Socw 6210 Week 10 Discussion: Theories Of Life Span Developm

Socw 6210 Week 10 Discussion Theories Of Life Span Developmentzastro

Socw 6210 Week 10: Discussion: Theories of Life-Span Development Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman (2016) stated, "We need theories to guide our thinking and our work so that we may undertake research-informed practice" (p. ). At the same time, the authors asserted, "No theory will be perfectly applicable. Perhaps you will decide that only one or two concepts make any sense to you in terms of working with clients" (p. 128). Though you may be able to apply only a few concepts in a particular theory to your work with clients, as a social worker, you should be applying evidence-based research to your work.

Empirically-based developmental theories may guide you as you assess clients and their presenting problems. You may also apply developmental theories to your treatment decisions. For this Assignment, you discuss theories of life-span development by evaluating a theory that seems especially relevant to you and your role as a social worker. Select a theory of life-span development to address in this Discussion. This may be a theory described in the resources of this course, or you may select a theory based on personal research.

Locate at least one scholarly resource (not included in the course resources) that addresses the theory you selected. Assignment: Post a Discussion in which you: · analyze the theory of life-span development that you selected and Summarize the theory · identify the strengths and weaknesses of this theory, especially as it relates to social work practice. · Explain one way you might apply the theory to your social work practice. · Proper English with no run-on sentences is an absolute requirement! The paper must contain at least 2 references and citations. Use the following resources for the references and citations . At a minimum, be sure to reference Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman and Locate at least one scholarly resource (not included in the course resources) that addresses the theory you selected.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected theory of life-span development for this discussion is Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory. Erikson (1950) proposed that human development occurs across eight stages from infancy to late adulthood, each characterized by a specific psychosocial crisis that must be resolved for healthy psychological growth. The theory emphasizes the role of social interactions and experiences in shaping identity and personality throughout an individual's life span.

Erikson’s psychosocial development theory outlines the following stages: Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs. Guilt, Industry vs. Inferiority, Identity vs. Role Confusion, Intimacy vs. Isolation, Generativity vs. Stagnation, and Ego Integrity vs. Despair. Each stage involves a conflict that serves as a turning point influencing future development. For example, successful resolution of trust vs. mistrust in infancy leads to a sense of hope and trust in others, while failure may result in mistrust and insecurity (Erikson, 1950).

The strength of Erikson’s theory lies in its comprehensive view of human development, emphasizing the importance of social and emotional factors over the lifespan. It provides a framework for understanding how early experiences impact later functioning. In social work practice, this theory is valuable because it highlights the significance of relational context and identity development, which are central to client-centered interventions.

A notable weakness of this theory is its somewhat deterministic nature, implying that unresolved crises in earlier stages can have lasting negative effects, potentially oversimplifying the complex capacity for resilience and change. Critics also argue that Erikson’s stages may not uniformly apply across different cultures, as social norms and values shape development differently (Kroger, 2007).

In my social work practice, I would apply Erikson’s theory by assessing clients’ developmental crises and their resolution or ongoing struggles in each stage. For instance, when working with adolescents experiencing identity confusion, understanding their developmental stage can guide targeted interventions that foster self-exploration and confidence. Additionally, in working with older adults, I would recognize issues related to ego integrity and help clients find a sense of fulfillment and reconciliation with their life experiences.

To conclude, Erikson’s psychosocial development theory offers a valuable lens for understanding human growth and challenges across the lifespan. Its focus on social and emotional factors aligns well with the core principles of social work, making it a practical tool for assessment and intervention.

References

• Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and society. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Kroger, J. (2007). Identity development: Adolescence through adulthood. Sage Publications.
• Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Dybicz, P. (2012). The hero(ine) on a journey: A postmodern conceptual framework for social work practice. Journal of Social Work Education, 48(2), 267–283.
• Villadsen, K. (2008). 'Polyphonic' welfare: Luhmann's systems theory applied to modern social work. International Journal of Social Welfare, 17(1), 65–73.