Social Work Theories

Human behavior is very difficult to predict on a consistent basis. The amount of stimuli that the human mind intakes causes an infinite amount of possibilities that the person can choose from. Luckily for professional social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists conducting many experiments have developed certain theories that can explain human behavior. These models are tools that healers and doctors can use to help identify and eventually treat problems that are occurring in society today causing chaos and dysfunction.

The purpose of this essay is to examine two separate theories on human behavior and discuss them in terms of their application to at risk or oppressed populations, which includes nearly every segment of society. This essay will first examine self-determination theory (SDT) as a useful means of explaining human behavior and relate the ideas contained in this theory to the professional practice of social work. The second...
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