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Online MSW Programs / Social Work / 6 Important Theories in Social Work

Six important theories in social work

Social work theories attempt to describe, explain and predict social events based on scientific evidence, studies and research. Social work perspectives draw from psychology, philosophy, economics, education and other fields to attempt to explain what drives and motivates people at various stages of life.

Some social work students studying for a  bachelor’s degree in social work  or  master of social work  may wonder, “Why is theory important in social work?” Studying theory ensures that aspiring professionals are both competent and confident when the time comes to apply social work theories to practice.

Why is theory important in social work?

Social work theories help social workers analyze cases, understand clients, create interventions, predict intervention results, and evaluate outcomes. While the theories are constantly evolving as new evidence is produced, referencing social work theories that have been used over time enables social workers to explore causes of behavior and identify potential solutions.

A crucial objective of learning social work theories is to train and encourage social workers to set aside personal assumptions and beliefs when engaging in social work practice. Social workers should use evidence-based theories to investigate issues and drive their decision making.

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Applying social work theory to practice

Social work theory provides a starting point for social workers to address client problems through a research-based lens.

The theories help social workers better understand complex human behaviors and social environments, which influence their clients lives and the challenges they face. A good grasp of theory that is backed by research-based scientific evidence helps guide social workers by providing them with a sense of direction and purpose.

One challenge when applying social work theories to practice is choosing the right theory for the situation. It can be difficult to assign a single theory to complex client issues. Often, it’s more practical to draw upon the knowledge of multiple theories and use that understanding to design multifaceted interventions.

List of important social work theories

The following list of social work theories includes some of the most widely referenced theories used in social work.

1. Social learning theory

Social learning theory , which is also known as social cognitive theory , was developed by psychologist Albert Bandura. This theory posits that learning occurs by observing others and modeling their behavior.

In order for social learning to occur, a person must want to emulate the person they’re watching. The individual pays close attention to the action and retains the action in memory. Then, the individual must experience a situation where the behavior can be repeated and must be motivated to repeat the behavior.

Social workers can use this theory to better understand how role models affect the behaviors and emotions of their clients. Social learning theory can also help social workers form intervention strategies that use positive modeling and reinforcement to encourage their clients to engage in new positive behaviors.

2. Systems theory

Systems theory proposes that people are products of complex systems, rather than individuals who act in isolation. According to this theory, behavior is influenced by a variety of factors that work together as a system. These factors include family, friends, social settings, religious structure, economic class, and home environment.

Systems theory can be used to treat issues like eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, school trauma, and risky behavior. In ecological systems theory, individuals are observed in multiple environments so that behavior is fully understood. Family systems theory examines the family as a social system influencing behavior and thoughts.

Social workers using systems theory will work to understand how their clients are influenced by the systems they’re a part of. Social workers then identify where systemic breakdowns are affecting behavior.

3. Psychosocial development theory

Psychosocial development theory  was introduced by German psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, who believed personality develops in a series of stages. Erikson created an  eight-stage theory of psychosocial development . According to the theory, the eight stages of development that people pass through in life are:

• Trust versus mistrust
• Autonomy versus shame and doubt
• Initiative versus guilt
• Industry versus inferiority
• Identity versus confusion
• Intimacy versus isolation
• Generativity versus stagnation
• Integrity versus despair

Psychosocial development theory explains that humans pass through these stages as they age. By identifying which stage of development their clients are experiencing, social workers can better understand the challenges their clients face.

4. Psychodynamic theory

Psychodynamic theory  was introduced by the founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. This theory is founded on the idea that humans are biologically driven to seek gratification. The theory states that people do this based on processes that have developed outside of conscious awareness, with origins in childhood experiences. This drive influences everyday behavior, leading to actions like aggression, sex and self-preservation.

In social work, psychodynamic theory can help to explain the internal processes individuals use to guide their behavior , some of which may be unconsciously motivated. Social workers may also examine how early childhood experiences have played a role in influencing their clients’ current behavior.

5. Social exchange theory

Social exchange theory suggests that relationships are based on cost-benefit analysis. Each person seeks to maximize their benefits and is expected to reciprocate for the benefits they’ve received. When risks outweigh potential rewards, relationships may be abandoned. When one person in a relationship has greater personal resources than another, that person is predicted to have greater power as well.

Social workers can use social exchange theory to understand their clients’ relationships,  including why they continue to maintain certain relationships or abandon them.

Social exchange theory can also be applied to the techniques social workers use to connect with their clients. This theory can influence how social workers position the social worker-client relationship as one that benefits their clients.

6. Rational choice theory

Rational choice theory helps explain why people make the choices they do, by weighing risks, costs and benefits. This theory suggests that all choices are rational because people calculate the costs and benefits before making a decision. Even when a choice seems irrational, there is reasoning behind it.

This theory can help social workers understand the decision-making processes and motivations of their clients.

Six practice models in social work

Social work practice models enable social workers to implement theories in their day-to-day work. Just like a social worker may use various theories to guide their interventions, social workers may also use various practice models depending on the problems their clients encounter.

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on how thoughts and feelings influence behaviors, which can sometimes lead to psychological problems. Social workers using cognitive behavioral therapy methods help clients identify self-destructive thoughts that influence negative emotions and behaviors.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used for individuals who are experiencing mental health issues, mental illness or depression resulting from crisis or trauma. Social workers using cognitive behavioral therapy help their clients eliminate negative thoughts to prevent destructive behaviors and adverse outcomes.

2. Crisis intervention model

The crisis intervention model is used for clients who are experiencing crisis and trauma, such as victims of domestic violence, and for clients who require intervention to prevent physical harm or suicide. Albert R. Roberts, PhD, and Allen J. Ottens, PhD, developed a  seven-stage crisis intervention model :

• Take a psychosocial and lethality assessment.
• Rapidly establish rapport.
• Identify the major crisis cause(s).
• Enable the client to express their feelings and emotions.
• Generate and explore safe alternatives for coping.
• Create an action plan.
• Follow up after the intervention.

This social work model can be used for clients who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm or who have undergone an acute crisis, like rape or violence.

3. Narrative therapy

Narrative therapy is the process of helping the individual recognize that they have the power to change their life story, also known as the narrative. Narrative therapy helps individuals realize that they are separate from their problems and can fix them when they view the narrative from an outside perspective.

Using narrative therapy, a social worker can help an individual create a new narrative with different positive actions. The social worker enables the individual to understand how the broader context is contributing to their narrative, so that they can be aware of pitfalls to avoid and can utilize various strategies to tackle their problems.

4. Problem-solving model

The problem-solving model was created by Helen Harris Perlman , a social worker and author of “Social Casework: A Problem-solving Process.” Using the problem-solving model, a social worker helps an individual identify a problem, create an action plan to solve it, and implement the solution. Together, the social worker and individual discuss the effectiveness of the problem-solving strategy and adjust it as necessary. The problem-solving model enables the social worker and individual to focus on one concrete problem at a time.

5. Solution-focused therapy

Solution-focused therapy involves the social worker and client identifying a problem and creating a solution based on the individual’s strengths. It’s a short-term practice model that focuses on helping clients cope with challenges using specific behaviors. Instead of focusing on changing who a client is, solution-focused therapy attempts to change a client’s actions in certain situations to achieve more favorable outcomes.

Collaborating to create solutions allows the client to play an active role in implementing necessary actions and achieving positive change.

6. Task-centered practice

Using task-centered practice, a social worker breaks down a problem into manageable tasks. The individual has deadlines to complete the tasks and agrees to meet them. Task-centered practice is a goal-setting form of social work that helps individuals make consistent steps toward improving their lives.

Instead of focusing on the past, this type of practice encourages clients to live in the present and think about how completing certain tasks will positively impact their future.

Resources to explore social work theories

Social work theories have been practiced over decades and continually evolve when new research is completed. Learn more about social work theories by exploring the resources below.

• Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work : This journal features research on evidence-based practice in social work and evaluates social work theory, techniques, and strategies.
• Journal of Social Work Practice : This journal focuses on psychodynamic and systemic social work perspectives. It features research on theory and practice and includes articles offering critical analysis of systemic and psychodynamic theory.
• Journal of Social Work : This journal includes social work research and short “think pieces” on social work theoretical understanding, policy, and practice.
• Social Work:  This journal is the official journal of the National Association of Social Workers and features articles on social work and social welfare, including new techniques and research.
• Clinical Social Work Journal:  This journal features peer-reviewed articles on clinical social work practice with individuals, groups, families, and couples. It also has articles on theory developments, practice and evidence-based clinical research.

Introductory books

• “A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory” : This textbook by David Howe explains how social work practice is influenced by various social work theories and shows how social work theories have evolved over time.
• “An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods”:    This book by Barbra Teater explains the most prominent social work theories and how those approaches can be used in practice.
• “Social Work Theory and Practice”:  This book by Lesley Deacon and Stephen J. Macdonald explains how social work theory informs practice for various individuals and contexts.
• “Modern Social Work Theory”:  This book by Malcolm Payne introduces the major social work practice theories and explains how to apply theory to practice.
• “An Introduction to Using Theory in Social Work Practice”:  This book by James A. Forte covers 14 social work theories and explains how to use them from engagement through evaluation.

Note: the links in this section on Social Work Theory all go to Google Books and are solely provided for your information. edX does not receive any form of compensation for these links.

Other online resources

• NASW Clinical Social Work : This section of the National Association of Social Workers website covers clinical social work practice. It features content, publications, and related resources for clinical social workers, like the “ NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice (PDF, 135 KB) .”
• Encyclopedia of Social Work:  The Encyclopedia of Social Work by the National Association of Social Workers Press and Oxford University Press features tools for applying social work theory to practice. These resources include scholarly articles and bibliographies.
• Social Work Today :  This publication features articles on current social work trends in categories like behavioral health, addictions, children and family, aging and professional practice.

Science-based social work theory helps social workers and their clients succeed

Social work theory helps professionals in the field identify and implement effective interventions for clients. An understanding of the most prominent social work theories gives social workers the tools they need to provide evidence-based treatment and help their clients overcome their problems. As social work theories continue to evolve and emerge, social workers can apply their multifaceted knowledge to unique situations and clients.

Are you considering a career in social work? Read more about the field of social work and the steps to becoming a social worker , which can vary by location. 

Last updated: November 2023

Theories Used in Social Work

Social workers are employed throughout a variety of settings and guide people from all walks of life. Regardless of their context, social workers can leverage some core theories and practice models to help clients throughout the industry.

Common Theories and Practice Models in Social Work

In many ways, social work is a science. Social workers can guide their clients, but they don’t carry out their practice based on their own opinion and/or style. Instead, social workers study specific clinical theories that are grounded in research to inform how they implement clinical practice in a methodological manner. In fact, clinical social workers need to obtain both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in order to fully understand these theories and master therapeutic practice models.

At its core, social work focuses on “person-in-environment” (PIE) theory. This considers clients within their psychosocial contexts, and it connects to micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. This guide explores how each theory and practice model functions within the PIE theory.

Social workers learn about these theories during their education. You can learn more about these academic programs with these resources: a guide to social work bachelor’s degrees , master’s degrees , and online master’s degrees .

Why is Theory Important in Social Work?

As any social work professor can tell you, understanding clinical theories are an essential part of a social worker’s job. It allows social workers to explore certain origins of behavior with evidence-based approaches. Social workers also lean on these theories and practices to address client problems with research to back up their practice. This is especially important, as social workers need to avoid personal assumptions or biases from interfering with effective treatment plans.

Learning about these theories can also help social workers implement effective solutions rather than grasping at straws. If a certain therapeutic approach does not work, social workers can examine the reasons and use what they’ve learned to try a different approach.

Common Social Work Theories

Social workers can incorporate components of several different clinical theories in their work with clients. Some popular approaches for social workers include theories of systems, social learning, psychosocial development, psychodynamic, transpersonal, and rational choice.

Many of these theories have been developed within the past century, and several draw upon Sigmund Freud’s theories of psychoanalysis. Some of these theories encompass a broad outlook (such as systems theory), while others focus on specific conflicts (like psychosocial theory). Not every social worker uses every theory, while some social workers might use elements of each one. You can read more information about the most common social work theories below.

Systems theory assumes that human behavior is the result of a larger system comprised of several elements, including the relationships between these elements, as well as external factors like their environment. These factors could involve a person’s family, peers, school, work, or community. Sociologists have identified many different types of systems, including microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems, and macrosystems.

Social work professionals examine how the systems in which their clients live affect their behaviors. For instance, living in a system of poverty can have a significant impact on how a person makes decisions. Social workers can devise strategies based on these systems in order to provide a more concise treatment plan for their client.

Developed by psychologist Albert Bandura in the 1970s, social learning theory accounts for how the behavior of other people can affect somebody’s behavior. Bandura argued that individuals pick up behaviors by observing and imitating the people around them. Unlike behavioral theories, social learning theory proposes that people actively and mentally process other people’s behaviors before imitating them.

Social workers may take into account social learning theory when working with children who take on aggressive or violent behaviors, for example. The children may mimic their parents or other significant adults in their lives. When social workers are able to identify the origin of a child’s behaviors, they are able to effectively create a treatment approach.

Influenced by the seminal work of Freud, psychologist Erik Erikson proposes several stages of development relating to a person’s ego identity, personal identity, and social and cultural identity. Erikson’s theory argues that humans struggle with specific conflicts throughout different stages of their life. Those conflicts include:

• Trust vs. mistrust in infancy
• Autonomy vs. shame and doubt in early childhood
• Initiative vs. guilt in preschool age
• Industry vs. inferiority in school age
• Identity vs. role confusion in adolescence
• Intimacy vs. isolation in young adulthood
• Generativity vs. stagnation in middle adulthood
• Ego integrity vs. despair in maturity

Erikson’s theory suggests that if humans effectively navigate these tensions at each stage of their life, they can develop a healthy ego. Social workers may consider these conflicts when working with their clients. It is important to note that each stage correlates with an emotional stage which could also be in conflict with a developmental stage.

Introduced by Freud at the turn of the 20th century — and popularized by Carl Jung, Melanie Klein, and Anna Freud — psychodynamic theory argues that our personalities develop because of various internal forces. Freud wrote that our personalities are largely shaped during our early childhood, and our personality consists of three main parts: id (impulse), ego (decision-making), and superego (conscience). Psychodynamic theory also prioritizes a person’s unconscious thought process as the root of their behaviors.

Social workers may use psychodynamic theory to help clients examine the underlying causes of certain behaviors — often considering the clients’ childhood — to help explain why they act a certain way. Social workers may offer different types of therapies based on psychodynamic theory, including transference and dream analysis.

Transpersonal theory approaches humans with a holistic philosophy, and considers factors like spirituality, the relationship between the body and the mind, and consciousness. Psychologists generally do not consider transpersonal theory to be scientific, but many therapists or mental health professionals integrate elements of transpersonal theory into their practice. They might use meditation, mindfulness practices, or hypnotherapy on their patients.

Rational choice theory argues that people make decisions and carry out behaviors based on their own rational thought processes, especially if those decisions ultimately benefit the individual. This theory directly opposes some other clinical theories that suggest people make decisions on unconscious thought processes.

Although rational choice theory is often found within economic theory, social workers can also apply these principles to their job. To understand why clients make certain decisions, social workers can examine how those clients believed their choices would benefit them. Social workers also can develop solutions and suggest resources to assist clients with achieving their goals.

Common Practice Models in Social Work

While social workers integrate various clinical theories into their practice, they can also implement specific therapeutic models. The theories above may explain the causes of a person’s struggles; however, practice models allow social workers to carry out specific approaches to treat those struggles.

