Social Work Problem Solving Process

The Problem Solving Process

• An unmet need that hampers or undermines a person's adequate living
• A composite of internal and external factors that affect a person's social functioning
• May be a deficiency or lack of material means, personal capacity (temporary or permanent)
• A disturbance between expectations of a person and the demands of their environment
• Often results in stress that causes the person to be ineffective in carrying out their social roles

The Problem-Solving Process (PSP)

• a series of planned activities in sequential stages with the goal of achieving an effective solution
• Each phase or stage of the process requires the application and use of necessary social knowledge and skills

Origin of PSP

• An adaptation of the classic scientific method
• Based on reflective thought
• John Dewey - “five phases of reflective thinking”
• George Polya - model intended to be used as a guide for problem solving

Social Work Problem-Solving Framework (Helen Harris Pearlman)

• Progressive transaction between the professional helper and the client, consisting of a series of problem-solving operations
• Steps in Problem Solving
  • Study: Facts about the problem
  • Diagnosis: Analyze the facts
  • Treatment: Decisions made with the intention of resolving the problem

Generic Steps in the Social Work Problem-Solving Process

• Recognition or definition of the problem (engagement with the client system)
• Data collection
• Assessment of the situation
• Goal setting and planning of an action
• Intervention or carrying out of the action
• Evaluation
• Termination

Strengths-Based Practice Principle

• Focus on client strengths, resources, and coping abilities
• Put clients in charge of the helping process
• Worker and client continually evaluate the client’s progress

Person-Environment Interaction/Transaction

• Transactions take place between people and their environments

Components of Problem-Solving Process (4Ps)

• Place (Nature of agency and resources): Agency structure, policies, and procedures
• Person (Nature of the client): Client's background and history
• Problem (Nature of the problem): The presenting problem
• Process (Nature of the client-worker relationship): The partnership between the social worker and the client

Explore the key stages of the Problem-Solving Process (PSP) in social work. This quiz examines the internal and external factors that affect social functioning and the application of reflective thinking in problem resolution, drawing from the works of John Dewey and George Polya.