Psychosocial Theory and Role Theory Social work takes a holistic view to social problems, arguing that they are complex and multilayered, often contributed to by a number of individual, psychological, and social processes. Consequently, psychosocial theory is a theoretical lens that has been employed in social work to apply to an array of problems and populations. It also emphasizes respecting diversity factors and the strengths that individuals, families, and communities bring to the change process. When attempting to understand the presenting problems of individuals, families, and/or organizations, it is also important to take into account the social roles they take on. As the name implies, role theory as a theoretical lens focuses on the roles assumed by individuals. The theory maintains that people’s behaviors are influenced by their role and the inherent expectations, norms, and power that underlie those social roles. This week , you will put on two new theoretical lenses—psychosocial theory and role theory. You will examine how problems are conceptualized through the world of psychological and social processes as well as social roles. Learning Objectives Students will: Analyze unique psychosocial factors that are distinct to diverse population groups Apply psychosocial theory and role theory to a social work case study Evaluate the strengths and limitations of psychosocial theory and role theory Photo Credit: [Plume Creative]/[DigitalVision]/Getty Images Learning Resources Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus. Required Readings Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Chapter 26: The Psychosocial Framework of Social Work Practice (pp. 411–419) Chapter 30: Role Theory and Concepts Applied to Personal and Social Change in Social Work (pp. 452–470) Blakely, T. J., & Dziadosz, G. M. (2008). Case management and social role theory as partners in service delivery. Care Management Journals, 9 (3), 106–112. doi:10.1891/1521-0987.9.3.106 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases. Dulin, A. M. (2007). A lesson on social role theory : an example of human behavior in the social environment theory. Advances in Social Work, 8 (1), 104–112. Retrieved from https://advancesinsocialwork.iupui.edu/index.php/advancesinsocialwork/article/view/134 Document: Worksheet: Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study (Word document) Walden Library. (n.d.-a). Library webinar archives: Webinars on library skills . Retrieved December 8, 2017, from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/webinararchives/libraryskillswebinars Browse this site to view webinars that introduce you to the Walden Library, including “Introduction to the Library” and “Search Strateg ...

1. Psychosocial Theory and Role Theory
Social work takes a holistic view to social problems, arguing
that they are complex and multilayered, often contributed to by
a number of individual, psychological, and social processes.
Consequently, psychosocial
theory
is a theoretical lens that has been employed in social work to
apply to an array of problems and populations. It also
emphasizes respecting diversity factors and the strengths that
individuals, families, and communities bring to the change
process.
When attempting to understand the presenting problems of
individuals, families, and/or organizations, it is also important
to take into account the social roles they take on. As the name
implies, role
theory
as a theoretical lens focuses on the roles assumed by
individuals. The theory maintains that people’s behaviors are
influenced by their role and the inherent expectations, norms,
and power that underlie those social roles.
This week
, you will put on two new theoretical lenses—psychosocial
theory
and role theory. You will examine how problems are
conceptualized through the world of psychological and social
processes as well as social roles.
Learning Objectives
Students will:

2. Analyze unique psychosocial factors that are distinct to diverse
population groups
Apply psychosocial
theory
and role theory to a social work case study
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of psychosocial
theory
and role theory
Photo Credit: [Plume Creative]/[DigitalVision]/Getty Images
Learning Resources
Note:
To access this week’s required library resources, please click on
the link to the Course Readings List, found in the
Course Materials
section of your Syllabus.
Required Readings
Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017).
Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches
(6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Chapter 26: The Psychosocial Framework of Social Work
Practice (pp. 411–419)

3. Chapter 30: Role
Theory
and Concepts Applied to Personal and Social Change in Social
Work (pp. 452–470)
Blakely, T. J., & Dziadosz, G. M. (2008). Case management and
social role
theory
as partners in service delivery.
Care Management Journals, 9
(3), 106–112. doi:10.1891/1521-0987.9.3.106
Note:
You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
Dulin, A. M. (2007). A lesson on social role
theory
: an example of human behavior in the social environment
theory.
Advances in Social Work, 8
(1), 104–112. Retrieved from
https://advancesinsocialwork.iupui.edu/index.php/advancesinsoc
ialwork/article/view/134
Document:
Worksheet: Dissecting a
Theory
and Its Application to a Case Study (Word document)
Walden Library. (n.d.-a).
Library webinar archives: Webinars on library skills
. Retrieved December 8, 2017, from
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/webinararchives/libr
aryskillswebinars

4. Browse this site to view webinars that introduce you to the
Walden Library, including “Introduction to the Library” and
“Search Strategies for New Students”
Walden Library. (n.d.-b).
Searching and finding information in the library databases:
Overview
. Retrieved December 8, 2017, from
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/searchingfinding
Walden University: Academic Skills Center. (n.d.-a).
Microsoft PowerPoint resources: Quick guide
. Retrieved December 8, 2017, from
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/ASC/software/PPT/quickgui
de
Use this resource to learn skills for creating your PowerPoint
presentation.
Document:
Theory
Into Practice: Four Social Work Case Studies (PDF)
Document:
Kaltura Personal Capture - QuickStart Guide (PDF)
Required Media
Laureate Education. (2017a).
Theories
knowledge check, part 1
[Interactive media]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