The section below outlines some of the most common practice models, including cognitive behavioral therapy, crisis intervention model, narrative therapy, problem-solving model, solution-focused therapy, and task-centered therapy. Some of these methods overlap or share characteristics with each other, but each serves a purpose for specific clients and circumstances.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) identifies unhealthy patterns of thinking and attempts to rewrite these patterns.

People often convince themselves that their frequently distorted thoughts are true. CBT forces individuals to question and confront these distortions. For instance, somebody might find themselves in fear of social situations, because they imagine a worst-case scenario that they will humiliate themselves. CBT pushes that person to examine these assumptions and instead consider new scenarios and outlooks.

People who struggle with anxiety and depression often find CBT helpful, and many clinical social workers incorporate CBT into their therapeutic practice.

Crisis intervention model is much what it sounds like: in times of acute psychological strain or distress, social workers and mental health professionals intervene before that crisis turns into harm. Albert Roberts and Allen Ottens propose seven steps to crisis intervention. These include conducting a safety assessment, establishing psychological contact, identifying the major problems, helping the patient explore their feelings, looking for new coping mechanisms, creating an action plan, and planning follow-ups.

Social workers can use the crisis intervention model for clients suffering from major trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, or suicidal thoughts, among others. This model of crisis intervention works in a voluntary manner, which means that clients must be open to the process.

Narrative therapy is based on the theory that individuals turn their personal experiences into stories. In other words, they create narratives of their own lives. This type of therapy relies on four major principles: “objective truth” does not exist; reality is a social construct; language can influence how we view reality; and narratives help us organize our personal realities.

Narrative therapy encourages clients to distance themselves from their personal experiences by taking on the role of a narrator and rewriting the script. This can help them change harmful and disruptive thinking patterns, especially those shaped by trauma.

Helen Harris Perlman proposed the problem-solving model in the 1950s specifically for the field of social work. At the time, many social work theories and therapies relied on psychotherapy; Perlman instead argued that social workers could more effectively help clients by focusing on one problem at a time.

Focusing on smaller problems allows clients to develop and follow through with action plans to confront those issues in a manageable way. This method — also called “partializing” — would make therapies more manageable for social workers and clients alike, and professionals still use Perlman’s proposals.

Solution-focused therapy, or solution focused brief therapy, concentrates on an individual’s present and future situations. This therapy involves a departure from psychodynamic-influenced theories that focus on a person’s past and childhood.

Solution-focused therapy proposes immediate, manageable solutions that allow patients to better cope with their problems. A mental health professional or social worker employing this type of therapy might challenge a client to imagine their future life without their problem, or they might help individuals recognize and better harness copy mechanisms that they already use. Social workers might implement solution-focused therapy for adolescents with behavioral problems or families with conflicts, to name a couple of examples.

Task-centered practice shares many principles with the problem-solving model and solution-focused therapy, but it tends to follow an even more focused and quick approach. Task-centered practice usually only lasts 8-12 sessions, and clients concentrate on achieving measurable goals. Clients and social workers create action plans with specific tasks, and then clients carry out those tasks.

Social workers can integrate this type of therapy into many different types of settings. They might work with students with disruptive behavioral issues, soon-to-be-discharged hospital patients, or older clients at nursing homes.

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Melissa Russiano, LCSW, LISW

Melissa Russiano is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice that has organically developed into a specialty working with helping professionals. Russiano has a proven track record helping professionals avoid burnout in a unique way that holds clinicians accountable through laughter, tears, blunt (yet very supportive) feedback and quirky analogies that are grounded in solid theoretical research. Russiano practices solely in a virtual setting in the states of California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Additionally, Russiano is a professor imparting her experiences and knowledge in the field to future social workers in a graduate program through Simmons University online.

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Integrated Practice: A Framework for Problem Solving

Ruth J. Parsons, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208. Santos H. Hernandez, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Social Work Education, California State University-Fresno. James D. Jorgensen, MSW, is Professor, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver. The authors acknowledge M. S. Gould for her contribution to Table 1.

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Ruth J. Parsons, Santos H. Hernandez, James D. Jorgensen, Integrated Practice: A Framework for Problem Solving, Social Work , Volume 33, Issue 5, September-October 1988, Pages 417–421, https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/33.5.417

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For social workers to be prepared to practice in postindustrial society, social work education must teach practice perspectives that view the whole of social problems and that concentrate on the habilitation of victims of those problems. An integrated practice framework for social work assumes the root of problems originates in the larger environmental context and must be resolved by the collective action of both victims and nonvictims. In this article, the theoretical constructs, values, basic assumptions, practice principles, and strategies contained in an integrated practice approach are discussed.

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Theories & Practice Models Used in Social Work

Private practices. Mental health clinics. Child welfare service agencies.  Occupying a variety of professional settings, social workers are united by a shared mission: helping others live better lives.

In order to do that, they must first understand what makes their clients tick. As a social worker, studying different social work theories and social work practice models can help to bring you closer to your clients — equipping you with actionable insights that inform empathetic, evidence-based service.

Inspired by the scientific method, social work theories uncover the why of human behavior, while social work practice models reveal how you can effect change for individuals, couples, families, and communities at large.

If you’re looking for Social Work Practice Models, jump down here.

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The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

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List of Theories Used in Social Work

As a social worker, more knowledge can lead to a more informed approach, and more effective client interactions. Here, we’ll dig into decades of research to share a comprehensive set of social work theories and practice models, including:

Systems Theory

Behaviorism and social learning theory, psychodynamic theory, developmental perspective, rational choice perspective, conflict theory, ecological systems theory, family systems theory, contingency theory.

The 1950s were a decade of global innovation. From barcodes to credit cards, commercial computers to video cassette records, cutting-edge inventions were taking the stage. Around the same time, a new social work development was making its debut: systems theory.

Inspired by major advancements in the fields of psychology, communication, and psychiatry,  systems theory is based on the belief that individuals don’t operate in isolation . Rather, the theory positions people as products of complex systems: influenced by a variety of external factors, including other individuals, families, communities, and organizations.

Learn more about System Theory in Social Work.

Developed by the  American psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner , ecological systems theory emphasizes the importance of observing people in multiple environments, or systems, to fully understand their behavior. In his theory, Bronfenbrenner outlines five distinct systems:

• The  microsystem  is someone’s small, immediate environment. For a child, this usually includes direct family, teachers, peers, and caregivers. Relationships in the microsystem are bi-directional—for instance, a parent treating a child with kindness will likely affect how the child treats the parent in return. For this reason, some consider the microsystem to be the most influential level of the ecological systems theory.
• The  mesosystem  consists of interactions between the different parts of a person’s microsystem. For instance, between a child’s parent and teacher. A social worker using this theory in everyday practice might ask themselves: “Are the different parts of my client’s microsystem working together towards a positive impact or working against each other?”
• The  exosystem  is an individual’s indirect environment. Consider a child whose father is an active duty soldier. Though the military isn’t a part of that child’s direct environment, it still influences them mentally and emotionally, and can impact their thoughts, relationships, and behavior.
• The  macrosystem  is a society’s overarching set of beliefs, values, and norms. This system often has a cascading effect on behavior in all the other systems, serving as a filter through which an individual interprets their experiences. For instance, a child might grow up thinking their socioeconomic status is a limiting factor in life. This macrosystem-level belief may cause them to behave differently in school — for positive or for negative, depending on the individual.
• The  chronosystem  includes major changes that influence an individual’s development overtime. This could include changes in family structure, employment status, or address, as well as large societal changes like wars, civil rights movements, or economic flux.

Family systems theory was developed in the mid-1950s, while  American psychiatrist Murray Bowen was working at the National Institute of Mental Health . Based on his knowledge of family patterns and systems theory, Bowen believed that the personalities, emotions, and behaviors of grown individuals could be traced back to their family interactions. The family, he suggested, is an emotional unit and can therefore play a formative role in development.

