Strength-based practice

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Strength-based practice is a social work practice theory that emphasizes people's self-determination and strengths. It is a philosophy and a way of viewing clients (originally psychological patients, but in an extended sense also employees, colleagues or other persons) as resourceful and resilient in the face of adversity. [1] It is client-led, with a focus on future outcomes and strengths that people bring to a problem or crisis. [2] When applied beyond the field of social work, strength-based practice is also referred to as the "strength-based approach", including strength-based leadership and strength-based learning communities. This approach can focus on individuals’ strengths as well as wider social and community networks. [3]

Contents

History

Social worker Bertha Reynolds was a proto-theorist for this practice. She criticized the American social work tendency to adopt a psychoanalytic approach (and the corollary dependence on the DSM IV) with clients. It was formally developed by a team from the University of Kansas, including Dennis Saleebey, Charles Rapp, and Ann Weick. [4]

In 1997, Charles Rapp wrote "The Strengths Model", [5] which focused on "amplifying the well part of the patient". The popularity of his approach spread quickly, and, in 1999, Dr. Martin Seligman, the president of the American Psychological Association at the time, made an observation that fueled strength-based practice:

The most important thing we learned was that psychology was half-baked. We've baked the part about mental illness, about repair damage. The other side's unbaked, the side of strength, the side of what we're good at. [6]

Since then, the strength-based approach has been adapted and applied to many contexts. In the service sector, for example, it has been applied to case management, education, community development, and working with many different groups, such as young people and people with mental illnesses. [7] [8] [9] Beyond social services, in 1995, Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton introduced the strengths perspective to the business world. [6]

Key elements

The strength-based approach is often referred to as a response to more deficit-focused or pathological approaches. For example, Erik Laursen [10] and Laura Nissen [7] noted that in the field of youth justice, the mainstream corrections model focuses on risks, needs and addressing weaknesses. Alternatively, the strength-based approach enhances strengths and builds on characteristics that are already present in individuals.

Although applied differently depending on the population and service, the approach has been characterized as a philosophy or lens through which people are viewed and through which programs and agencies operate. [11] According to Diane Powell and Catherine Batsche, [12] a strength-based philosophy is a critical belief, an all-pervasive attitude that informs a professional's interactions with clients. Ideally, an entire agency will adopt the approach, and, through ongoing training, this attitude-change will occur in all staff, transforming the way they view their work, their colleagues, and, of course, the people and communities they work with. [11]

This strength-based philosophy holds the core belief that all individuals have strengths and resources. [10] The focus of the practice is on a person's skills, interests, and support systems. [13] Its simple premise is to identify what is going well, how to do more of it, and how to build on it. [14]

Six hallmarks of strength-based practice

The following are six criteria that should be demonstrated in strength-based practice: [15] 1. Goal-oriented: In goal attainment, clients are encouraged to set the goals they want to achieve in their lives. 2. Systematic strength assessment: A set of protocols is followed in assessing and documenting strengths. Assessing the problem is avoided. The current situation is also emphasized but the past may be looked into for possible assets, talents, and resources. 3. Rich environment: It is important that the environment is filled with resources. Resources, support, people, and opportunities are sourced primarily from the natural community. 4. Explicit methods for goal attainment: The methods described include identifying strengths, resources, goals, roles, and responsibilities, and relating them to each other. 5. Hope-inducing relationship: The relationship should be able to increase hope, opportunities, confidence, and the client’s perceptions of their abilities. It should also be purposeful, empathetic, and accepting. 6. Meaningful choices and authority to choose: The process of goal-setting, acquiring resources, identifying responsibilities, etc. is directed by the client with confidence and authority while the professional or worker extends and clarifies the client’s choices.

Strength-based practice in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) helps individuals to develop, regain, or improve skills they need to participate in daily activities they want to, need to, or enjoy participating in.

