Systems theory is a concept applied in social work to describe how various forces tend to influence behaviors and outcomes. Professionals working in this field need to be aware of various psychodynamic models and apply them accordingly to achieve the intended goals. The object relations theory is a framework that explains how a baby’s experiences reshape his or her relationships and responses as a mature person. In the microsystem, this theory can become a powerful tool for working directly with the targeted individual (Sanfeliu, 2018). For example, an expert can rely on this model at the micro-level to help someone who might have experienced any form of physical or emotional abuse during his or her childhood. By collaborating with the targeted beneficiary, the professional can encourage family members to be part of the process and offer personalized support.
c at the mezzo level to provide the relevant care and empowerment. Specifically, this model will guide such experts to identify specific groups comprised of individuals experiencing the same challenges. For example, they can identify people in a given institution who could be experiencing various mental, behavioral, or social problems. Through the use of the suggested theory, these professionals will achieve their goals much faster and transform the experiences of the identified beneficiaries. Additionally, macro-level systems identify some of the best interventions that can help provide the relevant intervention at the regional level (Sanfeliu, 2018). Social workers involved in such a practice would need to identify specific challenges or opportunities that could be associated with the wider community. The ultimate goal is to apply object-relations theory accordingly when it is impossible to reach specific individuals. From this evidence, it is quite agreeable that the application of this theory will only provide desirable results will be applied at the micro-level.
Social workers utilizing the object relations theory should be aware of the possible ethical issues that might emerge when dealing with different clients. Specifically, the model guides such professionals to engage parents and relatives to learn more about the targeted beneficiary’s infanthood. Such activities require informed consent while at the same time taking into consideration the rights and expectations of all the individuals involved (Sanfeliu, 2018). Experts should also avoid engaging in romantic affairs or dishonoring the views of their clients. At the micro-level, social workers should take the issues of dignity and professionalism seriously. The provision of relevant support should also be pursued in a personalized manner while promoting the notion of cultural competence (Sanfeliu, 2018). Failure to consider these ethical issues will affect the applicability of the object relations theory since it seeks to dig deeper into a person’s past.
The nature of this model presents various controversies that social workers should be aware of. First, the object relations theory mainly focuses on a person’s infanthood and how he or she related to specific things or individuals. This assertion tends to ignore the subsequent experiences and influences that could have been triggered by culture and the surrounding environment. Second, this theory tries to focus on the individual and not on communities (Sanfeliu, 2018). This rigidness makes it less practical when providing social support at the macro level. Third, past scholars have failed to offer comprehensive and convincing augments to explain how attachment during infancy supports the development of human identity. A proper understanding of these controversies is, therefore, essential and capable of encouraging more professionals to achieve their social work goals.
Reference
Sanfeliu, I. (2018). Karl Abraham: The birth of object relations theory. Taylor & Francis.