Menu

Online MSW Programs / Social Work / 6 Important Theories in Social Work

6 Important Theories in Social Work

Social work theories attempt to describe, explain and predict social events based on scientific evidence, studies and research. Social work
perspectives draw from psychology, philosophy, economics, education and other fields to attempt to explain what drives and motivates
people at various stages of life.

Some social work students studying for a bachelor’s degree in social work or master of social work may wonder, “Why is theory important
in social work?” Social workers learn a variety of theories so they’re prepared to apply social work theory to practice. That ensures
competence in social work, which can increase social worker confidence.

Why Is Theory Important in Social Work?

Social work theories help social workers analyze cases, understand clients, create interventions, predict intervention results and evaluate
outcomes. While the theories are constantly evolving as new evidence is produced, referencing social work theories that have been used
over time enables social workers to explore causes of behavior. They can then help their clients find the best solutions.

Learning about various social work theories helps remind social workers that their personal assumptions and beliefs should be suspended
during social work practice. Social workers should use evidence-based theories to investigate issues and drive their practice, instead of
applying their own attitudes, reactions and moods to client work.

Applying Social Work Theory to Practice

Social work theory provides a starting point for social workers to create interventions and plan their work. It gives social workers a way to
address client problems through a research-based lens.

The theories help social workers better understand complex human behaviors and social environments, which influence their clients’ lives
and problems. A good grasp of theory helps guide social workers by providing them with a sense of direction, purpose and control by
using research-based scientific evidence in theory.

One challenge of applying social work theories to practice is choosing the right theory for the situation at hand. It can be difficult to assign
a single theory to complex client issues. Often, it’s more practical to draw upon the knowledge of multiple theories and use that
understanding to design multifaceted interventions.

List of Important Social Work Theories

The following list of social work theories includes some of the most widely referenced theories used in social work.

1. Social learning theory

Social learning theory, which is also known as social cognitive theory, was developed by psychologist Albert Bandura. open_in_new This theory
posits that learning occurs by observing others and modeling their behavior.

In order for social learning to occur, a person must want to emulate the person they’re watching. The individual pays close attention to the
action and retains the action in memory. Then, the individual must experience a situation where the behavior can be repeated and must
be motivated to repeat the behavior.

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.

2. 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.
Systems theory can be used to treat issues open_in_new like eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, school trauma and risky
behavior. In ecological systems theory, individuals are observed in multiple environments so that behavior is fully understood. Family
systems theory examines the family as a social system influencing behavior and thoughts.

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.

3. Psychosocial development theory

Psychosocial development theory was introduced by German psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, who believed personality develops in a series of
stages. Erikson created an eight-stage theory of psychosocial development open_in_new. According to the theory, the eight stages of development
that people pass through in life are:

1. Trust versus mistrust 5. Identity versus confusion

2. Autonomy versus shame and doubt 6. Intimacy versus isolation
3. Initiative versus guilt 7. Generativity versus stagnation
4. Industry versus inferiority 8. Integrity versus despair

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.

4. Psychodynamic theory
Psychodynamic theory was introduced by the founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. This theory is founded on the idea that humans
are biologically driven to seek gratification. The theory states that people do this based on processes that have developed outside of
conscious awareness, with origins in childhood experiences. This drive influences everyday behavior, leading to actions like aggression,
sex and self-preservation.

In social work, psychodynamic theory can help to explain the internal processes 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.

5. Social exchange theory

Social exchange theory originates with Austrian sociologist George Homans. It says that relationships are based on cost-benefit analysis.
Each person seeks to maximize their benefits and is expected to reciprocate for the benefits they’ve received. When risks outweigh
potential rewards, relationships may be abandoned. When one person in a relationship has greater personal resources than another, that
person is predicted to have greater power as well.

Social workers can use social exchange theory to understand the relationships their clients have open_in_new with others and why they continue to
maintain certain relationships or abandon them.

Social exchange theory can also be applied to the techniques social workers use to connect with their clients. Social exchange theory can
influence how social workers position the social worker-client relationship as one that benefits their clients.

6. Rational choice theory

Rational choice theory helps explain why people make the choices they do, as people weigh risks, costs and benefits before making
decisions. This theory says that all choices are rational because people calculate the costs and benefits before making a decision. Even
when a choice seems irrational, there was reasoning behind it.

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 decisions open_in_new based on their rational preferences.

6 Practice Models in Social Work

Social work practice models are ways social workers can implement theories in their practice. Just like a social worker may use various
theories to guide their interventions, social workers may also use various practice models depending on the problems their clients
encounter.

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy open_in_new focuses on how thoughts and feelings influence behaviors, as well as how self-destructive behaviors can
lead to psychological problems. Social workers using cognitive behavioral therapy methods help clients identify self-destructive thoughts
and behaviors that influence negative emotions and behaviors.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used with individuals who are experiencing mental health issues, mental illness or depression
resulting from crisis or trauma. Social workers using cognitive behavioral therapy help their clients eliminate destructive thoughts and
behaviors and prevent negative outcomes from them.

2. Crisis intervention model

The crisis intervention model is used for clients who are experiencing crisis and trauma, such as victims of domestic violence, and for
clients who require intervention to prevent physical harm or suicide. Albert R. Roberts, PhD, and Allen J. Ottens, PhD, developed a seven-
stage crisis intervention model open_in_new with the following stages:

1. Take a psychosocial and lethality assessment.

2. Rapidly establish rapport.
3. Identify the major crisis cause(s).
4. Enable the client to express their feelings and emotions.
5. Generate and explore safe alternatives for coping.
6. Create an action plan.
7. Follow up after the intervention.

This social work model is commonly used for clients who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm or who have undergone an
acute crisis, like rape or violence.