Within social work, professionals may enable families to try out different ways of doing things, such as teaching a parent on how to maintain appropriate boundaries with their child. The family is identified as a social system and therapy engages that concept to support the growth of clients.

Contingency theory explains that individual outcomes are contingent on a variety of specific situational factors. In the realm of social work, contingency theory can inspire you to seek understanding by considering all of the internal and external influences that are contributing to a client’s problem.

Systems Theory Related Resources

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) – Systems-Based Practice
• Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research
• The Bowen Center
• The Ecology of Human Development by Urie Bronfenbrenner
• Effective Social Work with Children, Young People and Families: Putting Systems Theory into Practice
• GoodTherapy – Systems Theory/Therapy
• New England Association for Family and Systemic Therapy (NEAFAST) – What is Systems Theory?
• Psychology Today – Family Systems Theory
• Systems Theory in Social Work

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• Behaviorism
• Cognitive Theory

What drives human behavior?  It’s a question that’s been asked for decades on end — and one that’s particularly relevant to the field of social work. Both behaviorism and social learning theory provide social workers with a useful framework for understanding clients.

By learning how past experiences influence present-day behavior, you can develop a research-backed approach to providing targeted care.

Social learning theory was developed by the influential Stanford University psychologist Albert Bandura. In 1961, Bandura conducted his most widely known experiment: the  Bobo doll study . In this experiment, children watched an adult shout at and beat a Bobo doll on television.

Later that same day, the children were left to play in a room containing a Bobo doll — and those who’d seen the film were more likely to torment the doll, imitating the behavior they’d been exposed to earlier. As a result, social learning theory posits that learning occurs through observation and imitation.

Learn more about  Social Learning Theory in Social Work.

Behaviorism and Behavioral Theory

According to behaviorism, all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. By adding in a conditioned stimulus before an unconditioned stimulus that leads to an unconditioned response, the conditioned stimulus will lead to a new conditioned response. In his famous experiment,  Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov  conditioned dogs to produce saliva at the sound of a metronome. By consistently introducing the metronome before feeding time, he found that the sound alone would lead to salivation — in anticipation of feeding time.

Similarly, humans can be conditioned to respond to specific stimuli. For instance, a child may work harder in school if they are promised a reward for receiving good grades.

Cognitive Theory in Social Work

Cognitive theory  uncovers how a person’s thinking influences behavior. This theory places emphasis on dysfunctional thought patterns that influence problematic behaviors — what we tell ourselves after an event. Social works may utilize this approach in therapy sessions to link dysfunctional thoughts that occur after and before behaviors.

Behaviorism and Social Learning Theory Related Resources

• American Psychological Association (APA) – “Albert Bandura to receive National Medal of Science”
• Association for Psychological Science (APS) – What Happened to Behaviorism
• Berkeley Graduate Division: Graduate Student Instructor Teaching & Resource Center – Behaviorism
• BMC Medical Education – Using Social Learning Theory to Explore the Process of Learning from Role Models in Clinical Settings
• Psychology Today – Behaviorism
• Psychology Today – Social Learning Theory
• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Behaviorism
• Social Learning Theory – By Albert Bandura
• Social Learning Theory in Social Work
• Youtube Video from The Curious Classroom – Bandura and Social Learning Theory

Drive Theory

Ego psychology, object relations theory, self psychology.

Originally introduced by Sigmund Freud,  psychodynamic theory  has a storied history within social work. This theory is based on Freud’s belief that humans are intra-psychologically driven to seek gratification and that these impulses largely influence our everyday behavior. Psychodynamic theory has four major schools of thought: drive theory, ego psychology, object relations theory and self-psychology.

This psychodynamic theory is based on Freud’s belief that humans are biologically driven to seek gratification of their endogenous drive — and that these impulses largely influence our everyday behavior. Per Freud, these primary drives include sex, self-preservation, and aggression. Impositions on these drives may be external or internal via superego and ego; psychic structures introduced by Freud. Social workers who approach clients with theoretical orientation on drive may posit that a client’s actions are based on an innate suppression of, otherwise, socially unacceptable actions.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA),  ego psychology  is an approach that emphasizes the functions of the ego in controlling impulses, planning, and dealing with the external environment. Freud believed that the ego is weak in relation to one’s id. Ego psychology combines biological and psychological views of development by understanding the influences of socio cultural impacts on function.

Object-relations theory is a branch of psychodynamic thought that suggests relationships are more critical to personality development than individual drives and abilities. Accordingly, social workers may want to study the interactions between a client and the people who played a significant role in their life in early childhood.

Self psychology was introduced by Austrian psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut in the early 1970s and has since become one of social work’s most significant analytic theories. According to self psychology, humans have a distinct set of development needs and transferences: mirroring, idealizing, and alter ego. If a parent fails to meet those needs in childhood, an individual may wind up unable to regulate self-esteem — and therefore, may be overly dependent on others to provide those functions. In the realm of social work, this calls for a careful understanding of early occurrences and shortcomings.

Psychodynamic Related Resources

• PsychCentral – Psychodynamic Therapy
• Psychodynamic Theory – By Kathleen Holtz Deal
• Psychology Today – Psychodynamic Therapy
• SAMSHA/CSAT Treatment Improvement Protocols – Brief Interventions and Brief Therapies for Substance Abuse – Brief Psychodynamic Therapy
• Psychosocial Development Theory

Transpersonal Theory

Growth. Change. Consistency.  By adopting a developmental perspective, social workers can start uncovering the patterns of a person’s life. A large portion of developmental theories focus on childhood, since this is such a formative time.

Psychosocial Developmental Theory

Inspired by the earlier work of Sigmund Freud, German psychoanalyst Erik Erikson developed an eight-stage theory of identity and psychosocial development. According to Erikson, everyone must pass through eight stages of development throughout their life cycle: hope, will, purpose, competence, fidelity, love, care, and wisdom. As a social worker, you may find it useful to identify a client’s current stage to pinpoint what challenges they’re currently facing.

Transpersonal theory  suggests the existence of stages beyond the adult ego. These stages contribute to creativity, wisdom, and altruism in healthy individuals—but can lead to psychosis in those lacking healthy ego development. In social work, transpersonal theory may be used to treat anxiety, depression, addiction and other mental health concerns. Typically spiritual approaches as used such as meditation, guided visualization, hypnotherapy and more.

Developmental Perspective Related Resources

• A Lifespan Developmental Perspective on Psychosocial Development in Midlife – By Tara L. Kuther and Kaitlyn Burnell
• Liberty University – Theories of Psychosocial Development
• Midlife Eriksonian Psychosocial Development: Setting the Stage for Cognitive and Emotional Health in Late Life – By Johanna C. Malone, Sabrina R. Liu, George E. Vaillant, Dorene M. Rentz, and Robert J. Waldinger
• Psychosocial Theory: Erikson – By Doug Davis and Alan Clifton
• Psychology Today – Our Hierarchy of Needs
• Psychology Today – Transpersonal Therapy
• A Review of Transpersonal Theory and Its Application to the Practice of Psychotherapy – By Mark C. Kasprow, M.D. and Bryce W. Scotton, M.D.
• Social Work and Social Development – Edited By James Midgley and Amy Conley

Social Exchange Theory

Social constructionism, symbolic interactionism.

Rational choice perspective is based on the idea that people calculate risks and benefits before making any decision, since all actions are fundamentally rational in character. Studying this theory can help social workers better understand client behavior. For instance, an action that seems objectively irrational to some, may make more sense upon closer examination of the individual’s context.

