Psychosocial Theory and Diverse Groups RESPONSE

I need support with this Social Science question so I can learn better.

*RESPONSE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE LONG*

Respond to two colleagues:

• Evaluate the disadvantages of using a psychosocial framework in social work practice with the group your colleague chose.

Colleague 1: Penelope

Selected Group:

A gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (LGBTQ) individual.

Reference:

Abreu, R. L., & Kenny, M. C. (2017). Cyberbullying and LGBTQ Youth: A Systematic Literature Review and Recommendations for Prevention and Intervention. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 11(1), 81–97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-017-0175-7

LGBTQ youth struggle with the apprehension of “coming out” due to the risks of bullying, fear of rejection from peers, family, and judgment. The LGBTQ youth suffer from issues such as an increased chance of developing mental problems. Mental issues experienced by LGBTQ youth are depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, substance abuse, and social issues.

Two psychological factors to understand the psychosocial context of the LGBTQ youth are emotional and behavioral. Emotionally, LGBTQ youth experience a high rate of depression, suicidal ideation and attempts, and low self-esteem. Behaviorally, LGBTQ youth experience body image issues, isolation, and bullying at school and online. LGBTQ youth face problems that those of the heterosexual population don not experience. According to Abreu & Kenny (2017), the LGBTQ youth faces these issues due to the heterosexual population viewing them as different.

Two social factors to understand LGBTQ youth’s contexts are discrimination and lack of laws/programs to protect LGBTQ in schools. LGBTQ youth face discrimination because of their “different” sexual orientation or identity. Also, bias stems from one’s religious views impressed upon others. LGBTQ youth are bullied, victimized, and harassed at higher rates than those of the heterosexual population (Abreu & Kenny, 2017). Schools are a breeding ground of bullying towards LGBTQ youth due to the lack of awareness, age and maturity differences, social norms, and absence of programs.

A psychosocial intervention to address one of the four specific psychosocial factors would be implementing laws and programs for LGBTQ youth. LGBTQ laws and programs would focus on decreasing bullying in person and online. Program resources provided to both populations’ parents would create awareness of the LGBTQ community, anti-bullying techniques, and strategies. Abreu & Kenny (2017) stated that schools would implement cyberbullying courses into already existing bullying education and intervention programs. Teachers and facilities would integrate anti-bullying in their classes and be required to continue professional development. Schools should provide a safe and secure place for the LGTBQ youth to learn.

An outcome to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of implementing laws and programs within schools could determine the number of reports made to faculty and staff of cyberbullying or face-to-face crimes. With the awareness and anti-bullying techniques and strategies in place, individuals would be aware of the signs to look for to stop harassment from developing. Another outcome could measure if the LGBTQ population has experienced a decrease in victimization, and if their experience with the programs is beneficial. This outcome would be conducted through anonymous surveys or guidance counselors.

Using a psychosocial framework in social work with LGBTQ youth provides a practitioner with inclusive information about a specific population. A social worker must continue to learn new ways to work with various communities. Social services are ever-evolving and social workers need to be prepared to either adjust or grow along with the ever-evolving changes. A social worker must uphold the NASW code of ethics to provide a safe and secure environment for those in need. The psychosocial framework creates a structure for social workers to build from to work with the LGBTQ community in all facets of life.

Colleague 2: Siani

Post the APA-style reference for the article you found in the library:

Alessi, E. (2013). Acknowledging the Impact of Social Forces on Sexual Minority Clients: Introduction to the Special Issue on Clinical Practice with LGBTQ Populations. Clinical Social Work Journal, 41(3), 223–227.

Describe four specific psychosocial factors that should be taken into account in order to understand the psychosocial context when working with the group you selected. (Two of these factors should be psychologically related and two of these factors should be socially related):

The four psychosocial issues that I feel are vital are: fear of peer and society view, suicidal actions, depression, and anxiety. Fear of peer and society views of the LGTPQ community play a major role in their lives. They are treated unfairly in a diverse world that consist of those who agree and disagree with their sexual preference. The next factor listed is suicidal actions. Suicidal actions stem from a mixture of behaviors such as acceptance from family, peers, society, the community, and those who they consider their support system. Overwhelming thoughts can also play a key role in this factor. Next, depression. Mental health is a serious matter! One article finings state that harassment, violence, discrimination, and rejection can lead up to depression. (Hall, 2017) Lastly, anxiety is one of those factors. Anxiety stems from the individual constant concern of what others think of them. Various questions come to mind when thinking about the various things that cause anxiety. Going out in public could trigger their anxiety, public dating, the process of coming out of the closet can also cause anxiety. According to a supporting article, they disclose their own psychosocial factors: “Risk factors included perceived burdensomeness (i.e., feeling that you are a burden to others), feelings of thwarted belonging (i.e., feeling socially isolated and an unmet need of belonging), and use of maladaptive coping strategies (e.g., avoidance, suppression, and distraction)” (Hall, 2017)

Identify and explain a psychosocial intervention that addresses one of the four specific psychosocial factors you described above:

A psychosocial intervention that addresses one of the four specific factors is the minority stress model. The purpose of this model is to thoroughly explain the various stressors that the LGBTQ community face on a regular basic. It explains the reasons for the behaviors they possess.

Identify 1 to 2 outcomes you might measure if you were to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention:

One outcome that I would measure to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention is using a weekly journal log to document the many events that occur on the daily. The purpose of the journal is to get a glimpse of what positive or negative outcomes they experience throughout the week. According to the outcome would determine the focus of the coping skill or solution that we would work on next.

Evaluate one advantage of using a psychosocial framework in social work practice with the group you chose:

One advantage of using psychosocial framework in social work with the LGBTQ community is that it takes the individual and their environment to create a helpful source to guide the client or community to a positive or manageable outcome .

Reference

Alessi, E. (2013). Acknowledging the Impact of Social Forces on Sexual Minority Clients: Introduction to the Special Issue on Clinical Practice with LGBTQ Populations. Clinical Social Work Journal, 41(3), 223–227.

Vance SR and Rosenthal SM. A Closer Look at the Psychosocial Realities of LGBTQ Youth. Pediatrics. 2018;141(5):e20180361

Hall, W. J. (2017). Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors for Depression Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Youth: A Systematic Review. Journal of Homosexuality, 65(3), 263–316.