Applied psychology for social workers / Paula Nicolson, Rowan Bayne and Jenny Owen.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Nicolson, Paula.

Contributor:

Bayne, Rowan.

Owen, Jenny.

Series:

Practical social work

Practical social work series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Social service--Psychological aspects.

Social service.

Psychology, Applied.

Physical Description:

ix, 198 pages ; 22 cm.

Edition:

Third edition.

Place of Publication:

Basingstoke [England] ; New York : Palgrave Macmillan, 2006.

Summary:

Psychology provides an essential backdrop to social work practice but there remain few sources that summarise its theories and findings accessibly for social work students and busy professionals. Applied Psychology for Social Workers is designed specifically to fulfil this need. Thoroughly revised and updated to take account of the latest research in psychology as well as recent innovations in social work education and practice, this third edition of a classic text provides an informative yet practical explanation of the intrinsic link between psychology, social work theory and practice. It draws upon research underpinning our understanding of human growth and development, communication, personality, emotions and behaviour to demonstrate how key theories and evidence can be applied to professional practice in a variety of contexts and settings. Compact, engaging and clear, the book can be read from cover to cover or used as an ongoing point of reference. Either way, it will prove a vital and practical resource for deepening readers' understanding of the challenges they face, either in the present or future.

Contents:

Why is there demand for a third edition of Applied Psychology for Social Workers? 1

Part 1 Applying psychology to social work

1 Psychology and social work 9

Academic psychology 11

Perspectives on psychology 15

2 Psychological development through the life course 34

Influences on development 34

The life course approach: integrating perspectives 36

Reflexivity and the 'self' 36

Biography and the life course 39

Part 2 Interpersonal and practice skills

3 Interviewing and counselling 53

Preparation and supporting skills 56

Challenging skills 64

Counselling 67

Some difficulties and strategies 72

4 Assertiveness and coping with stress 77

Assertive skills 78

Coping with stress 83

Expressive writing 85

Model and example 85

Peer support groups 87

5 Psychological type and communication 90

Psychological type theory 91

Communication problems and strategies 97

Observing type (and other qualities) more accurately 100

6 Groupwork theory and practice skills 106

Definition of the term 'group' 107

The study of group behaviour 108

The individual in the group: social influence 109

Group dynamics 113

Group structure 113

Groupwork 116

Part 3 The context of social work

7 Social work settings and contexts of practice 133

Staff relationships and the role of teams 133

Conscious and unconscious processes in residential and day care organisations 139

Residential and day care from the service users' perspective 143

Models of institutions 144

Therapeutic communities 145

Supervision, emotion and contexts of practice 147

8 Social policy, social work and psychology 150

What's best for children? Changing views of 'mother' care and 'other' care 150

Is 'family' best? 151

Broader models of care and attachment 154

Permanent substitute care: adoption, fostering or residential care? 155

Child care, employment and welfare policies 158

Changes in the relationship between agencies, service users and social workers 160

9 The future of psychology and social work 167

Knowledge, risk and practice 168

Relationships between disciplines, agencies and professions 170.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 174-187) and index.

ISBN:

1403945667

9781403945662

OCLC:

62326923

Online:

Contributor biographical information

Publisher description