SOCIAL WORK THEORY IN PRACTICE Introduction T

A theory is a coherent group of propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena or an explanation for facts and interrelationships. The ecological systems theory states that the individual is engaged in constant transition with other people and with other systems in the environment which reciprocally influence each other. This theory is an extension of the person-in-environment perspective that dominated social work until the mid-1970s. Ecological systems theory evolved as an outgrowth and synthesis of trends that include ego psychology, systems theory, family therapy, and ethnocultural factors. For the ecological theory, each system is unique and people are not mere reactors to environmental forces; they act on their environment and make choices. From this perspective, satisfaction of human needs and mastery of developmental tasks requires adequate resources in the environment and positive transactions between people and their environments (Compton & Galaway, 1984; pp. 36-38; Greene & Ephross, 1991, pp. 261-263, & Hepworth & Larsen, 1990, pp. 16-17).

Acceptance of the ecological theory perspe

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djustment. Cognitive focused coping such as reframing and acceptance with a focus on the positive is associated with a better emotional adjustment (Cocoran, 1994, p. 38; Hinrichsen & Niederehe, 1994, pp. 95-96; & Patterson & Garwick, 1994, pp. 287-288). Theory in Practice An adequate theory must be explicit regarding the goals, what is to be changed and how this should be done. It should be clear what effective application of the theory will require of the client and what the practitioner will need, to bring about desired changed. The theory should state what the practitioner needs to do and how the practitioner can assess the outcome of the intervention (Compton & Galaway, p. 45). The family is an ecological system that nurtures the individual, it is the primary social service agency. An ecological approach is necessary to place equal emphasis on different needs prevailing. Family systems need to be assessed to determine family functioning during a crisis. Families facing a threat tend to see their problems in terms of environmental perils, thus environmental interaction is also needed. Families have a system which includes a set of rules, roles, forms of communication, and ways of problem solving. Mechanisms exist
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