Systems Theory
This level of the system includes family, friends, and immediate relationships.
What is the micro level
The part of the mind that holds thoughts outside awareness.
What is the unconscious
The unequal distribution of power in society.
What is oppression
The unequal distribution of power in society.
What is oppression
Focuses on how people interpret symbols, gestures, and roles.
What is symbolic interactionism
A visual tool used to map a client’s connections to systems.
What is an eco‑map
A client projecting feelings about a past relationship onto the social worker.
What is transference
According to Erikson, the central developmental task of adolescence is this.
What is identity vs. role confusion
This term describes the unearned advantages that some groups receive based on identity.
What is privilege
Emphasizes strengths, resilience, and empowerment.
What is the strengths‑based perspective
This term describes how systems influence each other in a circular, not linear, way.
What is a feedback loop
Avoiding painful emotions by joking or changing the subject.
What is a defense mechanism
Piaget’s stage where children begin using symbolic thinking but still struggle with logic.
What is the preoperational stage
A policy or practice that disproportionately harms marginalized groups.
What is systemic discrimination
Behavior is shaped by rewards, consequences, and learned patterns.
True or False
True
When a system becomes overwhelmed and stops functioning effectively.
What is system strain or overload
This early relationship shapes attachment patterns throughout life.
What is the caregiver–child relationship
The idea that development is influenced by both nature and nurture.
What is the biopsychosocial model
Challenging unjust systems on behalf of clients.
What is advocacy
Thoughts that influence emotions and behavior.
What is cognitive theory or CBT
The rules, roles, and expectations that shape how systems operate.
What are system boundaries
When the social worker’s own unresolved issues influence their reactions.
What is countertransference
This term describes how labels like “addict,” “non‑compliant,” or “at‑risk” shape how people see themselves and how others treat them.
What is labeling
This practice involves actively challenging your own assumptions and the power you hold in the worker–client relationship.
What is critical self‑reflection
People are shaped by interconnected systems at multiple levels.
What is ecological systems theory