WU Insights and Perspectives on Social Work Discussion – Description
Respond to two colleagues who selected a different evaluation method. Explain how you might apply your colleagues’ chosen evaluation method in your own practice.
Ingrid Steward
MondayJun 26 at 9:29pm
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Describe an evaluation design chosen from your text.
Evaluation “is a process of determining whether a given change effort was worthwhile” (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2012). The evaluation design I have chosen was the Need assessment is considered forms of front-end analysis which is a systematic effort to help an agency determine whether and to what extent a program is needed (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2012).
Explain why this evaluation would be beneficial in social work practice.
The reason why the Needs assessment evaluation would be beneficial in social work practice is because it identifies if an individual or community needs are being met. Social worker using needs assessments help obtain the resources to solve problems on a macro level, to assist in the change of policy, in order to increase services, and to create or strengthen alliances with other agencies and organizations. A needs assessment may include information gleaned from official records as well as active efforts to gather data from those affected by the social problem or condition (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2012).
References:
Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, Jr. G. H. (2018). Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
Kelby Mark Lemar
TuesdayJun 27 at 11:55am
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The evaluation I am choosing is Task-Achievement Scaling. This is a method of evaluating the degree to which an identified set of tasks is accomplished. It allows us to measure the extent to which the social worker and client have completed agreed upon tasks such as filling an insurance claim or a job application. The focus is on results, not effort. Grading is done using a 5 point scale where 4 would be completely achieved, 3 substantially achieved, 2 partially achieved, 1 minimally achieved or not achieved, and 0 indicates no opportunity to work on task (Kirst-Ashman, 2018).
This evaluation would be beneficial in the social work practice as it is especially useful for situations where there is limited contact between worker and client, in a hospital discharge-planning unit for example. The evaluation makes it clear that both client and worker are expected to agree on the tasks being performed and who will be performing them (Kirst-Ashman, 2018). It gives clarity on exactly which tasks have been completed and which still need work.
References:
Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, Jr. G. H. (2018). Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
Respond to two colleagues:
Describe an additional theoretical approach and/or practice skill that would complement the one chosen by your colleague.
Eloise G Dixon TuesdayJun 27 at 9:31amManage Discussion EntryMain PostDescribe two potential biological, psychological, and social changes that occur in middle adulthood and how they have affected Mrs. Bargas.Two potential biological, psychological, and social changes that occur in middle adulthood, according to (Infurna et al., 2020), are mental health and emotional experiences such as depression, anxiety, and severe psychological distress. This type of change is not the case for everyone in middle adulthood but for some and is mainly found among women because of having to balance multiple roles as wife, mother, and caregiver, the transitions life takes, opportunities, and challenges.Mrs. Bargas appeared to have been affected mentally and emotionally by worrying about abrupt changes with her husband’s hospitalization, the daughter’s defiant behavior, her fear of losing their home, and her not having the finances to take on the household responsibilities. Mrs. Bargas displayed being under pressure to fix her situation, which led her to stress, and now she has problems focusing, trouble thinking, concentrating, and remembering things. While sitting with her counselor, Mrs. Bargas went into deep thought, not hearing anything the counselor said because she was not mentally present. She lost herself in thoughts of what was on her mind.Describe one theory that may apply to Mrs. Bargas.One theory that applies to Mrs. Bargas is Levinson’s Theory of Life Structure. Mrs. Bargas’s situation was the result of specific decisions and choices she made along her life course around family, relationships, occupation, and childbearing (Hutchinson, 2011, p.276). Mrs. Bargas probably would not have taken the initiative to seek assistance had it not been that she needed money to pay bills. One can never prepare for a crisis: however, one can be financially prepared to a certain degree.ReferencesHutchinson, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.Infurna, F. J., Gerstorf, D., & Lachman, M. E. (2020). Midlife in the 2020s: Opportunities and challenges. The American psychologist, 75(4), 470–485.
Neshon Williams WednesdayJun 28 at 12:36pmManage Discussion Entry
MAIN POST
Describe two potential biological, psychological, and social changes that occur in middle adulthood and how they have affected Mrs. Bargas.
