Social Work Theories: Annotated Bibliography
Eslami, A.A., Norozi, E., Hajihosseini, M., Ramazani, A.A., & Miri, M.R. (2018) Social cognitive theory as a theoretical framework to predict sustained abstinence 6 months after substance use treatment. Journal of Substance Use, 23:3, 300-306, DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2017.1394382
The authors used the social cognitive theory as a theoretical framework for the prediction of substance use abstinence among youths. Through a study involving 269 male participants, the authors attempted to explain substance use abstinence based on social cognitive factors such as perceived social support, perceived self-efficacy and perceived motivation. The findings showed an effectiveness of up to 48.6% after 6 months of follow-up. The article provides sufficient evidence of the applicability of the social cognitive theory in mental health services delivery. As a reference source for the social cognitive theory, the article not only gives a background of the theory but also provides proof of its importance in healthcare and the degree of influence of the different social cognitive factors on healthcare decisions.
Erdem, G., & Safi, O.A. (2018). The cultural lens approach to Bowen family systems theory: Contribution of family change theory. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 10(2). https:/doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12258
In the article by Erdem & Safi was aimed at developing an expansion of the Bowen family systems theory (BFST) for it to be more culturally inclusive. The particular factors added to the model include the social class, gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, family history and values as we as various cultural rituals. The study provides a strong background to the theory, and further explains the potential to use various social constructs to explain family differences and the reasons for the differences. Through a theoretical secondary research process, the authors develop a five-step process for the differentiation of self and family based on the expanded family systems model. The article thus provides evidence that the family systems theory can be expanded for application in families of diverse characteristics.
Herrmann, A., Hall, A. & Proietto, A. (2018). Using the Health Belief Model to explore why women decide for or against the removal of their ovaries to reduce their risk of developing cancer. BMC Women’s Health, 18(184). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-018-0673-2
The paper explores the experiences of women suffering from ovarian cancer from the basis of the health belief model. The authors conducted interviews with various women from different health facilities. The four constructs of the health belief model including perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived beliefs and perceived barriers. The article provides a perfect starting point for understanding the application of the health belief model to practice and its applicability to conventional healthcare practice. The paper is thus relevant for the exploration of the model, and can be used in studies aiming to develop a clear understanding of its place in healthcare.
Lee, C.G., Park, S., Lee, S.H., Kim, H., & Park, J.-W. (2018). Social cognitive theory and physical activity among Korean male high school students. American Journal of Men’s Health, 12(4), 973-980. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988318754572
The article explores the impacts of social cognitive theory on the decision to engage in physical activity. Lee et al. Describe the impacts of the social cognitive theory on physical activity behaviour by starting from the proposals of the theory. The theory emphasizes the reciprocal determinism realism through person-environment interactions. This interaction is characterized by the interplay of environmental, personal, behavioural influences and individual potential for altering environmental characteristics to realize personal health objectives. This capability, is what defines the influence on environmental factors on the potential engagement of male adolescents on physical activity in Korea. The theory was found to account for about 42% of the variances in physical activity among the Korean youths. It therefore provides both an overview of the social cognitive theory and evidence of its practical applicability in making health-related lifestyle choices.
Luquis, R.R., & Kensinger, W.S. (2019). Applying the Health Belief Model to assess prevention services among young adults. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, 57:1, 37-47, DOI: 10.1080/14635240.2018.1549958
Luquis and Kensinger (2019) conducted a survey of 821 adolescents to determine their perceptions regarding various constructs of the health belief model. The article was focused on exploring how these perceptions affect the probability of accessing preventive care services through channels provided by the affordable care act. The findings indicated significant differences among people of different ages, as well as differences across genders. Accordingly, the article provides a good source of information, particularly on the effects of the different constructs, especially perceived belief on accessing preventive care. These findings confirm the relevance of the health belief model on healthcare practice and on public health.
Palombi, M. (2016). Separations: A personal account of Bowen family systems theory. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 37(3). https:/doi.org/10.1002/anzf.1170
Palombi (2016) uses a personal account to explain the effects of personal relationships and separation on individuals based on the family systems theory. Concepts proposed in the family systems theory including self differentiation, chronic anxiety and the multigenerational family process, have all been discussed. Furthermore, the author discusses the differences in outcomes achieved with individual models and those from family systems models. The author concludes that the anxiety of separation can be vest understood through the exploration of the family systems model and an understanding the contributions of individual members to the family system. The study provides good evidence on the applicability of the family systems model in individual and family therapy.