In OT, using a strength-based approach is seen as essential when working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [16] With this approach, all aspects, behaviors, and characteristics of an individual are seen as positive features [17] This approach focuses on the individual's strengths, abilities, and potential instead of their weaknesses, deficit, or inability to complete tasks. However, the use of this approach does not mean that possible challenges and struggles are dismissed. It directs individuals to the good days and their achievements and allows them to accept and embrace differences, adopting values of a social model, instead of emphasizing deficits, just as a medical model does [18] This lets children in the spectrum create a voice and identity they can be proud of. Dunn provides three steps to the use of this approach: [17]

  1. Identify the individual’s strengths through observation, interviews, or assessment.
  2. Build upon these strengths by incorporating them into activities and provide increased opportunities for them to use their strengths daily.
  3. Celebrate the individual’s success no matter how small to help them feel confident and motivated to learn more.

When working with children, an occupational therapist will help the child to learn, play, and use play to learn.

Outcomes

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the strength-based approach is limited; however, some studies have shown that working with individuals and communities through a strength lens improves individual outcomes, such as quality of life, employment, and health. [19] [14] On a more societal level, a strength-based approach promotes positive views of individuals and takes focus away from blame or judgement. This alternative view may contribute to de-stigmatization of certain groups and may increase positive political attention and social support. Overall, there is a need for more research and further evaluations of the strength-based approach.

See also

Related Research Articles

Occupational therapists (OTs) are health care professionals specializing in occupational therapy and occupational science. OTs and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) use scientific bases and a holistic perspective to promote a person's ability to fulfill their daily routines and roles. OTs have training in the physical, psychological, and social aspects of human functioning deriving from an education grounded in anatomical and physiological concepts, and psychological perspectives. They enable individuals across the lifespan by optimizing their abilities to perform activities that are meaningful to them ("occupations"). Human occupations include activities of daily living, work/vocation, play, education, leisure, rest and sleep, and social participation.

Empowerment is the degree of autonomy and self-determination in people and in communities. This enables them to represent their interests in a responsible and self-determined way, acting on their own authority. It is the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights. Empowerment as action refers both to the process of self-empowerment and to professional support of people, which enables them to overcome their sense of powerlessness and lack of influence, and to recognize and use their resources.

Applied psychology is the use of psychological methods and findings of scientific psychology to solve practical problems of human and animal behavior and experience. Educational and organizational psychology, business management, law, health, product design, ergonomics, behavioural psychology, psychology of motivation, psychoanalysis, neuropsychology, psychiatry and mental health are just a few of the areas that have been influenced by the application of psychological principles and scientific findings. Some of the areas of applied psychology include counseling psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, engineering psychology, occupational health psychology, legal psychology, school psychology, sports psychology, community psychology, neuropsychology, medical psychology and clinical psychology, evolutionary psychology, human factors, forensic psychology and traffic psychology. In addition, a number of specialized areas in the general area of psychology have applied branches. However, the lines between sub-branch specializations and major applied psychology categories are often mixed or in some cases blurred. For example, a human factors psychologist might use a cognitive psychology theory. This could be described as human factor psychology or as applied cognitive psychology. When applied psychology is used in the treatment of behavioral disorders there are many experimental approaches to try and treat an individual. This type of psychology can be found in many of the subbranches in other fields of psychology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Occupational therapy</span> Healthcare profession

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that involves the use of assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or occupations, of individuals, groups, or communities. The field of OT consists of health care practitioners trained and educated to improve mental and physical performance. Occupational therapists specialize in teaching, educating, and supporting participation in any activity that occupies an individual's time. It is an independent health profession sometimes categorized as an allied health profession and consists of occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs). While OTs and OTAs have different roles, they both work with people who want to improve their mental and or physical health, disabilities, injuries, or impairments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Social skills</span> Competence facilitating interaction and communication with others

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neurodiversity</span> Non-pathological explanation of variations in mental functions

Neurodiversity is a framework for understanding human brain function and mental illness. It argues that diversity in human cognition is normal and that some conditions classified as mental disorders are differences and disabilities that are not necessarily pathological.

