Is the Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice a Practice Model? : A Focus on Adult Clients

Abstract

The strengths perspective has been a strong force in social work practice since 1990s. Compared to problem-focused approach which stresses pathology and dysfunction of the client, the strengths perspective emphasizes potentials and strengths of the client and her/his social environment. The current state of the strengths perspective is that its theoretical frame has been established in terms of assumptions, principles for practice, and model elements, but still lacking in active ingredients as a model for explaining and predicting the practice process and outcome. In order to explore the current state of the strengths perspective practice and possible ingredients of the practice to be developed as a model, this study examined core problems of problem-focused approach of social work and reviewed existing studies to distinguish characteristics of strengths perspective focusing on adult clients. At first, this study looked at problem-focused approach surrounding debate of morality and linear causal inference in viewing client problems in social work. Also noticing the necessity for the explicit inclusion of adult life course issues in theory and practice skills for social work practice, this study reviewed core elements of vulnerability and strengths of adult life course and suggested to explicate adult life course in the context of socio-cultural environment. Then this study reviewed major studies by strengths perspective proponents and some exemplary studies representing strengths perspective in Korea and did critique the strengths perspective as a practice model in terms of lack of theory and empirical evidence on adult life course development centering on personal and social vulnerability, potentials and strengths, coping and recovery, and specificity of those characteristics of adults using social work services differing from adults in general. Based on thesereviews and critique, this study suggested implications for strategies ‘to strengthen’ the strengths perspective in social work practice.