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MMD’s post states the following:Top of Form

Many people progress in their way of thinking as they get older with more complex ideas and more of a concrete tone in their way of thinking.  Puerto Ricans learn gender roles by watching their parents, the Japanese also have gender-specific responsibilities, and both sexually interact in different points in their life because of cultural and subculture beliefs (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016).  Piaget's theory states that cognitive skills are thought and learned over time, and people progress their learning with time because life experiences play a part in the life span of a person.  A person is influenced by their peers, environment, life experiences, and personal situations in which all play a part in how a person views the world and thinks in general (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). Some strengths in Piaget’s theory are that it has a good impact on education with the strategies developed from it.  An example of Piaget’s influenced on education can be seen as the different levels of education are measured to corresponds with a student's age.  Children born before a September birthdate can attend school at four years of age, and children with a September birthdate may have to wait another calendar year.  Some weaknesses in Piaget's theory is the change in the ability to communicate with children at an earlier age, and there are more types of methods in regards to studying children.  The theory places a cap on the abilities of children, which may, in time, become obsolete with children proving they are capable of learning faster and viewing different perspectives as opposed to solely being egocentric.  In the future, Piaget's theory may need to be modified to fit children in more than one stage. One way I would apply the method to my social work practice is by using the social works intent on a problem-solving approach that is used to help clients through treatment (Dybicz, 2012).  Asking clients a series of questions during the interview process can give insight into how the person identifies in regards to cultures, gender, financial status, and other information.  With this information as a social worker, I will be better prepared to provide recommendations and support throughout therapy.

References

Dybicz, P. (2012). The hero(ine) on a journey: a postmodern conceptual framework for social work practice. Journal of Social Work Education, (2), 267. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgea&AN=edsgcl.301647640&site=eds-live&scope=site

Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

AR’s Post states the following

Theory of life-span development I selected

Social learning theory, states that social behavior can be learned by watching and imitating the actions of others. Personality is learned, and there are unique methods for learning personality. There are three core ideas at the core of social learning theory. First is the possibility that individuals can learn through observation. Second, is the idea that mental states are a fundamental piece of this process. Third, this theory perceives that since something has been learned, it does not mean that it will result in an adjustment in behavior. Your psychological state and motivation play a vital role in determining whether a behavior is learned or not (Cherry, 2018).

Strengths and weaknesses of this theory

Strengths include, the connection between behavior and the environment. The method offers a great understanding of how behaviors are learned and developed. Weakness includes, focusing too much on what happens to individuals instead the general population and the effects other social issues may have on the population.

Apply the theory to social work practice

I would apply this theory to social work practice by empowering clients and building self-efficacy in social learning theory (Cherry, 2018). Understanding an individuals background and how their environment may have an effect on their development, this allows social workers to provide support to the individual. With Social learning theory functions, you can gain a better understanding of the dominant role that perception can play in forming the things we know and the things we do (Cherry, 2018).

Reference

McLeod, S. A. (2016). Bandura-social learning theory. Retrieved on October 30, 2019, from https://www.simplypsychology.org.

. When you are self- aware you are more cautious of some issues that may become triggers, you may need to receive support with understanding some underlying issues. This will allow you to feel comfortable when speaking on topics and issues that do not necessarily align to your own beliefs. This will allow you to be able to support and meet the needs of the client.

Reference

Allick, David M. (2012). Attitudes toward Religion and Spirituality in Social Work Practice

Nickles, T. (2011). The role of religion and spirituality in counseling. California Polytechnic State University: College of Liberal Arts.

AS’s post states the following:

Erikson’s theory is from a psychosocial approach that entails the 8 stages of development an individual will experience throughout their life span.  This theory speaks on how psychological and social aspects may influence the development of an individual’s life. Erikson’s theory suggests during each stage of development an individual may experience a psychosocial crisis that may have a negative or positive impact on the development of a person’s life (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016.  The 8 stages entail basic trust vs basic mistrust, autonomy vs shame & doubt, initiative vs guilt, industry vs inferiority, identity vs role confusion, intimacy vs isolation, generativity vs stagnation & ego integrity vs despair (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016).  Each stage experienced helps shape an individual’s identity.  

A weakness suggested in Erikson’s theory is the failure to identify the types of experiences needed in each stage to efficiently deal with conflicts and move to the next stage. An identified strength in Erikson’s theory is it provides insight on the impact social interactions have on one’s growth (Cherry, 2019).

Erikson’s theory may guide my practice as a social worker, as his theory of development is important in my ability to apply the appropriate interventions when working with clients. This theory may provide me with a guide on how to help clients based on their needs in meeting them where they are.