Ch 7: Human Behavior Theories for Social Work
About This Chapter
Human Behavior Theories for Social Work - Chapter Summary
The lessons in this chapter are a quick and easy way to brush up on human behavior theories for social work. Our expert instructors can help you better understand topics like psychodynamics, social change, and social expectations. You can also increase your understanding of resilience and strength-based theories in social work, group behavior, and role set in sociology. You'll also explore issues surrounding body image. After completing the chapter, you should be prepared to:
- Discuss how behaviors are shaped, including genetic influences
- Recall techniques social workers use in a strengths-based practice
- List different types of defense mechanisms
- Recount Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development
- Explain Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory of development
- Discuss traditional roles of men and women in society
- Provide examples of intrinsic motivation in psychology
You can either study all of the lessons for a comprehensive overview, or just focus on specific topics. Each lesson is accompanied by a brief quiz to determine how much of the content you can remember. Make the most of this resource by printing the quiz in worksheet form to study offline.
1. What is Human Behavior? - Definition & Explanation
Human behavior, or how humans act, is the focus of psychology. Learn about factors that influence human behavior, as well as classical and operant conditioning.
2. Differences in Values & Their Effect on Behavior
Explore the potential effects of differences in values among people on their different behaviors. Examine how differences in values can cause interpersonal conflict.
3. Person-in-Environment (PIE) Theory
Person-in-environment (PIE) theory states that by examining the environment of an individual, one can understand their behavior. Learn about the PIE theory, its history, and its functions through a case scenario.
4. How Genetics Helps Us Understand Human Behavior
Genetics are the study of heredity and variation in living organisms, and they help us to look at the biological traits that are passed down from one generation to the next genetically. Learn more about how the study of genetics helps us to understand human behavior and distinguish facts from myths about genetics.
5. Strengths-Based & Resilience Theories in Social Work
How can an individual's strengths be used by social workers? This lesson discusses strengths-based and resilience theories in social work, how they are defined, what they consist of and how they are used.
6. Defense Mechanisms: Definition, Types & Examples
Defense mechanisms help people cope with stressful and difficult situations. Delve into the definition of defense mechanisms, explore the most common types of defense mechanisms through some examples, and discover if they are positive or negative for people.
7. Erik Erikson's Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development: Conflicts & Growth
Psychologist Erik Erikson identified eight stages of psychosocial development in order to understand how individuals grow in each stage of life. Learn about psychosocial development and how overcoming conflicts produces personal growth.
8. Group Behavior in Social Psychology: Definition & Influences
Social psychology is a science that studies how groups can influence a person's behaviors. Explore the definition of group behavior in social psychology and its influence on productivity and group decision-making.
9. Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory of Development: Definition & Examples
Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory argues that personal development is affected by environmental factors. Learn the definition and explore examples of Bronfenbrenner's theory of development. Review the theory's levels, including microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem.
10. Psychodynamics: Definition & Theory
Psychodynamics is a popular theory used in an attempt to explain the development of personalities. Explore the definition and theory of psychodynamics as related to Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and modern thought.
11. What is Social Change? - Forms & Definition
Social change is the transformation of culture and society over time. Discover the definition, forms, and causes of social change including: culture, ideas, conflict, and demographics.
12. Social Expectations: Definition & Theory
There are many things that influence human behavior. Understand the theory and definition of social expectations, explore an overview of social influences and institutions, the stages of moral development, symbolic interactionism, the expectations states theory, and the stages of socialization.
13. Role Set in Sociology: Definition & Analysis
Role set in sociology is a term used to describe the set of roles and relationships that individuals possess as a result of social status as defined by American sociologist Robert K. Merton in 1957. Learn about Merton's analysis and the wider definition of the role set concept in sociology.
14. Intrinsic Motivation in Psychology: Definition, Examples & Factors
When you do something because you enjoy it and not for an external reward or outcome, you're driven by intrinsic motivation. Learn about intrinsic motivation in psychology, discover how it differs from extrinsic motivation through some examples, and explore the factors that promote intrinsic motivation.
15. What Is Body Image? - Definition, Facts, Statistics & Issues
This lesson defines body image, which refers to how people see themselves. It will also discuss the facts, statistics and issues that stem from having a positive and negative body image.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the ASWB Masters Exam: Study Guide & Practice course
- Human Growth & Development
- Childhood Growth & Development
- Adolescence Growth & Development
- Adult Growth & Development
- Abnormal Human Development
- Studying Human Growth & Development
- Basics of Mental & Behavioral Disorders
- Overview of Interpersonal Relationships
- Overview of Gender, Sex, & Sexual Orientation
- Family Dynamics & Aging
- Diversity, Justice & Oppression in Social Work
- Addiction Theories & Behaviors
- Indications & Effects of Abuse & Neglect
- Types of Crisis & Change for Social Work
- Social History & Collateral Data for Social Work
- Social Work Problem Identification & Solutions
- Medical Terminology & Assessments for Social Work
- Assessment Methods & Techniques in Social Work
- Evidence-Based Practices for Social Work
- Intervention Identification & Planning in Social Work
- Intervention Processes & Techniques
- Stress, Anger, & Conflict Management Tools for Therapy
- Group Intervention Processes & Techniques
- Documentation & Interviewing in Social Work
- Overview of Client Education & Advocacy for Social Work
- Collaborative Relationships in Social Work
- Ethics, Self-Determination & Regulations in Social Work
- Professional Development, Communication & Leadership
- Professionalism, Relationships & Communication for Social Work
- ASWB Masters Exam Flashcards