Summarizing and contrasting two Explanatory Theories Essay

Social histrions apply theories accord to how they understand people in the context of their unique circumstances, besides theories in neighborly work be fundamental as they guide and apologise kind work practices. This es give tongue to will attempt to summarize psychodynamic and systems theories, highlight similarities and differences and contrasting the application of the two explanatory theories and a practice possibility to the case scenario of Mary & Patrick.Psychodynamic TheoriesAccording to Preston-Shoot and Agass (1990), Psychodynamic theories derives from Freud and has been expanded and modified subsequently by the work of Jung, Hollis, Melanie Klein and object-relations theorists, as tumesce as Goldstin and ego psychology. Other influences be Bowlby and Howes attachment supposition and a major prop int the resembling Erikson developmental theories. Walsh (2010), suggest that psychodynamic theories emphasise upon the interplay between conscious and unconscious mind forces (p.32). Furthermore, Freud describes the richness of unconscious thought processes and defending team mechanisms in determining human deportment and human motivation (p.34). Moreover, psychodynamic theories place importance on departed experiences in shaping mortalality un transmitcapable things in the past are create a persons present behaviour (Payne, 1997, p. 92). Additionally, Brearley as cited in Lishman (2007), describes that psychodynamic thinking concerns certain key descents, like self and significant other, past and present experience, and inner and outer reality.Hence, some of the central concepts of psychodynamic theories are Freuds structural model of the psyche the id, ego and superego and the mental life as operational on several levels The conscious, the preconscious and the unconscious. Moreover, individuals develop defensive strategies to protect themselves from awesome experiences thus the concepts of defence mechanisms such(prenominal) as den ial, projection, splitting, rationalisation, sublimation and regression (Walsh 2010). Finally, other great concepts to go on areanxiety, ambivalence, coping, transference, countertransference and inner world.Systems TheoryTrevithick (2012), indicates that systems theory emphasises upon taking into custody the proceeding between people and their environment. This theory earns that a range of systems, including the intrapersonal and interpersonal, as well as neighbourhood and society impact individuals. Additionally, Healy (2005) suggests that transactions between person-environment are complex and non-linear. According to Healy (2005), Florence Hollis introduced the term systems theory to favorable work. She articulates some ship canal in which social doers could intervene in the clients environment. Yet, one of the founders of general systems theory was Bertalanffy, who proposed that all inter-relationships between elements form the whole and recognise that all part of the sy stem can never be wholly separated from each other.Another fundamental proponent is Bronfenbrenner who proposes an ecological theory that centres on the relationship between the developing individual and the changing environmental systems, Bronfenbrenner suggests that the environment has an effect on the behaviour and how this is expressed (Guavian & Cole 1994). The social work discipline has expanded this perspective to explain that an individual is unendingly creating, restructuring, and adapting to the environment as the environment is touch on them (Ungar, 2002). Additionally, Gordon Hearn and his colleagues pioneered the application of this theory to social work and Pincus, Minahan, Golstein, Germain, Gitterman, and Carol Meyer presented systems practice models. In recent years, Colin Peile proposed complex systems roots in social work (Healy 2005).Furthermore, The different relationships of development called the microsystems mesosystems and macrosystems are central conce pts in systems theory. Microsystems, which refer to the relationship between a person and the immediate environment, such as school and family. Macrosystems refer to institutional patterns such as the economy, customs duty and policy. Other concepts such as homeostasis, defined as the tendency of a biological organism to want and keep some kind of operating balance in its internal process (Leighninger, 1978, p.448).Finally, other fundamental concepts to consider are input, feedback, roles, boundaries and subsystems.Similarities and differencesIndeed, both psychodynamic and systems theories in social work have been capable from theories originated in other disciplines, most notably from psychology and biology. Similarly, Psychodynamic and systems theories have been criticised beca mapping legion(predicate) of the concepts are difficult to understand and apply. In contrast, Trevithick (2012) indicates that for Freud and all later psychoanalytic theorists, the unconscious is the c entral concept, which differentiates psychoanalytic perspectives from systems theories. Furthermore, psychodynamic places attention on past experiences affecting current behaviour, whereas systems look at present circumstances impacting the individual. Finally, it is possible to say that psychodynamic theories focus on the individuals behaviour, whereas systems locate individuals within their wider contexts. caseful scenario MaryFrom a systems perspective, a social worker could start by considering Marys family and social prevails. It would be a reasoned idea to use an ecomap for Mary and her family to gather data and analyse the impact that sevenfold systems are having in her situation. From an ecosystem perspective, the social worker could promote a confirmative community for Mary. For instance, at a micro level the social worker could help Mary with the foster family or child care arrangements so that she does not have to travel so far with her baby, and so it is slight stre ssful for her to go on visiting her other children. Other considerations to take into account could be exploring if Mary has anyone to whom she can turn in time of crisis, or if she has any friends, family, religious or community groups that can support her, or if social isolation is placing Mary at greater risk. Furthermore, exploring her relationship with her husband and visiting arrangements in jail. At a meso level, the social worker could consider external resources to help her financially so she can moderate her housing or alternatives for work ortraining.By applying psychodynamic theory, a social worker could consider whether Marys lost of her parents have contributed to her unconscious conflicts or if other experiences of her past are affecting her mental stability. Furthermore, psychodynamic theories could be applied to understanding Marys and the childrens life stages and developmental needs. Is Mary functioning as a responsible adult? Is she able to appreciate the devel opmental needs of her children, especially her infant? Moreover, psychodynamic theory could be applied to interpret ways in which Marys defence mechanisms may be functioning. What role does denial play in the appraisal of her situation? From a strengths perspective, good practice would be to address her isolation. It would be good to encourage her to include more positive social interactions and use available resources. Moreover, recognizing the strengths that Mary possesses, reinforcing Marys capacity for wanting to seek help and empowering her to continue addressing her mental illness. Likewise, acknowledging her resilient characteristics.From this perspective the social worker needs to positively engage with Mary by asking good questions. This may involve asking How have you managed to keep going? What would you like to see happening? What visions do you have for the future? What are you royal of? What would you like to change? How can I help you to achieve this change? In concl usion, each of these theoretical positions makes an important contribution to our understanding for practice. both psychodynamic and systems theories have their strengths and weakness but can be helpful for understanding the clients situation. Although a theory might seem to crack to a service-user, this doesnt necessarily mean that this is the correct understanding of that persons life so even if a theory appears to work, it is important to remain open-minded and maintain our reflective thinking. Likewise, when evaluating a theorys applicability, social workers must consider whether the theories are helpful to understanding and/or responding to their clients circumstances.ReferencesGuavian, M. Cole, M. (1994). Readings on the Development of Children. Ecological Models of human development, NY freemanHealy, K. (2005) Social ply Theories in Context Creating Frameworks for Practice. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire New York Palgrave MacmillanLeighninger, R. (1978) Systems Theo ry, journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 5, 448-66. Retrieved from http//0web.b.ebscohost.com.alpha2.latrobe.edu.auLishman, J. (2007). Handbook for Practice Learning in Social wreak and Social Care Knowledge and Theory. London Philadelphia Jessica Kingsley PublishersPayne, M. (1997). Modern Social name Theory. Chicago, IL Lyceum.Preston Shoot, M. and Agass, D. (1990) Making Sense of Social Work Psychodynamics, Systems and Practice. Basingstoke Macmillan.Trevithick, P. (2012). Social Work Skills and Knowledge A Practice Handbook. Maidenhead McGraw-Hill/Open University PressUngar, M. (2002). A Deeper, More Social Ecological Social Work Practice. Social helping Review, 2(16), 231-248.Walsh, J. (2010). Theories for Direct Social Work Practice. Belmont, Cal Wadsworth Cengage Learning.