Applied Psychology for Social Workers

by Nicolson, Paula; Bayne, Rowan; Owen, Jenny

• ISBN13: 9781403945662
• ISBN10: 1403945667
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-05-16
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

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. Book jacket.

Author Biography

PAULA NICOLSON is Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Sheffield. ROWAN BAYNE is Professor of Psychology at University of East London. JENNY OWEN is Lecturer in Health Studies at the University of Sheffield.

Table of Contents

List of tables	viii
Acknowledgements	ix
Introduction	1	(8)
Why is there demand for a third edition of Applied Psychology for Social Workers?	1	(8)
Part 1 Applying psychology to social work
1 Psychology and social work	9	(25)
Introduction	9	(2)
Academic psychology	11	(4)
Perspectives on psychology	15	(17)
Conclusions	32	(1)
Putting it into practice	32	(1)
Further reading	33	(1)
2 Psychological development through the life course	34	(19)
Introduction	34	(1)
Influences on development	34	(2)
The life course approach: integrating perspectives	36	(1)
Reflexivity and the 'self'	36	(3)
Biography and the life course	39	(10)
Conclusions	49	(1)
Putting it into practice	49	(1)
Further reading	50	(3)
Part 2 Interpersonal and practice skills
3 Interviewing and counselling	53	(24)
Introduction	53	(3)
Preparation and supporting skills	56	(8)
Challenging skills	64	(3)
Counselling	67	(5)
Some difficulties and strategies	72	(3)
Putting it into practice	75	(1)
Further reading	76	(1)
4 Assertiveness and coping with stress	77	(13)
Introduction	77	(1)
Assertive skills	78	(5)
Coping with stress	83	(2)
Expressive writing	85	(1)
Model and example	85	(2)
Peer support groups	87	(1)
Putting it into practice	88	(1)
Further reading	88	(2)
5 Psychological type and communication	90	(16)
Introduction	90	(1)
Psychological type theory	91	(6)
Communication problems and strategies	97	(3)
Observing type (and other qualities) more accurately	100	(4)
Conclusions	104	(1)
Putting it into practice	105	(1)
Further reading	105	(1)
6 Groupwork theory and practice skills	106	(27)
Introduction	106	(1)
Definition of the term 'group'	107	(1)
The study of group behaviour	108	(1)
The individual in the group: social influence	109	(4)
Group dynamics	113	(1)
Group structure	113	(3)
Groupwork	116	(13)
Putting it into practice	129	(1)
Further reading	129	(4)
Part 3 The context of social work
7 Social work settings and contexts of practice	133	(17)
Introduction	133	(1)
Staff relationships and the role of teams	133	(6)
Conscious and unconscious processes in residential and day care organisations	139	(4)
Residential and day care from the service users' perspective	143	(1)
Models of institutions	144	(1)
Therapeutic communities	145	(2)
Supervision, emotion and contexts of practice	147	(1)
Putting it into practice	148	(1)
Further reading	149	(1)
8 Social policy, social work and psychology	150	(17)
Introduction	150	(1)
What's best for children? Changing views of 'mother' care and 'other' care	150	(1)
Is 'family' best?	151	(3)
Broader models of care and attachment	154	(1)
Permanent substitute care: adoption, fostering or residential care?	155	(3)
Child care, employment and welfare policies	158	(2)
Changes in the relationship between agencies, service users and social workers	160	(5)
Conclusions	165	(1)
Putting it into practice	165	(1)
Further reading	166	(1)
9 The future of psychology and social work	167	(8)
Introduction	167	(1)
Knowledge, risk and practice	168	(2)
Relationships between disciplines, agencies and professions	170	(3)
Conclusions	173	(1)
Putting it into practice	173	(1)
Further reading	174	(1)
References	175	(13)
Index	188