Social exchange theory  dates back to 1958, when American sociologist George Homans published the paper “Social Behavior as Exchange.” According to Homans, any two-person relationship can be viewed in terms of cost-benefit analysis— what am I giving, and what am I getting in return?  The  APA defines social exchange theory  as a concern of social interactions in exchanges where all participants seek to maximize their benefits. Within social work, professionals may utilize their theory to better understand interactions with their client and others around them — diving into the intrinsic rewards they may receive.

True. False. Good. Bad. Right. Wrong.  In social constructionism, these are all relative concepts, entirely dependent on the person who is interpreting them. This concept abandons the idea that one’s mind represents a mirror of reality—rather, it suggests that each of us creates our own world from our individual perceptions and interactions with others in the community.

Symbolic interactionism positions communication as the central way in which people make sense of their social worlds. American psychologist Herbert Blumer introduced three premises of symbolic interactionism:

• Humans interact with objects, institutions, and other individuals based on ascribed meanings.
• These ascribed meanings are inspired by our interactions with others and society.
• The meanings are interpreted by individuals in specific circumstances.

Imagine, for example, that your client professes a love for baking. Adopting a lens of symbolic interactionism, you may dig deeper into the ascribed meaning behind this act. Perhaps your client makes meringues because they used to help their mother do so in childhood — and for them, escaping to the kitchen is an act of comfort and safety.

Rational Choice Perspective Related Resources

• Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) – Behavior Analysis and Social Constructionism: Some Points of Contact and Departure by Bryan Roche and Dermot Barnes-Holmes
• Cornell University ILR School – Social Exchange Theory of Emotions by Edward J. Lawler and Shane R. Thye
• Iowa State University – Social Exchange Theory by Mark V. Redmond
• Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services – Rational Choice and Routine Activities Theory
• Rational Choice Theory: Advocacy and Critique – Edited by James S. Coleman and Thomas J. Fararo
• What is Social Constructionism? – By Tom Andrews

Conflict theory explains how different power structures impact people’s lives. In this theory, life is characterized by conflict—whether that’s oppression, discrimination, power struggles, or structural inequality. In addressing these asymmetrical power relationships, social workers can strive to reduce tensions between different groups.

Practice Models Used in Social Work

Problem solving model.

• Task Centered Practice
• Solution Focused Therapy

Narrative Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, crisis intervention model.

Read on to discover how these practice models are used by social workers in a variety of settings.

Proposed by Helen Harris Perlman in her book Social Casework: A Problem-solving Process, the problem solving model. Ms. Perlman posited that “success could be achieved by partializing – or separating into manageable segments – a client’s intertwined problems and focusing on one specific issue the client and social worker agreed needed to be resolved at a given time”, according to  The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration . Utilizing this model, social workers are employed to address one concern of a client as to be resolved, at any given time. This allows for therapy for clients to be more manageable.

Task-Centered Practice

Beginning at the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration,  task-centered practice (TCP)  is a four step process that trains social workers to work with clients in establishing specific and achievable goals based upon their concern for therapy. Through this model, social workers empower clients to drive their therapy by asking what they most want to work on to address their problems.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Solution-focused therapy  was developed out of necessity, as a brief theory, in an inner city outpatient mental health setting bySteve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg and their colleagues. This approach focuses on finding solutions in the from the past, for the present — in hopes of achieving quicker problem resolution. Social workers may use this theory when focusing more on the present and future, asking questions like “What would you be doing this weekend that supports your therapy goals?”.

Narrative therapy can be an effective way of separating a client from their problems. By examining a person’s life story, this social work practice model externalizes struggles, allowing individuals to adopt a new perspective and see the bigger picture. From a distance, they may be able to reframe their situation—recognizing that their self-worth and purpose are separate from their problems. When told from a third-person perspective, a story of hardship may transform into a story of resilience.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the leading treatments for many mental health conditions. This social work practice model focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—encouraging clients to identify patterns of irrational and self-destructive thoughts and behaviors that impact emotions.

Crisis intervention includes seven stages: assess safety and lethality, rapport building, problem identification, address feelings, generate alternatives, develop a plan of action, and follow up. This social work practice model is used when someone is experiencing an acute crisis — and is commonly used with clients who are expressing suicidal intent.

If you would like to become a social worker, but are not sure what degree options are available for you, explore our list of  accredited masters in social worker online programs .

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In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Brief Therapies in Social Work: Task-Centered Model and Solution-Focused Therapy

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• Behavioral Social Work Practice
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Brief Therapies in Social Work: Task-Centered Model and Solution-Focused Therapy by Cynthia Franklin , Krystallynne Mikle LAST REVIEWED: 30 September 2013 LAST MODIFIED: 30 September 2013 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780195389678-0188

Brief therapies serve as evidenced-based practices that place a strong emphasis on effective, time-limited treatments that aid in resolving clients’ presenting problems. The resources presented in this article summarize for professionals and educators the abundant literature evaluating brief therapies within social work practice. Brief therapies have appeared in many different schools of psychotherapy, and several approaches have also evolved within social work practice, but two approaches—the task-centered model and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)—stand out as being grounded in research and have also gained international acclaim as important interventions for implementation and further study. These two approaches are the focus of this bibliography. The task-centered model and SFBT were developed by social work practitioners and researchers for the purposes of making clinical practice more effective, and they share a common bond in hoping to improve the services delivered to clients. Since the development of the task-centered and solution-focused approaches, brief therapies have become essential to the work of all types of psychotherapists and clinicians, and many of the principles and practices of brief therapy that are a part of the task-centered and solution-focused approaches are now essential to psychotherapy training. Clinical social workers practicing from the perspective of the task-centered model and SFBT approaches work from several brief therapy assumptions. The first regards the client/therapist relationship. The best way to help clients is to work within a collaborative relationship to discover options for coping and new behavior that may also lead to specific tasks and solutions for change that are identified by the client. Second is the assumption that change can happen quickly and can be lasting. Third, focus on the past may not be as helpful to most clients as a focus on the present and the future. The fourth regards a pragmatic perspective about where the change occurs. The best approach to practice is pragmatic, and effective practitioners recognize that what happens in a client’s life is more important than what happens in a social worker’s office. The fifth assumption is that change can happen more quickly and be maintained when practitioners utilize the strengths and resources that exist within the client and his or her environment. The next assumption is that a small change made by clients may cause significant and major life changes. The seventh assumption is associated with creating goals. It is important to focus on small, concrete goal construction and helping the client move toward small steps to achieve those goals. The next regards change. Change is viewed as hard work and involves focused effort and commitment from the client and social worker. There will be homework assignments and following through on tasks. Also, it is assumed that it is important to establish and maintain a clear treatment focus (often considered the most important element in brief treatment). Parsimony is also considered to be a guiding principle (i.e., given two equally effective treatments, the one requiring less investment of time and energy is preferable). Last, it is assumed that without evidence to the contrary, the client’s stated problem is taken as the valid focus of treatment. The task-centered model and SFBT have developed a strong empirical base, and both approaches operate from a goal-oriented and strengths perspective. Both approaches have numerous applications and have successfully been used with many different types of clients and practice settings. Both approaches have also been expanded to applications in macro social work that focus on work within management- and community-based practices. For related Oxford Bibliographies entries, see Task-Centered Practice and Solution-Focused Therapy .

Task-Centered Model Literature

The task-centered model is an empirically grounded approach to social work practice that appeared in the mid-1960s at Columbia University and was developed in response to research reports that indicated social work was not effective with clients. William J. Reid was the chief researcher who helped develop this model, and he integrated many therapeutic perspectives to create the task-centered approach, including ideas from behavioral therapies. The task-centered model evolved out of the psychodynamic practice and uses a brief, problem-solving approach to help clients resolve presenting problems. The task-centered model is currently used in clinical social work and group work and may also be applied to other types of social work practice.

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Theories Used in Social Work Practice & Practice Models

Social work theories are general explanations that are supported by evidence obtained through the scientific method. A theory may explain human behavior, for example, by describing how humans interact or how humans react to certain stimuli.

