Theories Flashcards
Humanistic Approach
The assumption that clients have the capacity to grow, change and adapt. Each client is unique and responsible for the choices they make. Clients have the capacity to change themselves, because human behavior is driven by a desire for growth, personal meaning, and competence. Behaving in ways that are not consistent with the true self will cause anxiety.
Strength
Any ability to help an individual/family to confront and deal with a stressful life situation and to use the challenging situation as a stimulus for growth.
Systems Theory
Views human behavior through larger contexts, such as members of families/communities/society. WHEN ONE THING CHANGES WITHIN THE SYSTEM, THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS AFFECTED. Systems tend toward equilibrium and have have CLOSED OR OPEN BOUNDARIES.
Strengths Perspective
Based on the assumption that clients have the capacity to grow, change and adapt (Humanistic Approach). Clients have the knowledge that is important to define and solve their problems (they are the experts on their own lives), they are resilient, and survive despite difficulties. Focuses on the understanding that clients have a basis of strength and resources (both internal and external), and should mobilize the resources to improve their situations.
System
A whole comprising component parts that work together. ADE UP OF INTERRELATED PARTS AND EACH PART IMPACTS ALL OTHER PARTS —> IMPACTS THE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE. These dynamics within systems produce both stability and change.
Closed system
Uses up its energy and dies.
Differentiation
Becoming specialized in structure and function.
Entropy
Closed/disorganized/stagnant; using up avail. energy.
Equifinality
Arriving at same end from different beginnings.
Homeostasis
Steady state
Negative entropy
Exchange of energy and resources b/w systems that promote growth and transformation
Open system
A system with cross-boundary exchange
Output
A product of the system that exports to the env.
Subsystem
A major component of a system made up of two or more interdependent components that interact in order to attain their own purpose and the purpose of the system in which they are embedded
Suprasystem
An entity that is served by a number of component systems organized in interacting relationships
Throughput
Energy that is integrated into the system so it can be used by the system to accomplish its goals
The Family Life Cycle
Stage 1: Family of Origin Experiences
Maintaining relationships with parents/siblings/peers
Completing education
Developing foundations of a family life
i.e. Growing up with Jake
The Family Life Cycle
Stage 2: Leaving Home
Differentiation of self from family of origin
Developing adult-to-adult relationships with parent
Developing intimate peer relationships
Beginning work and financial independence
i.e. College
The Family Life Cycle
Stage 3: Premarriage Stage
Selecting a partner
Developing relationship
Deciding to establish independent home with somebody
i.e. Moving to White Plains with Eric
The Family Life Cycle
Stage 4: Childless Couple Stage
Learning to live together practically and emotionally
Adjusting relationships with family of origin and peers to include partner
i.e. Now
The Family Life Cycle
Stage 5: Family with Young Children
Realigning family system to make space for children
Adopting parenting roles
Realigning relationships with families of origin to include parenting/grandparenting roles
Facilitating children to develop their own peer relationships
i.e. Craig and Laura
The Family Life Cycle
Stage 6: Family with Adolescents
Adjusting parent-child relationship to allow for adolescent to have more autonomy
Adjusting family relationships to focus on midlife relationship and career issues
Taking on responsibility of caring for families of origin
i.e. When Eric and I have teenagers
The Family Life Cycle
Stage 7: Launching Children
Resolving midlife issues
Negotiating adult-to-adult relationships with children
Adjusting to living as just a couple again
Adjusting to including in-laws and grandchildren within family circle
Dealing with disabilities and death in the family of origin
i.e. Karen and Paul
The Family Life Cycle
Stage 8: Later Family Life
Coping with physiological decline in self/others
Adjusting to children taking more central role in family maintenance
Valuing wisdom and experience of elderly
Dealing with loss of spouse/peers
Preparing for death/life review
i.e. Grandma