Week 11: Reflecting on Your Theoretical Orientation

Throughout this course, you have explored an array of theories and models and the ways in which theories provide a framework to view and conceptualize the problem, the therapeutic change process, your role within this change process, and assessment and interventions.

By now, you may be asking what your own theoretical orientation is. Before you determine your theoretical orientation, you should be aware that your personal values, worldviews, life experiences, spiritual or religious perspectives, personality, and biases influence your choice of theoretical orientations. At the same time, remember that your choice of a theoretical orientation is not static. It can change and evolve as you continue your professional and personal life journey. And, if you choose to conduct research and pursue doctoral education, you may even contribute to the body of knowledge upon which theories are built.

This week, you reflect on how theory affects you, and thereby affects your practice.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Determine theoretical orientation(s) that are most appealing and comfortable to apply in social work practice
• Determine theoretical orientation(s) that are most challenging to apply in social work practice
• Reflect on how personal values and worldviews influence the choice(s) of a theoretical orientation

Photo Credit: Philipp Nemenz / Cultura / Getty Images

Learning Resources

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

Pruitt, N. T. (2014). From dodo bird to mindfulness: The effect of theoretical orientation on work and self. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(8), 753–759. doi:10.1002/jclp.22110

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Coleman, D. (2008). Theoretical evaluation self-test: An interactive test of theoretical orientation for mental health clinicians or graduate students. Retrieved from http://web.pdx.edu/~dcoleman/test.html

Optional Resources

Coleman, D. (2003). Learning about therapy theories: An empirical test of an experiential technique. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 23(3/4), 73-89. https://doi.org/10.1300/J067v23n03_07

Discussion: Reflection

Developing self-awareness starts with taking time to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses, what distresses you, and what you find most comfortable in social work practice with your clients and colleagues. You have read about many theories and models at this point. There may have been theories and models that you were more inclined to use. Or there may have been theories and models you were not comfortable using.

The Theoretical Evaluation Self-Test (TEST) was developed by Daniel Coleman. It is a quantitative instrument that measures a therapist’s theoretical orientation. It consists of 30 close-ended statements with a 7-point Likert scale, asking the extent of agreement about “psychotherapy, the human psyche, and the therapeutic process” (Coleman, 2003, p. 74). The seven theoretical orientations that are measured are psychodynamic, biological, family systems, ecosystems, cognitive, pragmatic, and humanistic.

Coleman (2003) cautions that the TEST is not meant to give therapists a conclusive and definitive sense of their theoretical orientation. Rather, the goal is to promote self-reflection about their personal tendencies toward approaching therapy.

For this Discussion, you take the TEST to stimulate self-reflection. You will also take some time to reflect on all the different theories and models covered in this course.

To prepare: Take the TEST. There is both a web-based version, noted in the Learning Resources, and a paper version of the TEST.

By Day 3

Post:

• After taking the TEST, post your results.
• Explain in 2 to 3 sentence the extent to which you were surprised or not surprised by the TEST results, and explain the reasons why you were surprised or not surprised.
• After looking back at the array of theories and models that were covered in this course, identify the top three theories or models that most appealed to you.
• Explain in 3 to 4 sentences how your personal values, worldviews, life experiences, and/or your personality influenced your selection of the top three theories or models.
• In this course, you were asked to select one case study to use throughout the entire course. Describe this experience—for example, the degree to which it was helpful to focus on one case, what you learned, what could perhaps be done differently.

By Day 5

Respond to two colleagues in one of the following ways:

• Compare your TEST results or other aspects of your post with your colleague’s responses.
• Provide suggestions for how your colleague could connect their theoretical orientation to future courses, in the discipline, and/or in practice.
• Share an insight you learned from another colleague in this Discussion or from earlier in the course.

Responses

 Seantelle Hill RE: Discussion – Week 11 COLLAPSE

SUBSCALE

YOUR SCORE

SAMPLE OF 130

mean (SD)

Psychodynamic

 32

26.2 (5.2)

Biological

 21

14.6 (4.0)

Family

 20

18.2 (4.0)

Ecosystems

 25

24.2 (2.6)

Cognitive

 30

25 (4.5)

Pragmatic

 27

20.1 (5.7)

Humanistic

 17

10.4 (2.4)

Explain in 2 to 3 sentence the extent to which you were surprised or not surprised by the TEST results, and explain the reasons why you were surprised or not surprised.

I am not surprised to have a higher preference for psychodynamic, cognitive, and pragmatic. In pragmatism, if an aspect brings the desired outcomes, then it can be said to be true. What surprised me most is the low preference for humanistic while I would assert that the self-image and inner feelings of an individual determines his/her behavior.

After looking back at the array of theories and models that were covered in this course, identify the top three theories or models that most appealed to you.

The theories that appealed to me most are cognitive-behavioral theory and feminist theory. The life Model was appealing, especially in its applicability to immigrants to help them cope and improve their environment fit.