Social work practice models describe how social workers can implement theories. Practice models provide social workers with a blueprint of how to help others based on the underlying social work theory. While a theory explains why something happens, a practice model shows how to use a theory to create change.

Social Work Theories

There are many social work theories that guide social work practice. Here are some of the major theories that are generally accepted in the field of social work:

Systems theory  describes human behavior in terms of complex systems. It is premised on the idea that an effective system is based on individual needs, rewards, expectations, and attributes of the people living in the system. According to this theory, families, couples, and organization members are directly involved in resolving a problem even if it is an individual issue.

Social learning theory is based on Albert Bandura’s idea that learning occurs through observation and imitation. New behavior will continue if it is reinforced. According to this theory, rather than simply hearing a new concept and applying it, the learning process is made more efficient if the new behavior is modeled as well.

Psychosocial development theory  is an eight-stage theory of identity and psychosocial development articulated by Erik Erikson. Erikson believed everyone must pass through eight stages of development over the life cycle: hope, will, purpose, competence, fidelity, love, care, and wisdom. Each stage is divided into age ranges from infancy to older adults.

Psychodynamic theory  was developed by Freud, and it explains personality in terms of conscious and unconscious forces. This social work theory describes the personality as consisting of the id (responsible for following basic instincts), the superego (attempts to follow rules and behave morally), and the ego (mediates between the id and the ego).

Transpersonal theory  proposes additional stages beyond the adult ego. In healthy individuals, these stages contribute to creativity, wisdom, and altruism. In people lacking healthy ego development, experiences can lead to psychosis.

Rational choice theory  is based on the idea that all action is fundamentally rational in character, and people calculate the risks and benefits of any action before making decisions.

Social Work Practice Models

There are many different practice models that influence the way social workers choose to help people meet their goals. Here are some of the major social work practice models used in various roles, such as case managers and therapists:

Problem solving  assists people with the problem solving process. Rather than tell clients what to do, social workers teach clients how to apply a problem solving method so they can develop their own solutions.

Task-centered practice  is a short-term treatment where clients establish specific, measurable goals. Social workers and clients collaborate together and create specific strategies and steps to begin reaching those goals.

Narrative therapy  externalizes a person’s problem by examining the story of the person’s life. In the story, the client is not defined by the problem, and the problem exists as a separate entity. Instead of focusing on a client’s depression, in this social work practice model, a client would be encouraged to fight against the depression by looking at the skills and abilities that may have previously been taken for granted.

Cognitive behavioral therapy  focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Social workers assist clients in identifying patterns of irrational and self-destructive thoughts and behaviors that influence emotions.

Crisis intervention model  is used when someone is dealing with an acute crisis. The model includes seven stages: assess safety and lethality, rapport building, problem identification, address feelings, generate alternatives, develop an action plan, and follow up. This social work practice model is commonly used with clients who are expressing suicidal ideation.

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Mapping practice: problem solving in clinical social work

• PMID: 10270872

This working guide to solving problems uses diagrams to illustrate a five-phase process that social workers can employ to structure and monitor their practice. It specifies the stages and tasks of the process yet allows for flexibility in choosing interventions.

• Models, Theoretical
• Problem Solving*
• Social Work*

Social Work Theory and Ethics pp 1–26 Cite as

Person-Centred Approaches to Social Work Practice

• Adrian D. van Breda 5  
• Living reference work entry
• First Online: 14 May 2022

657 Accesses

1 Citations

Part of the book series: Social Work ((SOWO))

This chapter addresses social work practice approaches (or theories and models) that focus on facilitating change in the person, rather than change in social environment, for example. The author notes that in many countries social workers gravitate towards individual, person-centred social work. These person-centred approaches to social work, however, are not oblivious to the environments surrounding individuals. The author argues strongly that person-centred practice does and must take cognisance of the social environment, though this is made complex by social work’s reliance on practice models drawn from other professions, notably psychology. In light of this, four practice approaches developed by and conceptualised within social work receive thorough attention: task-centred social work, strengths-based social work (including the strengths perspective), relational social work and narrative therapy (with mention of solution-focused brief therapy). In addition, the chapter also addresses five practice approaches that do not emanate from social work, but are used extensively by social workers, viz. person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, psychodynamic therapy and motivational interviewing. The author draws not only on classical writings and contemporary summaries of these approaches, but also cutting-edge social work research on each of the approaches. The chapter concludes with a call to social workers to ensure the location of person-centred practice approaches within the broader social, systemic and structural environments around persons.

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van Breda, A.D. (2022). Person-Centred Approaches to Social Work Practice. In: Hölscher, D., Hugman, R., McAuliffe, D. (eds) Social Work Theory and Ethics. Social Work. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-3059-0_8-1

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The social worker's role in the problem-solving process

First, a question: what's that mean exactly? 

The Problem-Solving Process

The problem-solving process is a systematic approach used to identify, analyze, and resolve issues or challenges. It typically involves several steps:

Identification of the Problem: The first step is to clearly define and identify the problem or issue that needs to be addressed. This involves understanding the symptoms and root causes of the problem, as well as its impact on individuals, groups, or the community.

Gathering Information: Once the problem is identified, relevant information and data are gathered to gain a deeper understanding of the issue. This may involve conducting research, collecting data, or consulting with stakeholders who are affected by or have expertise in the problem.

Analysis of the Problem: In this step, the information collected is analyzed to identify patterns, underlying causes, and contributing factors to the problem. This helps in developing a comprehensive understanding of the problem and determining possible solutions.

Generation of Solutions: Based on the analysis, a range of potential solutions or strategies is generated to address the problem. Brainstorming, creative thinking techniques, and consultation with others may be used to generate diverse options.

Evaluation of Solutions: Each potential solution is evaluated based on its feasibility, effectiveness, and potential impact. This involves considering factors such as available resources, potential risks, and alignment with goals and values.

Decision-Making: After evaluating the various solutions, a decision is made regarding which solution or combination of solutions to implement. This decision-making process may involve weighing the pros and cons of each option and considering input from stakeholders.

Implementation: Once a decision is made, the chosen solution is put into action. This may involve developing an action plan, allocating resources, and assigning responsibilities to ensure the effective implementation of the solution.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Throughout the implementation process, progress is monitored, and the effectiveness of the solution is evaluated. This allows for adjustments to be made as needed and ensures that the desired outcomes are being achieved.

Reflection and Learning: After the problem-solving process is complete, it's important to reflect on what was learned from the experience. This involves identifying strengths and weaknesses in the process, as well as any lessons learned that can be applied to future challenges.

The Social Worker's Role

Okay, so social worker's assist with all of that. The trickiest part (and the part most likely to show up on the ASWB exam) is decision making. Do social workers make decisions for clients, give advice, gently suggest...? The answer is no, sometimes, and sort-of. Client self-determination is a key component of social work ethics. Problem-solving and decision-making in social work are guided by these general principles:

Client-Centered Approach: Social workers prioritize the autonomy and self-determination of their clients. They empower clients to make informed decisions by providing them with information, options, and support rather than imposing their own opinions or solutions.

Collaborative Problem-Solving: Social workers engage in collaborative problem-solving with their clients. They work together to explore the client's concerns, goals, and available resources, and then develop strategies and plans of action that are mutually agreed upon.

Strengths-Based Perspective: Social workers focus on identifying and building upon the strengths and resources of their clients. They help clients recognize their own abilities and resilience, which can empower them to find solutions to their problems.

Non-Directive Approach: While social workers may offer suggestions or recommendations, they typically do so in a non-directive manner. They encourage clients to explore various options and consequences, and they respect the client's ultimate decisions.

Cultural Sensitivity: Social workers are sensitive to the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of their clients. They recognize that advice-giving may need to be tailored to align with the cultural norms and preferences of the client.

Ethical Considerations: Social workers adhere to ethical principles, including the obligation to do no harm, maintain confidentiality, and respect the dignity and rights of their clients. They avoid giving advice that may potentially harm or exploit their clients.

