Looking At The Behavioral Methods Of Social Work Social Work Essay

Looking At The behavioral Methods Of mixer incline fond usage EssayThe aim of this concession is to turn divulge how a Social escapeer would apply a behavioral Method as an understanding and encumbrance on the case teach supplied. I will do this by explaining what behavioral Social Work is, how it is used in practice, how it meets the needs of the religious serve well user and identify in-person ch twoenges along the way. I will try to challenge my own views and ideals on the service user, and how these clear be challenged for Anti-Oppressive Practice.Most of what makes us truly human, approximately of what makes us individuals rather than clones, most of what gives us a discernible in the flesh(predicate)ity made up of characteristic patterns of doings, emotion and cognition is the payoff of scholarship (Sheldon and McDonald, 2008). The behavioural Perspective focuses on the individual and the relationship between stimuli in an environment and how it determ ines conduct through encyclopaedism (Westen, 2001). This is alike how Behavioural Social Work is executed, by focusing on deportment that is observable and diversifyable. corresponding other act upons of cordial rick modes it has been adopted from other disciplines, and in crabbed Psychology, but has been adapted to achieve measured conclusions and effective practice for Social Work (Watson and West, 2006). on that smear are quartette main Theories that are applicable and used in Behavioural Social WorkThe first behavioral theory is Respondent learn, first introduced by Ivan Pavlov, who used experiments on dogs to divulge how to condition a response afterward the presence of a authentic stimuli has been removed.The second major behavioral theorist is B.F Skinner and his Operant Conditioning, he observed that the conduct of organisms can be controlled by environmental consequences that each increase (reinforce) or decrease (punish) the likelihood of the deportme nt occurring (Westen, 2001). He claimed that the outcome of behaviour was voluntary and goal directed, and always controlled by the consequences the behaviour would fleet to.The next behavioural theory identified is Social Learning guess, which ext polish offs behavioural ideas and claims that most learning is gained by copying others around them, rather than them world reinforced as skinner claimed. That behaviour is shaped by spy others and interpreting it (Payne, 1997).The fourth behavioural theory is cognitive Learning Theory and was introduced by Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck in the 1960s, this is a theory that focuses on the way hatful perceive, mould and retrieve information (Westen, 2001). A perception of the environment from precedent experience.It was during the 1980s that Social Work adopted behavioural theory as a system of calculateing with service users, part of the reason for this was the expertness of the theory to achieve realistic outcomes (Watson and West, 2006). The learning theory used in affable go bad is a combination between all four theories listed above Respondent Conditioning, Operant Conditioning, The Social Learning Theory and Cognitive Learning. These are used to enable the social thespian to observe behaviour and at that placefore intervene appropriately (Watson and West, 2006). The importance of behavioural social work is that the behaviour is learned and can therefore be unlearned. Cognitive learning theory focuses on this specifically and its engagement with cognitive processes which produce thoughts and feelings (Sheldon, 1995). Behavioural social work allows the service user to modify and remove their behaviour through a process of reinforcement, both positive and negative, to produce a likeliness of a cute behaviour occurring (Watson and West, 2006).There experience been criticisms of this form of social work as it involves deciding what typical behaviour is. This whitethorn lead to discriminatory and oppres sive practice, as a perception of normal behaviour can come from a range of sources, such as, personal and professional set (Trevithick, 2000). A nonher criticism is that the social worker may be seen as having significant power in deciding a future for the service user, which may in turn lead to hike up problems. To overcome these criticisms for an affective and constructive service for users, social workers have to be aware of empowering skills to second the service user financial aid themselves. Informed try for and dynamic participation is also a significant part of behavioural social work (Watson and West, 2006).How is Behavioural Social Work Used in Practice?Some of the reasons a behavioural method was chosen for intervention is because it mainly targets problem solving, and anger management, which are some of the problems faced by the family in the case study.The first map of Behavioural Social Work is the process of Assessment. This will begin by identifying the ser vice users problem(s) (Howe, 1998). It not but identifies the problem behaviour, but how it manifested to begin with, and what can be done to falsify it.The first stage of assessment and intervention is to establish the behaviour to work with (Watson and West, 2006). Within the case study, the problem is the behaviour of Jake who is increasingly violent and strong-growing towards his parents and siblings. To establish the intensity and occurrence of his aggression it should be recorded and compose down. This will provide clarity and understanding of the nature of the violence, which person(s) are endue when he does it and what are the consequences of his behaviour (Watson and West, 2006) The problem behaviour has to be describe in terms that are observable and measureable (Howe, 1998). To ensure an accurate accompaniment of behaviour, partnership should be used with the parents and social worker for empowerment (Watson and West, 2006). A contact either written or verbal can b e useful in establishing aims and goals for sessions, and an overall aim for behaviour (Howe, 1998).Operant condition is one of the main theories used in Behavioural Social Work this is invest into practice by the ABC Assessment, which uses the identification of Antecedents, Behaviour and Consequences to help shape wanted behaviour (Hudson and Macdonald, 1998 cited in Watson