5. Document:
Theories
Knowledge Check, Part 1 Transcript (PDF)
Optional Resources
Healy, K. (2016). After the biomedical technology revolution:
Where to now for a bio-psycho-social approach to social work?
British Journal of Social Work, 46
(5), 1446–1462. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcv051
Discussion: Psychosocial Theory and Diverse Groups
There will be times when a social worker is presented with a
case where they are not familiar with the surrounding
psychosocial issues. Because social workers are on a continual
journey in learning, it is important to read pertinent literature.
This Discussion provides an opportunity to visit Walden Library
and strengthen your skills in identifying and locating an
empirical research article.
To prepare:
Select one of these three groups: (1) an immigrant individual
from a racial or ethnic minority group, (2) a gay, lesbian,
bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) individual, OR (3) an
individual who is physically disabled.
Review the Walden Library resources listed in the Learning
Resources.
Then conduct a library search for an empirical study focused on
one of the groups above and the unique psychosocial factors or
issues a social worker should be aware of when working with

6. that group.
By Day 3
Post:
Post the APA-style reference for the article you found in the
library.
Describe four specific psychosocial factors that should be taken
into account in order to understand the psychosocial context
when working with the group you selected. (Two of these
factors should be psychologically related and two of these
factors should be socially related).
Identify and explain a psychosocial intervention that addresses
one of the four specific psychosocial factors you described
above.
Identify 1 to 2 outcomes you might measure if you were to
evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.
Evaluate one advantage of using a psychosocial framework in
social work practice with the group you chose.
By Day 5
Respond
to two colleagues:
Evaluate the disadvantages of using a psychosocial framework
in social work practice with the group your colleague chose.

7. Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 4 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 5
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 4 Discussion
Assignment: Application of Role Theory to a Case Study
This week
, you will use role
theory
to apply to your chosen case study. In other words, your
theoretical orientation—or lens—is role theory as you analyze
the case study.
Use the same case study that you chose in Week 2. (Remember,
you will be using this same case study throughout the entire
course). Use the “Dissecting a
Theory
and Its Application to a Case Study” worksheet to help you
dissect the theory. You do not need to submit this handout. It is
a tool for you to use to dissect the theory, and then you can
employ the information in the table to complete your
assignment.
To prepare:

8. Review and focus on the same case study that you used in Week
2.
Review the websites and guides for developing PowerPoint
skills found in the Learning Resources.
Record presentation using PersonalSpace.
By Day 7
Submit a narrated PowerPoint presentation using Kaltura Media
that includes 11 to 12 slides.
Each slide should be written using bullet points, meaning no
long paragraphs of written text should be in the slides.
Include a brief narration of less than 30 seconds for each slide
(i.e., the narration takes the place of any written paragraphs,
while the bullet points provide context and cues for the
audience to follow along).
Your presentation should address the following:
Identify the presenting problem for the case study you selected.
(Remember the presenting problem has to be framed from the
perspective of role
theory
. For example, the presenting problem can be framed within the
context of role functioning).

9. Identify all the relevant roles assumed by the client.
Analyze the social expectations and social and cultural norms
revolving around the role, social position, and role scripts of
one
of the roles assumed by the client.
Explain the role and social position of the social worker in
working with the client in the case study.
Describe how the role(s) and social position(s) assumed by the
social worker will influence the relationship between the social
worker and the client.
Identify three assessment questions that are guided by role
theory
that you will ask the client to better understand the problem.
Identify and describe two interventions that are aligned with the
presenting problem and role
theory
.
Identify one outcome that you would measure if you were to
evaluate one of the interventions you would implement to
determine if the intervention is effective.
Evaluate one advantage and one limitation in using role
theory
in understanding the case.
Be sure to:
Identify and correctly reference the case study you have chosen.

10. Use literature to support your claims.
Use APA formatting and style.
Include the reference list on the last slide.
Shelly Cohen
RE: Discussion - Week 4
COLLAPSE
Hello Class,
I selected Latino immigrant children to conduct a library search
for an empirical study focused on the unique psychosocial
factors or issues a social worker should be aware of when
working with that group.
Four specific psychosocial factors that should be taken into
account in order to understand the psychosocial context when
working with Latino children are: Psychologically related—1.
“Large numbers of refugee children arriving in high-income
countries[, i.e., the United States,]…have mental health needs
[such as PTSD] that are higher than for the general population
and that these are exacerbated by the numbers of traumatic
events they have experienced and the post-migration stressors
they continue to be exposed to” (Fazel, 2018); 2. Adapting to a
new culture is an issue because “[children] struggle with finding
their place as they bridge the gap between values and traditions
of their home country and those of their new country, the
United States; Socially related—3. Residence instability is
problematic, particularly for the undocumented seeking asylum,