Professional Boundaries: Social workers maintain professional boundaries when giving advice, ensuring that their recommendations are based on professional expertise and not influenced by personal biases or conflicts of interest.

On the Exam

ASWB exam questions on this material may look like this:

• During which step of the problem-solving process are potential solutions evaluated based on feasibility, effectiveness, and potential impact?
• In the problem-solving process, what is the purpose of gathering information?
• Which ethical principle guides social workers in giving advice during the problem-solving process?

Or may be a vignette in which client self-determination (eg re sleeping outside) is paramount.

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10 Fascinating Social Work Theories & Models

As a result, social work’s interest and involvement in family, community welfare, and social justice have contributed significantly to mental health practice and social policy (Bland, Drake, & Drayton, 2021).

Working in child, adolescent, and adult mental health and care settings, social workers must become familiar with psychological and social work theories and their practical challenges.

This article looks at some of the fascinating theories and models underpinning and supporting social work.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free . These science-based exercises will explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology including strengths, values, and self-compassion, and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains:

A brief history of social work, 5 interesting social work theories, 5 useful models of the field, positivepsychology.com’s helpful resources, a take-home message.

“Social work, social problems, and the organizations that were developed in an attempt to cope with those problems have an almost parallel history” (Glicken, 2011, p. 23). As a result, it’s neither possible nor sensible to separate the social worker’s role from the changing trends within social policy.

Indeed, social work is a vital health profession deeply connected to contemporary public health development in the United States and beyond (Ruth & Marshall, 2017).

And while it is not possible to cover all the essential social and political changes that have led to the modern social worker’s role, we cover many in brief below.

So, how did social policy and social work develop?

Modern social welfare in the US and UK originated in the English Poor Laws that controlled conditions in the workhouses and impoverished communities between 1601 and 1834.

These harsh and unfair laws offered little support to the poorest in the community. In the 19th century, they were replaced by new legislation and social policy, including the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act and the 1889 Prevention of Cruelty and Protection of Cruelty Act , which began to provide some degree of protection (Glicken, 2011; Cree, 2013).

Around this time, there was an “explosion of voluntary activity […] with the creation of hundreds of new philanthropic agencies,” including charity caseworkers, housing associations, and church missionaries (Cree, 2013, p. 8).

Benevolent societies formed in North America to provide relief throughout the towns and countryside, forming the predecessors of modern social service agencies.

In the late 1800s, the settlement house movement formed to help immigrants arriving in the country, and organizations such as the Charity Organization Society began to carry out casework with individuals, families, and groups. By 1927, social workers were employed in the community and helped populations struggling with problems related to the First World War (Glicken, 2011).

By 1932, during the Great Depression, one in four Americans were unemployed. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the New Deal and the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, which together provided fairer wages and improved working conditions. He also brought in the Social Security Act to offer “a safety net in the form of a small pension for workers who contributed to the program” (Glicken, 2011, p. 31).

While in the 1950s, “programs shifted from the poor to programs serving middle-income White workers,” the 1960s reversed the trend, with several new types of social service organizations and social workers playing more significant roles in antipoverty and community-action programs (Glicken, 2011, p. 33).

In the decades that followed, social welfare received limited focus and investment, and by the 1990s, there were 36 million people officially listed as ‘poor’ in the US (Glicken, 2011). President Barack Obama’s arrival in the White House in 2009 brought progressive social welfare policies that focused on “extended unemployment benefits, more money to education,” and the goal of universal healthcare (Glicken, 2011, p. 36).

While not everyone welcomed the changes, President Obama pushed hard for social policies and programs to help poor and middle-class citizens (Glicken, 2011).

But what of the role of social workers?

While social policy and accompanying legislation have gained or lost popularity over the decades – typically along political lines – social workers continue to offer protection to society’s most vulnerable.

In the US, 600,000 social workers practice in public health and other settings, drawing on decades of experience with an ever-increasing impact on society (Ruth & Marshall, 2017).

Social workers focus on improving human wellbeing by balancing ecological, clinical, and biopsychosocial approaches at multiple levels of society, including individuals, families, organizations, neighborhoods, and governments (Ruth & Marshall, 2017).

At present, there is no clear consensus regarding “human nature, individual development and social interaction,” leading to countless theories arising from both psychology and sociology that influence decision making in social work (Howe, 2013a, p. 401).

Perhaps the most significant division in social work theories is between structural and psychological explanations for problems (Howe, 2013a):

• Structural explanations Focus on the political, economic, and material environment in which people find themselves. Poverty, inequality, social injustice, and lack of opportunity are disadvantages that lead to anxiety, stress, and poor social functioning.

Society is regarded as the problem for the individual, not the individual for society (Howe, 2013a).

• Psychological explanations Pay more attention to the client’s emotional condition and their capacity for rational action.

Psychological explanations suggest we can solve people’s problems through the “use of rational thought, cognitive understanding and behavioral advice” (Howe, 2013a, p. 402).

Ultimately, the perspective social workers adopt influences how the problem is defined, what type of assessment is made, and the methods employed.

Social workers make use of many theories. These theories fall in and out of fashion and appeal to different standpoints on human nature, human development, and society.

The following list is a selection of several fascinating theories used by social workers to understand the intricacy and complexity of the human condition.

1. Anti-oppressive practice

“Social divisions such as those based on ethnicity, class, gender, disability, sexuality and age are constructed and legitimized within political, economic and cultural structure” (Burke, 2013, p. 415).

Therefore, oppression is typically less about the lack of justice and more about the denial of the humanity of individuals and groups.

The anti-oppressive stance is sometimes criticized for its moral and political idealism and its appropriation by people for use within social justice. However, its value is in encouraging social workers’ awareness of power relationships, politics, and oppressive solution relations, while remaining open to challenging others and being challenged.

2. Attachment theory

“[T]he quality of relationships in the early years affects gene expression , psychosocial development, and brain growth and organization” (Howe, 2013b, p. 417).

Attachment theory  suggests that because of babies’ reliance on stronger and wiser adults, they have several ‘programmed’ behaviors (known as attachment behaviors) that kick in when hungry, scared, or unwell. According to attachment theory, the goal of crying, eye contact, clinging, and smiling is to get and stay close to the caregiver.

When caregivers lack mental attunement, children develop additional behavioral and adaptive strategies and lack emotional regulation. Such habits can negatively affect psychosocial development, leading to behavioral and mental health problems in later life (Howe, 2013b).

Attachment theory can help social workers focus their attention on early relationships, development, and behavior.

3. Behaviorism

Behaviorists argue that our behavior originates in the environment , not the mind. According to this theory, when behavior is successful, it is reinforced, increasing its frequency and intensity. When it is unsuccessful, behavior becomes extinct.

For behaviorists, behavioral change comes from reinforcing the desired behavior . Under a behaviorist framework, social workers can reinforce the behaviors they are trying to encourage.

However, it is possible to reinforce the wrong behaviors. For example, increasing home visits for someone with agoraphobia could support their staying-at-home behavior. Not only that, social workers must also encourage the behavior they want, rather than punish the behavioral pattern they wish to stop (Jordan, 2013).

Behaviorism has been met with its challengers, not least because of ethical considerations. Indeed, behavioral modification techniques used with vulnerable populations can be inappropriate and risk doing more harm than good.

4. Motivational interviewing (MI)

“Change can be difficult for service users [i.e., clients] when they are ambivalent about the extent to which the change will be beneficial” (Teater, 2013b, p. 451).

Motivational theory is a goal-directed approach that identifies clients’ intrinsic motivation for change, overcomes their ambivalence, and moves them through the stages of change according to the Stages of Change model (Teater, 2013b).

Social workers should show a genuine interest in the service user’s perspectives, feelings, and experiences while listening for discrepancies between their current values, behavior, and future goals. Avoiding arguing for change, social workers deploying MI support self-efficacy, believing in the client’s ability to change.

