LMSW Vocabulary

Act utilitarianism

an ethical framework that evaluates the morality of an action based on its specific consequences, aiming to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people in a given situation 

Hypothetico-deductive reasoning

the first form of reasoning young adolescents are able to perform, as they start with a hypothesis and then deduce logical inferences 

Universalism

the belief that there is a single, overarching standard or norm for behavior that applies to everyone, regardless of individual differences or cultural contexts. In social work, this concept can influence practice by promoting a one-size-fits all approach to chlients interactions and interventions 

Propositional thought

the ability to evaluate the logic of propositions without referring to real-world circumstances 

Secular trend

refers to generational change from one generation to the next 

Cost-benefit ratio

one measure of a cost-benefit analysis  

Cost-benefit analysis

explicitly addresses the balance of expense and fiscal benefit

Cost-effectiveness analysis

tells the examiner about benefits not measured in monetary terms, such as lives saved, that will not equate to a specific fiscal measure on a balance sheet 

D-Needs

short for deficiency needs, these are the basic needs that arise due to deprivation, including physiological, safety, social, and esteem needs. According to Maslow, these needs must be fulfilled before individuals can focus on growth and self-actualization and higher-level needs can be meaningfully addressed.

Psychological contact

The initial step in crisis intervention where the social worker establishes a connection with the client, fostering a sense of trust and understanding  After ensuring the immediate safety, the next crucial step is to establish rapport and build a collaborative relationship 

Safety planning

involves creating a structured approach to ensure the well-being and protection of children in care. It includes assessing potential risks, implementing strategies to mitigate these risks, and continuously monitoring the child’s environment to ensure it remains safe and supportive 

 therapeutic setting

refers to an environment designed to provide emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical support to individuals, particularly children, to help them heal and develop.  

Permanency planning

rests on the idea that children thrive in stable, long-term environments. The best of these is commonly agreed to be their own home, if safety and other protective factors are present 

Couples therapy

concentrates on family roles, rules, and organizational patterns, aiming to realign the family structure more healthily. It examines aspects such as hierarchies, boundaries, and subsystems, and seeks to enhance the family’s functioning by modifying the dynamics of relationships among family members. 

Structural family therapy

concentrates on family roles, rules, and organizational patterns, aiming to realign the family structure more healthily. It examines aspects such as hierarchies, boundaries, and subsystems, and seeks to enhance the family’s functioning by modifying the dynamics of relationships among family members. It is a psychological approach that looks at a family's problems by looking into the relationships between each family member and the three subsystems: parental subsystem, sibling subsystem, and spousal subsystem. 

Bowenian family therapy

less focused on immediate symptom relief. It emphasizes long-term emotional functioning and self-differentiation within a multigenerational family system. 

Strategic family therapy

focuses on reducing symptoms by interrupting problematic patterns of feedback and interaction that are believed to maintain the presenting issue. It is directive and symptom-focused, often involving planned interventions designed to shift dynamics quickly and change behavior.

Personal fable

the personal fable is a cognitive distortion common in adolescence where individuals believe they are unique and invincible, often leading to the perception that no one else can understand their experiences or feelings 

What are Erickson’s stages of psychosocial development?

1. Trust vs. mistrust

2. Autonomy vs shame and doubt

3. Imitative vs. guilt

4. Industry vs. inferiority

5. Identity vs. role confusion

6. Intimacy vs. isolation

7. Generativity vs. stagnation

8. Integrity vs. despair

What is trust vs. mistrust?

Infants develop a sense of trust in their caregivers and the world if their basic needs are consistently met. 

What age is trust vs. mistrust?

infancy, birth to 1 year

What is autonomy vs. shame and doubt?

Toddlers learn to assert their independence and make choices while developing a sense of self-control and confidence. 

What age is autonomy vs. shame and doubt?

toddlerhood, 1-3 years

What is initiative vs. guilt?

Children explore their environment and take initiative, developing a sense of purpose and confidence. 

What age is initiative vs. guilt?

preschool, 3-5 years

What is industry vs. inferiority?

Children learn to be competent and productive, developing a sense of accomplishment and skill. 

What age is industry vs. inferiority?

school age, 6-12 years

What is identity vs. role confusion?

Adolescents explore their sense of self, experiment with different roles and beliefs, and develop a stable sense of identity. 

What age is identity vs. role confusion?

Adolescence, 12-18 years

What is intimacy vs. isolation?

young adults form intimate relationships and develop and sense of connection and love

What age is intimacy vs. isolation?

Young adulthood, 19-40 years

What is generativity vs. stagnation?

Middle-aged adults focus on contributing to society and leaving a legacy, feeling satisfied with their accomplishments and contributions. 