Explain in 3 to 4 sentences how your personal values, worldviews, life experiences, and/or your personality influenced your selection of the top three theories or models.

These theories would be a good guide to helping my clients, who may have different needs. Some of my values guiding their selection are service to humanity and to aid in upholding human worth and dignity. I am empathetic about immigrants who go a lot in a new country and also about those who face inequalities in life. This theories and model would allow a demonstration of my competency, effectiveness, and satisfaction for having helped someone.

In this course, you were asked to select one case study to use throughout the entire course. Describe this experience—for example, the degree to which it was helpful to focus on one case, what you learned, what could perhaps be done differently.

I chose the case of Tiffani, and it has indeed been helpful to see how a single case can be approached from different perspectives. The case has enabled me to apply different theories like cognitive behavioral theory and feminist. I have also had an opportunity to read other theories being applied to the same case by my classmates, such as empowerment theory. Although there were three cases, I think most of us had the preference of Tiffani’s case and this limited reading different theoretical applications and views from colleagues in other cases.  Most importantly, I have gained a lot on how I would practically apply these theories in specific cases.

REPLY QUOTE EMAIL AUTHOR 5 hours agoEbony Mcennis RE: Discussion – Week 11 COLLAPSE

Results: 

Response:

1.  Explain in 2 to 3 sentence the extent to which you were surprised or not surprised by the TEST results, and explain the reasons why you were surprised or not surprised?

– I actually wasn’t surprised with my results because I believe our mind holds the key to so many factors within our life. We tell ourselves different stories rather be from personal experience or trauma which ultimately set the foundation for either dysfunction or resilience.

2.  After looking back at the array of theories and models that were covered in this course, identify the top three theories or models that most appealed to you.

–  The top three theories would be CBT, Psycho dynamic, and Systems theory. When it comes to models the three that are top category for me are Crisis intervention model, Task-centered practice and Problem solving model. 

3.  Explain in 3 to 4 sentences how your personal values, world views, life experiences, and/or your personality influenced your selection of the top three theories or models.

      – I believe that my mind is beyond my understanding. It has the capacity to change the way I function as a human being. I believe that what we tell ourselves truly makes a difference in our mental health and psychological well-being. I remember many things or situations in my past and environment that have cause me to view things differently. I try to stay close to my values and also world views but I am learning as I educate myself more I am finding that my views evolve and are expanding and growing as I do.

4.  In this course, you were asked to select one case study to use throughout the entire course. Describe this experience—for example, the degree to which it was helpful to focus on one case, what you learned, what could perhaps be done differently.

– I chose the Tiffani Bradley case and this case was exceptionally hard and also rewarding. It was really tough learning that someone who hasn’t fully lived has experienced so much pain. Even though the case presented a lot of issues I also enjoyed the chance to work on therapy options and case management and building some rapport with Tiffani and helping her overcome her issues. I will definitely not forget this case it helped a lot to use the theories and models and actually apply them to real world situations.  I also think I could have explored more holistic options.

Reference:

Coleman, D. (2008). Theoretical evaluation self-test: An interactive test of theoretical orientation for mental health clinicians or graduate students. Retrieved fromhttp://web.pdx.edu/~dcoleman/test.html

REPLY QUOTE EMAIL AUTHOR 

  Question 1
 
A factor which distinguishes the corporate form of organization from a sole proprietorship or partnership is that a

 
corporation is organized for the purpose of making a profit.
 
corporation is subject to more federal and state government regulations.
 
corporation’s temporary accounts are closed at the end of the accounting period.
 
corporation is an accounting economic entity.
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question

 

Question 2
 
The following data is available for Blaine Corporation at December 31, 2012:
Common stock, par $10 (authorized 25,000 shares)  $200,000
Treasury Stock (at cost $15 per share)  900

Based on the data, how many shares of common stock are outstanding?

 
19,940
 
24,940
 
25,000
 
20,000
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question

Question 3
 
On January 1, Collins Corporation had 800,000 shares of $10 par value common stock outstanding. On March 31, the company declared a 15% stock dividend. Market value of the stock was $15/share. As a result of this event,

 
Collins’ Paid-in Capital in Excess of Par account increased $600,000.
 
Collins’ total stockholders’ equity was unaffected.
 
Collins’ Stock Dividends account increased $1,800,000.
 
All of the above.

Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question
Question 4
 
Dillon Corporation splits its common stock 2 for 1, when the market value is $40 per share. Prior to the split, Dillon had 50,000 shares of $10 par value common stock issued and outstanding. After the split, the par value of the stock

 
is reduced to $20 per share.
 
remains the same.
 
is reduced to $2 per share.
 
is reduced to $5 per share.

Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question
Question 5
 
A major disadvantage resulting from the use of bonds is that

 
taxes may increase.
 
earnings per share may be lowered.
 
interest must be paid on a periodic basis.
 
bondholders have voting rights.
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question
Question 6
 
Bargain Company has $1,600,000 of bonds outstanding. The unamortized premium is $21,600. If the company redeemed the bonds at 101, what would be the gain or loss on the redemption?

