SOCW 6060 Evaluating Psychoanalytical Theory

SOCW 6060
SOCIAL WORK CLINICAL THEORY AND PRACTICE
Evaluating Psychoanalytical Theory
WHAT TO KNOW
Sigmund Freud is often hailed as the father of psychoanalytical theory. His theory was the first to point to the influence of early childhood experiences. However, psychoanalytical theory has received a lot of criticism. Although theories are supposed to be objective and value-free, they are developed within a sociocultural and political context. For example, with historical perspective, it is possible to see that values within the Western Victorian era influenced Freud as he developed his theory. Another criticism is that many psychoanalytical concepts cannot be measured. For example, how do you measure the id, ego, and superego or the notion of unconscious conflicts? As a result, it is difficult to test the accuracy of these concepts using social science research methods.
It is important to critically evaluate theories for their practical use. For example, is it appropriate to use a theory when working with diverse populations or with populations different from those with whom the theory was normed (e.g., women, racial and ethnic minority groups, those who are economically disadvantaged)? Finally, are the assumptions of theories consistent with the values underlying the field? In this Discussion, you respond to some of these concerns.
TO PREPARE
• Review the Learning Resources from this week, and focus on psychoanalytic theory and the critical responses to it.
ASSIGNMENT
Post a response to the following:
• Summarize the assumptions of Freud’s psychoanalytical theory in 2–3 sentences.
• Explain whether you believe it is appropriate to apply psychoanalytic theory to women and individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups.
• Explain whether you believe psychoanalytic theory is consistent with social work values and social work ethics.

Support your post with examples from the course text to demonstrate that you have completed the required readings, understand the material, and are able to apply the concepts. As the course progresses, you will be expected to cite using APA. To develop APA skills, utilize resources from the Writing
PLEASE WRITE THE HEADINGS

COURSE BOOK/MATERIAL
Social Work Treatment 7TH 25
Author: Franklin, Cynthia
ISBN-13: 978-0-19-767725-4
ISBN-10: 0-19-767725-8
Edition/Copyright: 7TH 25
Publisher: Oxford University Press

WEEKLY RESOURCES

REQUIRED READING
• Franklin, C., & Jordan, C. (Ed.). (2024). Turner’s social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (7th ed.). Oxford University Press
o Chapter 4, “Attachment Theory” (pp. H29–H38)
o Chapter 2, “Psychoanalytic Theory” (pp. H15–H19)
• Mulvale, J. P. (2021). Six aspects of justice as a grounding for analysis and practice in social workLinks to an external site.. Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 18 (1), 34–48.
• Yakushko, O. (2021). On the dangers of transnational influences of Western psychology: Decolonizing international perspectives on women and therapyLinks to an external site.. Women and Therapy, 44 (1–2), 193–211. https://doi.org/10.1080/02703149.2020.1776018
• Foley, M., Nash, M., & Munford, R. (2009). Bringing practice into theory: Reflective practice and attachment theoryLinks to an external site.. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work Review, 21 (1–2), 39–47. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol21iss1-2id318
• National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers Links to an external site.. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
• Document: Analysis of a Theory WorksheetDownload Analysis of a Theory Worksheet (Word document)
• Document: Theory Into Practice: Four Social Work Case StudiesDownload Theory Into Practice: Four Social Work Case Studies (PDF)
REQUIRED MEDIA

• Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2014f). Psychoanalytic approachesLinks to an external site.. In Irish Luck Productions (Producer), J. Sommers-Flanagan (Director), & R. Sommers-Flanagan, (Director), Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice [Video]. Psychotherapy.net.

OPTIONAL RESOURCES
• Blakely, T. J., & Dziadosz, G. M. (2015). Application of attachment theory in clinical social workLinks to an external site.. Health & Social Work, 40 (4), 283–289. https://doi.org/10.1093/hsw/hlv059
• Fleischer, L., & Lee, E. (2016). The analytic principle and attitude: Mobilizing psychoanalytic knowledge to maximize social work students’ practice competenceLinks to an external site.. Psychoanalytic Social Work, 23 (2), 99–118. doi:10.1080/15228878.2016.1149776