and West, 2006). The Antecedent what precedes the behaviour, The Behaviour in this case aggression and violence, and the Consequence What happens immediately after the violence i.e Is the behaviour being reinforced? Once all the assessment has been carried out and all the information gathered, the social worker and the service user (parents) must work together to plan a method of intervention which promotes a wanted behaviour, this will be a baseline for intervention (Watson and West, 2006)The next stage in the process of behavioural intervention is the implementation of the plan to change the unwanted behav iour. For this method to be effective it needs partnership of both parents and the social worker to establish roles, tasks and responsibilities (Howe, 1998). The main task for all snarly is to develop appropriate strategies to implement within a certain clipping frame (Watson and West, 2006), which will enable the social worker to evaluate the process and respond by either changing the strategies or the method implemented. In the case study john behaviour deteriorated after the new shaver was born, so the strategies that could be implemented would involve activities and more contact with his mother, and the dwell of the family. Consequences of his bad behaviour should be consistent and happen immediately after an event (Watson and West, 2006). The main aim of Behavioural Intervention and Operant Conditioning is to focus on positive reinforcement rather than punishment, this is to positively change behaviour and motivate Jake to complete goals (Watson and West, 2006).How Does B ehavioural Intervention Meet the require of the Service User?Behavioural Social Work is effective in meeting the needs of the service user as it is specific, simple and structured. It full treatment in partnership with the parents and gives them an understanding into why their son behaves the way he does, and that bathroom behaviour is the problem and not Jake. Behavioural intervention is also cost effective and doesnt rely on financial help, therefore can be used immediately to help and support Jakes parents, as well as Jakes behaviour. One of the reasons why this method is widely used is because it is time limited this allows the social worker to assess if the method is effective and if it is not it can be easily altered or changed.This method is specifically relevant to the case study as Jakes behaviour is the problem, which has been learned through time. A positive to this is that it can be unlearned with the help of his parents. To avoid oppressive practice this has to be a method that includes Jake, both his parents and the Social Worker. This will ensure empowerment to Jakes parents a less likelihood of powerlessness over Jakes behaviour and a more effective outcome.Some of the negatives of this method if intervention is that it does not tackle the underlying problems to Jakes violence, but by using skills, values and knowledge the social worker can talk and support Jake to chance on other underlying issues.Challenges working with this service userSome of the challenges I would face being a social worker for this case is share Linda and Michael become more involved in changing Jakes behaviour. There is a new baby in the home and one other sibling besides Jake, and getting time to respond to Jakes behaviour may be difficult. There is also no other social support outside the home and Linda is very accented and at the end of her tether with Jake, so getting time to spend with Jake alone may also be complicated. Another problem is that Michael is alr eady threatening approximately having Jake removed from the home as his behaviour is so bad, so Michaels intentness to assess and implement a behavioural intervention may be limited. To resolve these challenges I would have to use skills such as empathy and active listening, as well as appropriate questioning to gain a full awareness of the situation. The next step would be to involve both parents in trying to understand that Jakes behaviour is a result of learning and can therefore be unlearned in time, to show both parents that I am there to help and support both them and Jake for the sake of the family.Some personal challenges I would face as the social worker is trying to understand what it must be like to have three children under the age of ten, and being at a crisis point with one of them. To be so stressed that your husband is threatening to put one of your children into care because of his behaviour towards the rest of the family. I cant help but feel how could anyone, th rough choice, want to put their child into care. gouge things get that terrible that some parents cannot see any way out rather than this? I couldnt help but think that Michael is saying this because he is Jakes step father and not biological father, but then, I do not have children and therefore have never had a child with behavioural difficulties. But I do understand what stress can do to a person, and how it can seem like there is no way out. I must challenge these stereotypical views on Michael and realise he has raised Jake from six years old, and probably knows a lot more about Jakes behaviour and the family dynamic than I do, as a Social Worker.ConclusionA behavioural method for Social Work was chosen for this case study. It enables the social worker and the service user to work in partnership which is fundamental for a behavioural method to succeed. It includes a step by step process with defined roles and responsibilities to alter behaviour. Operant Conditioning is mainly used as its fierceness is reinforcing positive behaviour, but with punishment which should be consistent and applied immediately. Behavioural Intervention provides the Social Worker with a method which can be implemented swiftly, but can also be evaluated after time for its effectiveness. This provides the social worker with the knowledge to alter a method or implement and new one. Values such as anti-oppressive practice and empowerment are vital to implement this method as they provide the service user with choice, roles and responsibilities. By challenging stereotypical views, a social worker can make informed decisions and support the service user effectively. over all a behavioural intervention is used to alter behaviour, as it is the behaviour that is the problem, not the person.