 
$16,000 loss
 
$5,600 loss
 
$16,000 gain
 
$5,600 gain
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question

Question 7
 
Horton Company purchased a building on January 2 by signing a long-term $480,000 mortgage with monthly payments of $4,400. The mortgage carries an interest rate of 10 percent. The amount owed on the mortgage after the first payment will be

 
$479,600.
 
$476,000.
 
$475,600.
 
$480,000.
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question

Question 8
 
Wise Company owns 30% interest in the stock of Dark Corporation. During the year, Dark pays $20,000 in dividends to Wise, and reports $200,000 in net income. Wise Company’s investment in Dark will increase Wise’s net income by

 
$6,000.
 
$60,000.
 
$66,000.
 
$80,000.
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question

Question 9
 
If an investor owns less than 20% of the common stock of another corporation as a long-term investment,

 
no dividends can be expected.
 
it is presumed that the investor has relatively little influence on the investee.
 
it is presumed that the investor has significant influence on the investee.
 
the equity method of accounting for the investment should be employed.
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question

Question 10
 
Reporting investments at fair value is

 
a conservative approach because only losses are recognized.
 
applicable to both debt and stock securities.
 
applicable to debt securities only.
 
applicable to stock securities only.
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question
Question 11
 
Available-for-sale securities are classified as

 
short-term investments only.
 
long-term investments only.
 
either short-term or long-term investments.
 
current assets only.
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question
Question 12
 
Which of the following changes in retained earnings during a period will be reported in the financing activities section of the statement of cash flows?
1. Declaration and payment of a cash dividend during the period.
2. Net income for the period.

 
1
 
2
 
Neither 1 nor 2.
 
Both 1 and 2.
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question
Question 13
 
Hark Inc. had cash sales of $400,000 and credit sales of $1,100,000. The accounts receivable balance increased $25,000 during the year. How much cash did Hark receive from its customers during the year?

 
$725,000
 
$1,500,000
 
$1,475,000
 
$1,075,000
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question
Question 14
 
The statement of cash flows is prepared from all of the following except

 
comparative balance sheets.
 
the current income statement.
 
selected transaction data.
 
the adjusted trial balance.
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question

 

 
 
Question 15
 
Corgan Company uses the direct method in determining net cash provided by operating activities, During the year, operating expenses were $290,000, prepaid expenses increased $20,000, and accrued expenses payable increased $30,000. Cash payments for operating expenses were

 
$240,000.
 
$280,000.
 
$300,000.
 
$340,000.
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question
Question 16
 
Assume the following sales data for a company:
2014 $1,050,000
2013 950,000
2012 800,000
2011 550,000

If 2011 is the base year, what is the percentage increase in sales from 2011 to 2013?

 
72.7%
 
100%
 
52.4%
 
90.9%
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question
Question 17
 
Darius, Inc. has the following income statement (in millions):
DARIUS, INC.
Income Statement
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
Net Sales $300
Cost of Goods Sold 120
Gross Profit 180
Operating Expenses 44
Net Income $136

Using vertical analysis, what percentage is assigned to Net Income?

 
100%
 
75.6%
 
45.3%
 
None of the above.
Question 18
 
Parrish, Inc. decided on January 1 to discontinue its telescope manufacturing division. On July 1, the division’s assets with a book value of $1,250,000 are sold for $850,000. Operating income from January 1 to June 30 for the division amounted to $125,000. Ignoring income taxes, what total amount should be reported on Parrish’s income statement for the current year under the caption, Discontinued Operations?

 
$400,000 loss
 
$125,000
 
$275,000 loss
 
$525,000

Question 24
 
Each of these items must be considered in preparing a statement of cash flows for Kiner Co. for the year ended December 31, 2012. For each item, state how it should be shown in the statement of cash flows for 2012.
(a) Issued bonds for $200,000 cash. – C 
(b) Purchased equipment for $150,000 cash. –  
(c) Sold land costing $20,000 for $20,000 cash.  –  
(d) Declared and paid a $50,000 cash dividend.  –  
Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question

Question 25
 
Villa Company reported net income of $195,000 for 2012. Villa also reported depreciation expense of $45,000 and a loss of $5,000 on the sale of equipment. The comparative balance sheet shows a decrease in accounts receivable of $15,000 for the year, a $17,000 increase in accounts payable, and a $4,000 decrease in prepaid expenses.
Instructions
Prepare the operating activities section of the statement of cash flows for 2012. Use the indirect method. (List multiple entries with a positive cash flow first and then the negative cash flow. List amounts from largest to smallest e.g. 10, 5, 3, 2. If amount decreases cash flow, use either a negative sign preceding the number e.g. -45 or parentheses e.g. (45).)
VILLA COMPANY
Partial Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities   
       $ 

   Adjustments to reconcile net income    
     to net cash provided by operating activities              $      
         Net cash  by operating activities   $ 

Click here if you would like to Show Work for this question