1.

CONFLICT THEORY - Conflict theory explains how different power

structures impact people’s lives. In this theory, life is characterized by conflict—
whether that’s oppression, discrimination, power struggles, or structural
inequality. In addressing these asymmetrical power relationships, social workers
can strive to reduce tensions between different groups.
2. DEVELOPMENTAL THEORY -The focus of developmental perspective is on
how human behavior unfolds across the life course, how people change and stay
the same over time. Human development is seen to occur in clearly defined
stages based on a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social
processes. Each new stage involves new tasks and brings changes in social roles
and statuses (Hutchison & Charlesworth, 2007).

3. FAMILY LIFE CYCLE THEORY -Family life cycle theory suggests that
successful transitioning may also help to prevent disease and emotional or stress-
related disorders.Whether you are a parent or child, brother or sister, bonded by
blood or love, your experiences through the family life cycle will affect who you
are and who you become

4. GROUNDED THEORY -Grounded theory is a systematic methodology that

has been largely applied to qualitative research conducted by social
scientists. The methodology involves the construction of hypotheses and theories
through the collecting and analysis of data. Grounded theory involves the
application of inductive reasoning.
5. HUMANISTIC THEORY -Humanistic social work focuses on addressing the
needs of customers in a holistic manner (Payne, 2011). Inclined to the Maslow
hierarchy of needs, humanistic social work calls for practitioners to ensure the
physiological, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the clients are met.

6. PSYCHODYNAMIC THEORY -In social work, psychodynamic theory can help

to explain the internal processesExternal link:open_in_new individuals use to
guide their behavior, some of which may be unconsciously motivated. Social
workers may also examine how early childhood experiences have played a role in
influencing their clients’ behavior today
7. PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT THEORY -In psychosocial development
theory, humans are believed to go through these stages as they age. Psychosocial
development theory can influence social workers, who can look at what stage of
 development their clients are going through and use the theory to better
understand the challenges their clients are experiencing during certain stages of
psychosocial development.
8. RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY -This theory can help social workers
understand the decision-making processes and motivations of their clients. Using
rational choice theory, social workers can examine how their clients make
decisionsExternal link:open_in_new based on their rational preferences.

9. SOCIAL CONTRUSCTIONIST THEORY -The social constructionist

perspective focuses on how people learn, through their interactions with each
other, to classify the world and their place in it. People are seen as social beings
who interact with each other and the physical world based on shared meanings or
shared understandings about the world. In this view, people develop their
understandings of the world and themselves from social interaction, and these
understandings shape their subsequent social interactions (Hutchison &
Charlesworth, 2007).

10. SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY -. Social learning theory relates to social work
because social workers may want to understand how role models affect the
behaviors and moods in those they work with. Social learning theory can also
help social workers form intervention strategies that use positive modeling and
reinforcement to create new positive behaviors in their clients.

11. SYSTEMS THEORY-Systems theory proposes that people are products of

complex systems, rather than individuals who act in isolation. In this theory,
behavior is influenced by a variety of factors that work together as a system.
These factors include family, friends, social settings, religious structure,
economic class and home environment, which can all influence how individuals
act and think.. Social workers using systems theory will work to understand how
their clients are influenced by the systems they’re a part of. Social workers then
identify where systemic breakdowns are affecting behavior.
12. TRANSPERSONAL THEORY-  proposes additional stages beyond the adult
ego. In healthy individuals, these stages contribute to creativity, wisdom, and
altruism. In people lacking healthy ego development, experiences can lead to
psychosis.