What age is generativity vs. stagnation?

middle adulthood, 40-65 years

What is integrity vs. despair?

Older adults reflect on their lives and either feel a sense of accomplishment and wisdom or regret and despair. 

What age is integrity vs. despair?

late adulthood, 65+

What are kohlberg’s stages of moral development?

1. Preconventional

   1. Obedience and punishment orientation

   2. Self-interest orientation

2. Conventional

   1. interpersonal accord and conformity

   2. authority and social order maintaining orientation

3. Postconventional

   1. social contract orientation

   2. universal ethical principles orientation

What is Obedience and punishment orientation?

Morality is defined by avoiding punishment and obeying authority figures.

What is self-interest orientation?

Moral decisions are based on personal gain and avoiding negative consequences for oneself. 

What is interpersonal accord and conformity?

Moral decisions are guided by maintaining relationships and achieving social approval. 

What is authority and social order maintaining orientation?

Moral decisions are based on following rules and upholding social order. 

What is social contract orientation?

Moral decisions are based on individual rights and social contracts, recognizing that rules can be unjust. 

What is universal ethical principles orientation?

Moral decisions are based on abstract ethical principles and personal convictions, even if they conflict with societal norms. 

What Piaget’s stages of cognitive development?

1. Sensorimotor

2. Preoperational stage

3. concrete operational stage

4. formal operational stage

What is the sensorimotor stage?

Children learn through sensory experiences and physical actions, developing object permanence. 

What is the preoperational stage?

Children develop symbolic thought, language, and the ability to pretend, but struggle with logical reasoning and conservation. 

What is the concreate operational stage?

Children can perform logical operations on concrete objects, understand conservation, and solve problems involving physical manipulation. 

What is the formal operational stage?

Children develop abstract thought, hypothetical reasoning, and the ability to think about abstract concepts. 

What age is the sensorimotor stage?

birth to 2 years

What age is the preoperational stage?

ages 2 to 7

what age is the concrete operational stage?

ages 7 to 11

What age is the formal operational stage?

ages 12 and up

Role ambiguity

occurs when the expectations and responsibilities of a role are unclear or ill-defined, leading to confusion, anxiety, or inefficiency in fulfilling the role 

Role conflict

arises when there are mutually incompatible expectations placed on a person, either by different individuals or within the same role 

Role reversal

involves the intentional or situational exchange of roles between two or more individuals. This can be temporary and often occurs in therapeutic exercises or caregiving situations

Role discomplementarity

occurs when the expectations of a role are not met or are violated, as perceived by one of the individuals involved in the interaction. This often leads to dissatisfaction or tension in the relationship because one person feels that the other is not fulfilling their expected role

What does HIPPA stand for?

Health insurance portability and accountability act

Psychodrama

a group therapeutic technique in which participants enact specific roles or scenarios to explore and process personal issues in a structured, experiential way. It allows individuals to re-create emotional conflicts, past events, or internal struggles by acting them out with the support of a group. The goal is to gain insight, emotional release, and new perspectives through direct engagement with the problem rather than through discussion alone.

Experiential group processing

A therapeutic approach where individuals engage in activities or role-playing within a group setting to explore personal issues, gain insights, and process emotions through direct experience rather than verbal discussion alone.

Inhibition (defense mechanism)

An individual unconsciously restricts or avoids engaging in pleasurable activities or desires, often due to underlying anxiety or fear of potential negative consequences. It serves a protective function by the denial of pleasurable activity that might otherwise be a threat.

universalism

the belief that there is a single, overarching set of principles or standards that apply to all individuals, regardless of culture, background, or personal beliefs. In the context of behavior, it suggests that there is one universal standard of acceptable conduct that everyone should adhere to.

Self psychology

A psychoanalytic theory developed by Heinz Kohut, focusing on the development of the self and the importance of relationships in shaping one's sense of identity and self-worth.

Twinning in self psychology

an alter ego refers to a person or entity that serves as a mirror or counterpart to an individual, helping them to feel understood and validated, thus supporting their self-development.

Positivist

emphasizes understanding crime through systemic and external factors, such as social, economic, and environmental influences, rather than focusing solely on individual responsibility. It suggests that criminal behavior is often a result of these broader societal issues.

Pro-punishment

perspective on crime prevention advocates for strict penalties and punitive measures as the primary means to deter criminal behavior. It operates on the belief that the fear of punishment can effectively reduce crime rates by discouraging individuals from engaging in illegal activities.

Behaviorist

approaches to crime prevention focus on modifying behavior through the principles of learning, particularly emphasizing the role of environmental stimuli and responses. This perspective uses techniques such as reinforcement and punishment to encourage desirable behaviors and discourage criminal actions.