3. Narrative therapy
Narrative therapy open_in_new is the process of removing an individual from their problem(s) and helping the individual to see that they have the
power to change their life story, also known as the narrative. Narrative therapy helps individuals realize that they are not their problems,
but that they’re separate from them and can fix them when they view the narrative from an outside perspective.

Using narrative therapy, a social worker would help an individual to create a new narrative with different positive actions. The social
worker helps an individual understand how the broader context is contributing to their narrative, so they can be aware of things to avoid
and ways to tackle their problems.

4. Problem-solving model
The problem-solving model open_in_new was created by Helen Harris Perlman, a social worker and author of “Social Casework: A Problem-solving
Process.” With the problem-solving model, a social worker helps an individual identify a problem, create an action plan to solve it and
implement the solution. Together, the social worker and individual discuss the effectiveness of the problem-solving strategy and adjust it
as necessary.

The problem-solving model enables the social worker and individual to focus on one concrete problem at a time. Perlman argued that this
method is effective because long-term psychotherapy isn’t always necessary and can hinder an individual’s progress.

5. Solution-focused therapy
Solution-focused therapy involves the social worker and client identifying a problem and creating a solution based on the individual’s
strengths. It’s a short-term practice model that focuses on helping clients to cope with challenges using specific behaviors. Instead of
focusing on changing who a client is, solution-focused therapy concerns changing a client’s actions in certain situations to achieve more
favorable outcomes.

In solution-focused therapy, the social worker and the client work together to devise solutions. This gives the client the opportunity to play
an essential role in the positive changes they’re going to make and helps them to implement those changes since they had a role in
suggesting them.

6. Task-centered practice
With task-centered practice, a social worker breaks down a problem into manageable tasks. The individual has deadlines to complete the
tasks and agrees to meet them. Task-centered practice is a goal-setting form of social work that helps individuals make constant gains
toward improving their lives.

Task-centered practice is a form of social work brief therapy, that provides time-limited treatments to move individuals closer to success as
they complete tasks. Instead of focusing on the past, social workers using task-centered practice focus on the present and how the work
individuals do on certain tasks will positively impact their future.
Resources to Explore Social Work Theories
Social work theories have been practiced over decades and continually evolve when new research is completed. Learn more about social
work theories by exploring the resources below.

Journals
• Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work: open_in_new This journal features research on evidence-based practice in social work and evaluates
social work theory, techniques and strategies.
• Journal of Social Work Practice: open_in_new This journal focuses on psychodynamic and systemic social work perspectives. It features
research on theory and practice experience and includes articles offering critical analysis of systemic and psychodynamic theory.
• Journal of Social Work: open_in_new This journal includes social work research and shorter “think pieces” on social work theoretical
understanding, policy and practice.
• Social Work: open_in_new This journal is the official journal of the National Association of Social Workers and features articles on social work
and social welfare, including new techniques and research.
• Clinical Social Work Journal: open_in_new This journal features peer-reviewed articles on clinical social work practice with individuals, groups,
families and couples. It also has articles on theory developments, practice and evidence-based clinical research.

Introductory books
• “A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory”: open_in_new This textbook by David Howe explains how social work practice is influenced by
various social work theories and shows how social work theories have evolved over time.
• “An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods”: open_in_new This book by Barbra Teater explains the most prominent
social work theories and how those approaches can be used in practice.
• “Social Work Theory and Practice”: open_in_new This book by Lesley Deacon and Stephen J. Macdonald explains how social work theory
informs practice for various individuals and contexts.
• “Modern Social Work Theory”: open_in_new This book by Malcolm Payne introduces the major social work practice theories and explains how
to apply theory to practice.
• “An Introduction to Using Theory in Social Work Practice”: open_in_new This book by James A. Forte covers 14 social work theories and
explains how to use them from engagement through evaluation.

Note: the links in this section on Social Work Theory all go to Google Books and are solely provided for your information.
OnlineMSWPrograms.com does not receive any form of compensation for these links.

Other online resources

• Theories of Social Work: open_in_new This slideshow introduces social work theory, explains the use of social work theories in practice, covers
social work theory limitations and briefly covers some specific social work theories.
• NASW Clinical Social Work: open_in_new This section of the National Association of Social Workers website covers clinical social work
practice. It features content, publications and related resources for clinical social workers, like the NASW Standards for Clinical Social
Work in Social Work Practice open_in_new.
• Encyclopedia of Social Work: open_in_new The Encyclopedia of Social Work by the National Association of Social Workers Press and Oxford
University Press features tools for applying social work theory to practice. These resources include scholarly articles and
bibliographies.
• Social Work Today: open_in_new This publication features articles on current social work trends in categories like behavioral health, addictions,
children and family, aging and professional practice.
• Social Work Helper: open_in_new This website features articles and videos on various social work topics and the latest news in social work.

Science-Based Social Work Theory Helps Social Workers and Their

Clients Succeed
Social work theory helps social workers ensure competence when creating interventions for clients. An understanding of the most
prominent social work theories gives social workers the tools they need to provide evidence-based treatment and help their clients
 overcome their problems. As social work theories continue to evolve and emerge, social workers can apply their multifaceted knowledge
to unique situations and clients.

Want to learn more about social work or interested in becoming a social worker? See our article What is Social Work? or our step-by-step
guide to becoming a social worker.

Published: February 2022

Guide to the Best Online MSW Programs | CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs | Programs by State | Schools by Name | Careers |

Social Work | Online MSW Resources | Disclaimers | FAQs | About edX, a 2U company | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy |

Your Privacy Choices | Site Map

© 2023

edX.org open_in_new OnlineMSWPrograms.com is owned and operated by 2U, Inc., the parent company of edX