Attitudes of social work practitioners toward human development theory: implications for practice with young adults

This exploratory study surveyed the attitudes of MSSW practitioners toward human development theory in relation to young adults between the ages of twenty-one and thirty-five. Also, a range of resolutions for the young adult psychosocial crisis of intimacy versus isolation were explored and investigated. Finally, the project examined the general and case-specific influences on practice with young adult clients as reported by the practitioners who responded to the questionnaire.

A survey questionnaire (Appendix A) was used to gather data for this endeavor. The sample consisted of 100 randomly selected members of the Middle Tennessee Branch of the National Association of Social Workers. Questionnaires returned represented 64 percent of the total sampling frame. The researchers requested information around the following areas: Section A - Role of Theory in Guiding Practice, Section B - Factors Guiding Practice In Addition To Theory, and Section C - Subject Demographic Data.

The findings in this study yielded an abundance of embryonic material to consider in further research efforts. The information indicated that Erikson's epigenetic concepts are a dominant force in the education of graduate social work practitioners. In addition, it was discovered that most social workers surveyed hold a positive attitude toward human development theory and its role in their practice. Many factors beyond theory are thought to influence practice in ways which are still to be determined. These factors include practice experience and the social worker's own life experiences. The only statistically significant relationship was between the numbers of years in practice and the general influence of practice experience. As social workers gain more hands-on experience, they are less likely to see this practice experience as the most significant general influence on their work with young adults.

As stated earlier, this research was of an exploratory nature; thus, the conclusions derived expose several areas which need further, more in-depth research. These include:

1. the relationship between theory and practice,

2. the nature of general and case-specific influences on practice,

3. the ways in which social workers' attitudes are influenced, and

4. the influence of specific demographic data on practitioners' professional development.