MI is beneficial for working with clients that want or need to make behavioral changes to overcome difficulties or health problems, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle and stopping drinking.

5. Theories of empowerment

Rather than “seeking to rescue or control people who are in vulnerable or risky situations,” empowerment attempts to encourage “individuals, families, or groups to take power for themselves” (Tew, 2013, p. 439).

Empowerment theory aims to deploy power to open up opportunities and, together with others, take action to improve their situations, encouraging:

• Personal efficacy Unlearning negative beliefs of powerlessness and gaining a sense of agency and influence.
• Empowering relationships Emphasizing “the importance of cooperative relationships” to create opportunities for change and development (Tew, 2013 p. 440).
• Enabling social contexts Identifying potential resources for support and forming connections across boundaries.

In time, it is possible for individuals, families, and groups to reclaim power and responsibilities for themselves.

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Practice models have proven valuable to social workers across the many settings they encounter, helping individuals and groups overcome their difficulties.

Models used include the following (Social Work License Map, n.d.):

1. Solution-Focused Therapy

“ Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) aims to identify and build on service users’ strengths, abilities and solutions to problems in order to achieve their preferred future” (Teater, 2013c, p. 480).

Rather than focus on the problem itself, social workers adopting SFBT are interested in the exceptions; they explore why problems do not occur. In turn, social workers assume solution-oriented talk rather than problem-oriented talk and are aware that people typically have all they need to solve their problems.

Positive language and questioning strategies are crucial to using a client’s existing strengths and abilities to solve their own problems and reach their goals.

2. Task-centered model

“A task-centered social worker helps service users move from problems to goals” (Marsh, 2013, p. 492).

The shift takes the client’s attention from where things are going wrong in their life to what can make them better or even resolve them.

The social worker and service user agree on the set of tasks required to move from the problem to the goal, “based on expertise, need, and sometimes an element of expediency” (Marsh, 2013, p. 493). Tasks are essential elements of motivation, encourage reflection, and take place either within or outside sessions.

Because of its understandability, the approach works particularly well when services are combined with those of other professionals.

3. Narrative Therapy

“The practice of narrative therapy is primarily concerned with questioning the politics of identity making and who has the story telling right to the story being told in therapy” (Madigan, 2013, p. 455).

The practice externalizes the problem on the basis that the person is not the problem. The problem is the problem . It assumes that our lives and how we live them are mediated by how and if we tell our stories. The surrounding dominant culture can shape our lives and our stories, liberating or constraining us.

Narrative therapy recognizes that the stories we tell and hold onto about our lives determine the meaning we give them. Appropriate questioning can help people re-author their stories and relationships, contradicting the dominance of problem stories and generating new possible futures.

4. Crisis intervention model

“Some situations may present such a challenge that those affected are unable to draw on their usual coping mechanisms” and result in a crisis reaction (Skinner, 2013, p. 428).

The crisis intervention model uses a seven-stage approach (Skinner, 2013):

• Assess the imminent danger to the client.
• Establish rapport and build a collaborative relationship.
• Identify the major problems.
• Encourage exploration of emotions.
• Generate and explore alternative strategies.
• Implement an action plan.
• Plan follow-up contact.

The crisis intervention model comes with a risk that the social worker may unintentionally move toward a more authoritative role that disempowers the client.

5. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

“CBT seeks to modify and replace existing faulty or distorted thoughts, feelings and behaviors with more positive acceptable ones” that will resolve the problem presented (Teater, 2013a, p. 423).

Implementing CBT requires three phases:

• Assessment of clients’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the problem.
• Intervention based on the assessment, such as cognitive restructuring , relaxation, social skill training, and role-play.
• Evaluation to identify the changes that have taken place, including their frequency and intensity.

Social workers can apply CBT in individual or group settings where there is psychological distress or dysfunction.

How does cognitive behavioral therapy work? – Psych Hub

We have plenty of worksheets and tools that help improve communication and build stronger social relationships between people.

Check out some of the following to get you started:

• What is Working Within the Family When working with families, it can be helpful to begin with a positive focus on that family’s strengths. This activity helps family members identify and share what they feel goes well within the family or household as a means to celebrate and build on successes.
• Anger Exit and Re-Entry Routines Social workers often face anger and conflict in family situations. This worksheet helps clients recognize when best to disengage from conflict or difficult conversations, cool down, and re-engage later to facilitate greater insight and joint problem-solving.
• The Win–Win Waltz Worksheet Finding a way to address the concerns of more than one party can be a difficult balance and requires empathy and a good understanding of their underlying concerns. This worksheet can help two people arrive at a win-win outcome by exploring each person’s concerns and co-creating possible solutions.
• Preventing Relapse Social work can often involve supporting those with addictions or substance abuse issues. This three-step worksheet helps clients create a plan to support addiction or substance abuse recovery with the aim of preventing relapse.
• Social Problem Solving: Step by Step When working with clients on interpersonal or group challenges, it can be helpful to follow a framework.  This worksheet presents a streamlined template to help clients define a social problem, generate possible courses of action, and evaluate the effectiveness of an implemented solution.

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others enhance their wellbeing, this signature collection contains 17 validated positive psychology tools for practitioners. Use them to help others flourish and thrive.

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Lived experience, environmental factors, and healthy relationships are crucial to our mental health, capacity for growth, and ability to make positive changes.

Social workers can better understand this complex interplay and help individuals, families, or groups through a thorough grounding in psychology and sociology (Bland et al., 2021).

While there are multiple theories and models available to social workers, the lack of consensus regarding which is the most appropriate is unsurprising (Davies, 2013).

The human mind, the relationships we form (good and bad), and the social contexts we find ourselves in are limitless. It would be unlikely that one model could solve the problems encountered in every context.

Instead, each theory and model forms part of a toolkit for the informed social worker to draw on and utilize for the service user.

Social workers have the potential to make significant differences in people’s lives but must make tough decisions regarding their work while balancing the ethics of being both a supporter and an agent of social change (Bland et al., 2021).

This article introduces several of the theories and models used within social work and points toward further study for students or practicing social workers.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free .

• Bland, R., Drake, G., & Drayton, J. (2021). Social work practice in mental health: An introduction (3rd ed.). Routledge.
• Burke, B. (2013). Anti-oppressive practice. In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 415–416). Wiley Blackwell.
• Cree, V. (2013). Social work and society. In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 4–18). Wiley Blackwell.
• Davies, M. (2013). The Blackwell companion to social work . Wiley Blackwell.
• Glicken, M. D. (2011). Social work in the 21st century: An introduction to social welfare, social issues, and the profession . Sage.
• Howe, D. (2013a). Relating theory to practice. In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 399–406). Wiley Blackwell.
• Howe, D. (2013b). Attachment theory. In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 417–419). Wiley Blackwell.
• Jordan, R. (2013). Behaviorism. In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 399–406). Wiley Blackwell.
• Madigan, S.(2013). Narrative therapy. In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 455–458).  Wiley Blackwell.
• Marsh, P. (2013). Task-centered practice. In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 492–495). Wiley Blackwell.
• Ruth, B. J., & Marshall, J. W. (2017). A history of social work in public health. American Journal of Public Health , 107 (S3).
• Skinner, J. (2013). Crisis theory. In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 428–431). Wiley Blackwell.
• Teater, B. (2013a). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 423–427). Wiley Blackwell.
• Teater, B. (2013b). Motivational interviewing (MI). In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 451-454). Wiley Blackwell.
• Teater, B. (2013c). Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 480–483). Wiley Blackwell.
• Tew, J. (2013). Theories of empowerment. In M. Davies (Ed.), The Blackwell companion to social work (4th ed.) (pp. 439–442). Wiley Blackwell.
• Social Work License Map. (n.d.). Theories & practice models used in social work . Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/theories-and-practice-models/

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