Psychologist Margie Lachman (2015) suggests that midlife is pivotal in the life course because it is a period at the intersection of growth and decline. Most biological systems reach their peak performance in the mid 20’s. Hutchison, E. D. (2019). Two potential biological, psychological, and social changes According to (Infurna et al., 2020), are mental health and emotional experiences such as depression, anxiety, and severe psychological distress. In the video (2017). Southside Community Services: Mrs. Bargas case history, episode 1[Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author. Mrs. Bargas experienced all of the above mentioned regarding her husband having a stroke, daughter dealing with stress, and her unemployment.
Describe one theory that may apply to Mrs. Bargas.
One theory that applies to Mrs. Bargas would be Levinson’s Theory of Life Structure. Adult life is composed of alternating periods of transition. Each of these periods involves setting goals for one’s life and methods for meeting them. Mrs. Bargas needed to seek help to gain employment, get counseling for her daughter, and also to seek physical therapy for her husband’s recovery after the stroke. These are all very important goals to reach for a better quality of life. Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2017). Southside Community Services: Mrs. Bargas case history, episode 1 [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.Hutchinson, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publication
Respond to two colleagues:
Identify one resource each colleague might use when working with a client in middle adulthood who is experiencing loss.
Colene Roberts ThursdayJun 29 at 9:32amManage Discussion EntryMAIN POSTExplain the role of generativity in middle adulthoodGenerativity refers to a person’s desire to create or nurture things that will outlast them; it’s a sense of making a meaningful and lasting contribution to the world. Generativity plays a significant role in middle adulthood as it is a time when individuals often focus on supporting the growth and development of the next generation while helping to care for past generations, making contributions to society that will persist even after they are gone (Hutchinson, 2019, p.276). Describe two developmental gains and losses that occur in middle adulthoodTwo developmental gains in middle adulthood would be emotional regulation and life satisfaction. First, middle-aged adults tend to be better at managing and controlling their emotions than younger adults, which has improved emotional regulation and often leads to better interpersonal relationships and overall happiness (Hutchinson, 2019, p.279). Second, contrary to the popular portrayal of the midlife crisis, many individuals see an increase in overall life satisfaction during middle adulthood. This could be due to increased financial stability, well-established relationships, and achieving career goals (Hutchinson. 2019, p.291). Two developmental losses occurring in middle adulthood would be menopause and health status. First, menopause is accompanied by various physical and psychological symptoms due to the dramatic decrease in the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, memory problems, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido. These changes may affect a woman’s quality of life and sense of well-being (Hutchinson, 2019, p.280). Menopause can also allow women the feeling of aging, which is seen as a loss. Second, one’s health status during middle adulthood shows the body naturally starting to age, and people may experience a decline in physical abilities such as strength, endurance, and flexibility; Also, in middle adulthood, there is a period when chronic diseases may emerge, and sensory abilities, like vision and hearing, start to decline (Hutchinson, 2019, p.283).ReferencesHutchison, E. D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Eloise G Dixon
ThursdayJun 29 at 11:11amManage Discussion EntryMain PostExplain the role of generativity in middle adulthood. The role of generativity in middle adulthood, according to Erikson (1950), is that one should take care of the persons, the products, and the ideas one has learned to care for (Erikson, 1982, p. 67). This encompasses procreation, productivity, creativity, and legacy, such as the generation of new beings, new ideas, creations, lasting contributions, and self-generation concerned about further identity development. Erikson believes the stages of generativity last from the 40s to the 60s when an individual establishes a family and career and is the longest of all the stages. Describe two developmental gains and losses that occur in middle adulthood.Two developmental gains and losses in middle adulthood are vision changes, becoming farsighted or nearsighted, and sometimes both. This can sometimes be corrected with glasses or contacts. The gains are enjoying the peak of careers by earning more money while using one’s expertise, while others find themselves going back to school and retooling to reenter the challenging job market (Lumen Learning, n.d.). Also, middle adulthood brings about personality changes; for instance, some people become more agreeable, less open, and neurotic. This means the person becomes more flexible and less rigid in their decision-making, less worried about minor issues that serve no purpose to life and godliness, and more at peace about more significant issues because they have experienced much more problems in life and overcome by the blood of the lamb and the words of their testimony. The middle adulthood stage teaches godly wisdom and spiritual discernment, knowing who is at work behind some of the human flesh.ReferenceHutchison, E.D. (2019). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Lecture: Middle Adulthood | Lifespan Development. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-lifespandev…
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