What is Weber’s bureaucratic theory?

outlines the characteristics of an ideal organizational structure that promotes efficiency and rationality. Key features include a clear hierarchy of authority, specialized roles, formal written rules and regulations, and impersonal interactions. 

What are the reasons for a hierarchical structure in Weber's bureaucratic theory?

Stability and uniformity

This theory stated the need for a hierarchical bureaucracy in the interest of promoting stability and uniformity in the organization.

This theory did not deal with efficiency, reliability, longevity, or durability.

Individual Psychology

A psychological approach developed by Alfred Adler that emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual and the importance of social relationships and community in shaping personality and behavior.

Brokering

involves actively negotiating and advocating on behalf of clients to connect them with specific resources or services. It requires using the social worker's knowledge of community resources and direct communication with service providers to help clients overcome barriers and gain access to needed services.

Facilitators

are social workers who bring together groups of people to collaborate on community development projects, organize political campaigns, or plan policy changes, fostering collective action and decision-making.

Administrative theory

focuses on the practical application of administrative principles within social work organizations to effectively manage resources and personnel to achieve social goals. It encompasses the coordination of people and resources, organizational structures, and the development of policies and programs aimed at meeting community needs. This theory draws from organizational theory, social theory, and political theory to understand how public service organizations function and how to improve their effectiveness.

theory x

people dislike work, have little ambition, and are unwilling to take responsibility.

theory y

neoclassical, It suggests that employees are intrinsically motivated, enjoy their work, and seek responsibility. It emphasizes a participative management style, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and empowerment.

contingency approach

emphasizes that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and the most effective strategies depend on the specific circumstances of each individual or situation

sociotechnical approach

emphasizes the interconnectedness of social and technical systems within an organization or society.

change agent

a social worker who facilitates and implements strategies to bring about systemic improvements and reforms within organizations, communities, or larger societal structures.

triangulation

a dynamic where a third person is brought into a conflict or stressful relationship between two individuals, often to manage anxiety or tension

Neoclassical theory of management

shifts the focus from the classical theory's emphasis on structure and efficiency to the human element in organizations. It recognizes that social and psychological factors significantly impact productivity and organizational success. This approach emphasizes the importance of human relations, individual differences, and employee participation in decision-making. 

Metacommunication

refers to the nonverbal and contextual elements that influence how a message is interpreted, such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions, which provide additional meaning beyond the literal words spoken.

Subtext

is the underlying or implied meaning in communication that is not directly stated, often revealing hidden intentions or emotions beneath the surface of the spoken words.

Implicit communication

involves conveying messages indirectly or through suggestion, where the intended meaning is not explicitly stated but understood through context and shared knowledge.

Clinical Orientation

A focus in social work that emphasizes the enhancement of ethical practices, ensuring that all clients receive fair and just treatment. It involves making ethical decisions and resolving conflicts between professional obligations to benefit clients.

paternalistic orientation

An approach in social work that focuses on guiding clients towards moral and productive lives, often emphasizing the profession's role in promoting clients' well-being and ethical behavior.

defensive orientation

A perspective in social work that prioritizes the protection of the social worker and the organization, focusing on risk management and safeguarding against potential legal or ethical issues.

Indirect practice in social work

involves activities that do not involve direct interaction with clients but aim to enhance the overall service delivery, such as advocacy, policy development, and community organizing.

SOAP

a structured method used in treatment planning and documentation, standing for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. It helps healthcare professionals systematically record and communicate patient information.

Cross-Boundary Exchange

refers to the interaction and flow of information, resources, or energy between a system and its external environment. This exchange is crucial for the system's adaptation, growth, and survival, as it allows for the incorporation of new inputs and the release of outputs.

Content validity

measures the degree to which a desired pool of content or data is meaningfully addressed by an instrument of measurement. Measures to which degree all of the desired data domains are covered

Face validity

refers to the apparent, subjective integrity of the construct measurements

Internal consistency reliability

assesses the consistency of results across items within a test. It evaluates whether different items that propose to measure the same general construct produce similar scores, often measured using Cronbach's alpha.

Flooding

It is a therapeutic technique used in behavioral therapy to treat phobias and anxiety disorders by exposing individuals to their feared stimuli in a controlled and prolonged manner, aiming to extinguish the fear response through repeated exposure without any negative consequences.

Genogram

A genogram is a detailed diagram that typically includes three generations of a family and provides rich information about individuals, such as names, dates of birth, marriage dates, relationships to the client, significant events, and sometimes patterns of health, behavior, or emotional connections. It helps social workers like Sam understand the client’s family system, identify patterns across generations, and decide where to begin interventions.

Ecomap

visual tool used in social work to illustrate an individual's or family's connections to external systems and resources, such as work, school, healthcare, and social supports, highlighting environmental influences and potential areas for intervention.