundaries, promoting positive human development.
how can family structures influence individual behavior and identity
Different family types (nuclear, extended, blended, single-parent) offer varying levels of support, stress, and modeling that shape beliefs, coping skills, relationship patterns, and self-concept.
What are the major stages in the family life cycle and the tasks at each
Independence – Developing a sense of self, emotional autonomy, career goals.
Coupling – Forming a partnership, merging systems, negotiating roles.
Parenting – Raising children, balancing needs, maintaining the couple bond.
Empty Nest – Adjusting to children leaving, redefining identity and purpose.
Retirement/Senior Years – Facing aging, life review, legacy-building, grief.
how does unresolved conflict at any stage of family life cycle affect future stages
Challenges or trauma in one stage can disrupt healthy transitions, leading to maladaptive patterns, stress, or unresolved relational issues later in life.
What is family life education and its primary goal
It’s the educational process that strengthens family functioning by providing knowledge and tools about communication, parenting, relationships, and healthy development.
What are the 4 approaches to family life education
Strength-based: Builds on existing skills and capacities.
Cultural: Tailors content to cultural values and norms.
Selective: Targets at-risk groups with tailored resources.
Universal: Designed for the general public to prevent issues.
How does a family member’s mental illness affect the entire family system?
It can increase emotional strain, financial burden, and caregiving responsibilities, and may lead to role confusion, stigma, or changes in family dynamics
What happens to individuals with mental illness when their primary caregiver dies
may face significant instability, trauma, or loss of continuity in care, especially if no other support systems are in place, increasing risk for regression or institutionalization.
how can families support a member with mental illness
Through advocacy, medication management, emotional support, psychoeducation, and collaboration with mental health professionals.
