Application of Attachment Theory to a Case Study

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Worksheet: Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study

Most theories can be dissected and analyzed. All theories will tell you something about their focus or unit of analysis. A theory will identify its major or key concepts. It will also point to the definition of the problem and its cause. This then guides how the social worker assesses and intervenes because the theory will also articulate the role of the social worker and how change occurs.

Basic Assumptions of the Theory

Directions: For each section, respond in 2 to 3 sentences to the following prompts. Where relevant, provide citations to support your claims.

Name of theory: Systems theory

Name of theorist: Biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy

What are the major assumptions of the theory?

The different assumptions of the theory include self-organization, interdependence, effect, reflexivity, and observation. These assumptions play a significant role in helping in the establishment of the differences between cybernetics and system theory from other sciences.

What are the theory’s key concepts?

The theory is shaped by three key concepts which must be comprehended in the procedure of the theory analysis. The first concept is a system, an entity organized and composed of interrelated and interdependent parts. Homeostasis is the second element, and it is a system that tends to portray resilience towards the external jurisdiction and strives to sustain its essential characteristics. Lastly are boundaries, obstructions that describe a system from other systems present in the environment.

What is the theory’s focus or unit of analysis?

The system theory relies on complexity and interdependence. From the description, the system comprises interdependent groups of events that mingle regularly and establish the plan.

What is the theory’s overall explanation for the cause of problems?

In problem description, system theory focuses widely on the entire picture and does not significant on a single element of the scenario. It emphasizes the whole concept and has a broad appreciation of the relationships on different levels, thus acquiring an interdisciplinary approach. Therefore, according to this theory, the emergence of a problem only occurs after reviewing the situation in context.

Application to a Case Study <Ella Schultz

Directions: For each section, respond to the following prompts. Where relevant, provide citations to support your claims.

In 1 to 2 sentences, how does the theory define the client’s presenting problem?

My chosen case study is of Ella Schultz, a sixteen-year-old white female of German descent. Ella will be enrolled in a teenage-counseling program, and we fully understand that she has a severe problem with running away from home. According to her case, she has been arrested two times on accounts of two occasions for shoplifting and once for loitering in the last seven months

In 1 to 2 sentences, how does the theory explain the cause of the client’s presenting problem?

. Ella’s challenges started when her father started physically abusing her, and her mother seemed disinterested in helping her.

In 1 to 2 sentences, how does the theory explain the social worker’s role for this client?

The role that the social worker will be playing in Ella’s life will revolve around investigating and determining the history of Ella starting from her childhood, family, education, health, and other relevant backgrounds that will assist in determining the main issue and assist her in developing a resolution to the problem. The social worker will also provide advice and proceed to enroll Ella in a system that will enable her to get appropriate education, sound interactions, and medical treatment.

In 1 to 2 sentences, what does the theory say about how this client will improve or change occur?

For Ella, the theory proposes that the entire problem arises from the chain parts of causes. To be able to provide her full support, these sections must be resolved interdependently because, upon approval, her parents will be brought in for a complete history of events in Ella’s life. She will be reunited with her mother and offered the opportunity to acquire appropriate medical assistance, education, and counseling. This will allow her to absorb change gradually and focus more on living a successful life.

Using the theory, list two to three (2–3) assessment questions to ask this client to explore the client’s goals and how they will get there.

The assessment questions include what you wish to do after being discharged from the facility. Do you want to continue with your education?

According to the theory, identify two to three (2–3) specific practice intervention strategies for the client relative to the presenting problem. For each, explain in 1 sentence how it will help meet the client’s goals.

The practice intervention efforts are a medical treatment that will ensure that she undergoes a thorough medical checkup and enroll back in school to help her develop a sense of focus.

Based on the theory, list two to three (2–3) outcomes when analyzing whether an intervention is effective.

The success of the intervention will be determined if Ella can quit shoplifting and go back home. It will also be indicated if she will go back to school.

What is one strength and one limitation in using this theory for this client?

The payback of employing this technique is that Ella will be aware of her situation. On the contrary, the weakness will be that controlling her to undergo these changes might be an issue.

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