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Solution-focused (brief) therapy (SFBT) is a goal-directed collaborative approach to psychotherapeutic change that is conducted through direct observation of clients' responses to a series of precisely constructed questions. Based upon social constructivist thinking and Wittgensteinian philosophy, SFBT focuses on addressing what clients want to achieve without exploring the history and provenance of problem(s). SF therapy sessions typically focus on the present and future, focusing on the past only to the degree necessary for communicating empathy and accurate understanding of the client's concerns.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inclusion (education)</span> Where disabled students spend most of their time with non-disabled students

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References

  1. ↑ "Strengths-Based Models in Social Work - Social Work - Oxford Bibliographies - obo".
  2. ↑ McCashen, Wayne (2005). The Strengths Approach. Bendigo, Victoria, Australia: St Luke's Innovative Resources.
  3. ↑ https://www.scie.org.uk/strengths-based-approaches Social Care Institute for Excellence. Retrieved October 2019.
  4. ↑ Healy, Karen (2005). Social Work Theories in. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
  5. ↑ Rapp, C. (1997). The Strengths Model: Case Management with People Suffering from Severe and Persistent Mental Illness, 1st Ed. New York: Oxford University Press.
  6. 1 2 Buckingham, Marcus (2007). Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance. New York: Free Press.
  7. 1 2 Nissen, L. (2006). Bringing strength-based philosophy to life in juvenile justice. Reclaiming Children and Youth, 15, 1, p. 40-46.
  8. ↑ Saleebey (2002). The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice, 3rd Ed. Toronto: Allyn and Bacon.
  9. ↑ Winter-Messiers, M., Herr, C. M., Wood, C. E., Brooks, A. P., Gates, M. M., Houston, T. L., & Tingstad, K. I. (2007). How far can Brian ride the daylight 4449 express? A strength-based model of Asperger Syndrome based on special interest areas. Focus on Autism and Other Development Disabilities, 22, 2, 67-79.
  10. 1 2 Laursen, E. K. (2003). Frontiers in strength-based treatment. Reclaiming Children and Youth, 12, 1, 12-17.
  11. 1 2 Roebuck, B., Roebuck, M., & Roebuck, J. (2011). From Strength to Strength: A Manual to Inspire and Guide Strength-based Interventions with Young People. Cornwall: Youth Now Intervention Services.
  12. ↑ Powell, D. S. & Batsche, C. J. (1997). A strength-based approach in support of multi-risk families: Principles and issues. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 17, 1.
  13. ↑ Nissen, L. B., Mackin, J. R., Weller, J. M. & Tarte, J. M. (2005). Identifying strengths as fuel for change: A conceptual and theoretical framework for the youth competency assessment. Juvenile and Family Court Journal, 1-15.
  14. 1 2 Barwick, H. (2004). Young Males: Strength-based and Male-focused Approaches, A Review of the Research and Best Evidence. New Zealand: Ministry of Youth Development.
  15. ↑ Rapp, C.A., Saleebey, D., & Sullivan, W.P. (2005). The future of strength-based social work. Advances in Social Work, 6(1), 79-90.
  16. ↑ Dunn, W., Koenig, K.P., Cox, J., Sabata, D., Pope, E., Foster, L., & Blackwell, A. (2013). Harnessing strengths: Daring to celebrate everyone’s unique contributions, part I. Developmental Disabilities Special Interest Section Quarterly/American Occupational Therapy Association, 36(2), 1-3.
  17. 1 2 Dunn, W. (2017). Strengths-based approaches: What if even the ‘bad things’ are good things? British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(7), 395-396.
  18. ↑ Leary, S. (2019). Adopting a strength-based approach to Autism. Frontline, 114.
  19. ↑ Krabbenborg, M. A., Boersma, S., & Wolf, J. R. (2013). A strengths based method for homeless youth: Effectiveness and fidelity of Houvast. BMC Public Health, 13, 359-369.
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