Discussion: Psychosocial Theory and Diverse Groups There will be times when a social worker is presented with a case where they are not familiar with the surrounding psychosocial issues. Because social workers are on a continual journey in learning, it is important to read pertinent literature. This Discussion provides an opportunity to visit Walden Library and strengthen your skills in identifying and locating an empirical research article. To prepare:
Psychosocial theory, developed by Erik Erikson, is a widely recognized and influential theoretical framework in the field of social work. It explores the interaction between an individual’s psychological and social development throughout their lifespan. This theory is particularly relevant when working with diverse groups, as it recognizes the impact of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors on an individual’s psychosocial development.
When confronted with a case that involves unfamiliar psychosocial issues, it is crucial for social workers to engage in continuous learning and keep up with relevant literature. By staying informed on the latest research, social workers can enhance their understanding of the complexities faced by diverse groups and apply evidence-based interventions to meet their unique needs.
To develop these research skills, social workers can utilize resources such as the Walden Library. The library provides access to a wide range of scholarly articles, including empirical research studies that offer valuable insights into various psychosocial issues faced by diverse populations. Empirical research articles are highly regarded as they provide rigorous research methodologies and reliable evidence that contribute to the advancement of social work practice.
Locating an appropriate empirical research article involves several steps. Firstly, social workers should clearly define their research question or area of interest. For instance, if one is interested in understanding the impact of culture on parenting practices in immigrant families, the research question might be: “How does cultural background influence parenting practices in immigrant families?”
Next, social workers should conduct a comprehensive search in the Walden Library using relevant keywords. Keywords related to the research question could include terms such as “culture,” “immigrant families,” “parenting practices,” and “psychosocial development.” It is important to choose keywords that accurately represent the topic of interest to obtain relevant results.
Once the search is completed, social workers should carefully evaluate the credibility and relevance of the articles they find. To assess credibility, consider factors such as the author’s credentials and affiliations, the reputation of the journal in which the article is published, and the research methods used. Relevance can be determined by examining the article’s abstract and introduction, which provide an overview of the study’s purpose, research question, and methodology.
After identifying a suitable empirical research article, social workers should thoroughly read and analyze its content. This involves critically examining the study’s findings, methodology, limitations, and implications for social work practice. By engaging in this process, social workers can deepen their understanding of the psychosocial issues faced by diverse groups and explore potential interventions to address these challenges effectively.
In conclusion, psychosocial theory plays a significant role in understanding the development and challenges faced by diverse groups in social work practice. To address unfamiliar psychosocial issues, social workers must engage in continuous learning and keep up with relevant empirical research. The Walden Library offers an extensive range of scholarly articles, including empirical research studies, that can enhance social workers’ understanding of psychosocial issues and inform evidence-based interventions. By diligently searching, critically evaluating, and analyzing empirical research articles, social workers can expand their knowledge and effectively support diverse populations in their journey of psychosocial well-being.
References:
Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.