Respond to both with the following:
- Add to your colleague’s suggestion for applying resiliency to Talia’s case by suggesting an adaptation of the strategy.
- Critique your colleague’s suggested application of resiliency to social work practice, stating whether you would use the strategy in your own practice, and why.
1. meg
Resiliency
Resiliency is defined as as “a quality of character, personality, and coping ability, which connotes strength, flexibility, a capacity for mastery, and resumption of normal functioning after excessive stress that challenges individual coping skills”(Agaibi & Wilson, 2005, p. 197) Although early studies described resiliency as a set of personality traits, most resilience studies have come to describe it as a process. Therefore, it is not something an individual does or does not have, but something they can learn. (Kte’pi, 2020)
Talia’s Case
In the case of Talia, she has a variety of protective factors that may be beneficial in preventing long-term effects from the trauma associated with sexual assault. For example, Talia has traditionally done well in academics, is active in social activities with her sorority, has a close friend network, is physically active and has a supportive family. Other protective factors include her initiative in seeking help and focus on recovery as well as her ability and strength in deciding to report the incident to her university’s judicial system. (Walden University, 2021) Research suggests that temperament and IQ level can increase resilience and help with the ability to overcome traumatic circumstances. Also, family characteristics such as parental involvement, positive parental attitudes and relationships can give a sense of security needed to overcome traumatizing events. (Dye, 2018) Using a strengths-based approach with Talia can help foster resiliency by highlighting her capabilities and empowering her. I would employ a strengths-based strategy when working with Talia, emphasizing the existing protective factors and positive support systems, including finding ways (if she agrees) to involve her friends and family in her treatment. Encouraging physical activities and drawing on her initiative to seek help are all protective factors that can increase resiliency and help Talia manage.
When working with Talia, fostering a supportive and non-judgemental safe environment, validating her experience, and connecting her to resources that are appropriate and in which she feels safe and supported are other ways in which a social worker can intervene. Helping Talia to focus on her strengths and encouraging her to take time to heal, identify healthy coping mechanisms and take time for self-care are strategies that I would also employ when working with her.
Resiliency in Social Work Practice
Resiliency can be integrated into any social work practice as it focuses on empowering individuals, families, and communities to overcome adversity and challenges and draws on their intrinsic and external strengths. Ways in which you can incorporate resiliency into social work practice include but are not limited to using strengths-based approaches, empowerment, building supportive relationships, and using trauma-informed approaches. Encouraging individuals to explore coping mechanisms used in past adversity, using existing supports, psychoeducation, and connecting to appropriate resources are also essential in building resiliency.
2 jen:
An explanation of how you, as Talia’s social worker, might apply the concept of resiliency to Talia and her situation.
In psychology, resiliency is defined as the ability to adapt to stressful situations in a healthy manner, recover from adversity, and resume functioning (Kte’pi, 2020). In Talia’s situation, the concept of resiliency applies to Talia based on how she has been reacting to how she has been feeling. She did the right thing, immediately going to the hospital and getting a rape kit completed, getting the morning-after pill, and the HIV prep. After three weeks, she felt like she needed additional help to deal with the feelings that she was experiencing. As a social worker, it would be essential to point out that while Talia is feeling the way that she is, she is still attempting to continue with her life.
Examples from Talia’s case and the resources to support your strategy.
Talia showed concern about her schoolwork being completed, her grades slipping, and concerns over losing her job. Talia used to be a runner and takes on responsibilities such as having a job and no criminal background. In Talia’s case, there are two dimensions to resiliency: risk and protection. Talia has attempted to protect herself from her feelings; she is going to the center to talk to someone who has shared what happened with friends and family. Talia will acknowledge her feelings and the reaction, such as her friend asking why she went upstairs with Eric. It could be suggested that a family session possibly helps with how her parents are reacting.
An explanation of how you might apply the concept of resiliency more generally to social work practice.
A concept of resiliency that I would apply as a social worker would be to point out the steps that a woman who has been raped would want to work on. It can be explained that while there are those feelings, nightmares, and anxiety, a person can work through those things and even the most minor thing, such as attending therapy sessions, physical activity, or getting a good night’s sleep. There can also be encouragement to attend a support group and share their experiences with a group.