11. as “[c]urrent political and economic instability in Latin America
has led to a significant displacement of citizens (approximately
5 million, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring
Centre), both within and outside of their countries of origin”;
and, 4. Family stressors such as discrimination and illness, etc.
(Aparicio, Pecukonis, & Zhou, 2014).
A psychosocial intervention that addresses one of the four
specific psychosocial factors described above is the trauma
systems therapy approach. “The trauma systems therapy
approach developed by Saxe, Ellis and Kaplow (2007) is a
collaborative, multisystem approach to treat traumatized
children within their communities” (Robinson & Kaplan,
2011).Hello Class,
Outcomes I might measure if I were to evaluate the
effectiveness of the interventions are Latino immigrant children
stable with permanent shelter, enrolled and receiving services in
school, e.g., ESL, individual/group/family counseling, free
breakfast and lunch, etc., health evaluations and treatments by
local clinicians, clothes and household supplies from
community organizations and churches, and government and
privately-funded sources for food security.
One advantage of using a psychosocial framework in social
work practice with Latino immigrant children are the ability “to
intervene [on their behalf] within multiple social systems, using
multiple modalities of treatment and a blend of treatment
techniques” (Robinson & Kaplan, 2011). According to Fazel
(2018), refugee children have many needs to be addressed that
might present within both their mental and physical health as
well as their broader systems, be that in their family, school or
the wider community.
References

12. Aparicio, E., Pecukonis, E. V., & Zhou, K. (2014).
Sociocultural Factors of Teenage Pregnancy in Latino
Communities: Preparing Social Workers for Culturally
Responsive Practice.
Health & Social Work
,
39
(4), 238–243. doi:10.1093/hsw/hlu032.
Fazel, M. (2018). Psychological and psychosocial interventions
for refugee children resettled in high-income countries.
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 27
(2), 117-123.
doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1017/S20457960
17000695
Robinson, H., & Kaplan, C. (2011). Psychosocial Theory and
Social Work Treatment.
Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches
(5th ed.). F. J. Turner (Ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University
Press.
Jennifer Ford
RE: Discussion - Week 4
COLLAPSE
MALLORY, C., & SEARS, B. (2018). Refusing to Serve Lgbt
People: An Empirical Assessment of Complaints Filed under
State Public Accommodations Non-Discrimination Laws.
Journal of Research in Gender Studies, 8(2), 106. Retrieved
from

13. https://search-ebscohost-
com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&A
N=133593619&site=eds-live&scope=site
One psychosocial behavior may be hostility in the gay and
lesbian population. One could see themselves in a role that they
feel defines them, or that they must constantly define for
others. They could look inwardly for strength and outwardly
give the impression that they are content with their life as they
are treated. Living with two daughters that identify as bisexual,
we have been exposed to and have tried to help in the hostility
they may feel mostly towards other girls that they have
expressed interest in, and they find out that their parents are not
accepting of their sexuality. It saddens me, and I try to be there
for both of them when they have questions, and hope they do
not grow up with hostility.
Another is social conformity. When I was a child, I knew I
liked boys, but had never given a thought about same sex
couples. We went to Pride two weeks ago in Pittsburgh, and it
was wonderful to feel the love and simple happiness of not
being afraid to express one’s self (despite the church group that
preached against homosexuality) but in my work in Atlanta, I
met a wonderful woman who has a wife, and she sadly
explained they lived in a small town. She said she was afraid of
holding hands in public with her partner. I know that this is a
very sensitive psychosocial topic that needs to be worked upon
to achieve epiphany for some that are hesitant to accept their
family or friends.
Yet another is a mental illness that they may have. Certainly
this must be looked at and tended to by a doctor, and with our
piecemeal system of care, it could be difficult or even
dangerous to find care in one’s city. There could be fear of
retribution from the doctor, even though they’ve taken an oath.

14. Finally pain can most definitely be another factor. With the
fear of pain diagnosis ripe on the minds of everyone for fear of
addiction, many types of pain management might not be
considered including medical marijuana and CBD oil can and
should be explored. Right now there is a fear of retribution that
should be taken into consideration in order to treat the patient.
I think as simple as it sounds, talk therapy is a wonderful
resource and should be used to it’s fullest. There is something
to be said for ‘verbally vomiting’ on someone else who is paid
to listen. It is easy, and can be measured by a scale (1-10) or a
pre treatment questionnaire and post treatment questionnaire.
References:
Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking
theoretical approaches (6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford
University Press.
· Chapter 26: The Psychosocial Framework of Social Work
Practice (pp. 411–419)
· Chapter 30: Role
Theory
and Concepts Applied to Personal and Social Change in Social
Work (pp. 452–470)
Blakely, T. J., & Dziadosz, G. M. (2008). Case management and
social role
theory
as partners in service delivery. Care Management Journals,
9(3), 106–112. doi:10.1891/1521-0987.9.3.106