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The use of object relations theory in clinical social work practice : a case study
Includes bibliographical references.
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| Main Author: | |
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| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Department of Social Development
2015
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| _version_ | 1867613253101682688 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Welch, Elizabeth Katherine |
| author2 | Becker, Lily |
| author_browse | Becker, Lily Welch, Elizabeth Katherine |
| author_facet | Becker, Lily Welch, Elizabeth Katherine |
| author_sort | Welch, Elizabeth Katherine |
| collection | Thesis |
| description | Includes bibliographical references. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/14973 |
| institution | University of Cape Town (South Africa) |
| language | eng |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:33:12.104Z |
| license_str | Not specified — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from UCTD — University of Cape Town Open Access Repository |
| publishDate | 2015 |
| publishDateRange | 2015 |
| publishDateSort | 2015 |
| publisher | Department of Social Development |
| publisherStr | Department of Social Development |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | UCTD — University of Cape Town Open Access Repository |
| spelling | oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/14973 The use of object relations theory in clinical social work practice : a case study Welch, Elizabeth Katherine Becker, Lily Clinical Social Work Includes bibliographical references. The purpose of this study was to explore the value of a particular theoretical framework in terms of several issues relating to clinical social work practice. The selected theoretical framework was that of Object Relations theory, specifically the works of Melanie Klein and Margaret Mahler. The method of inquiry was that of a single case study. The investigation centred around the theories' usefulness in clinical social work practice regarding: assessment, particularly in terms of the development of insight into and understanding of human psychological development, and guiding practice and informing intervention. The selected theoretical framework was also evaluated according to: its sufficiency, in and of itself, and the extent to which its utilization facilitates avoidance of stereotyping and pathologizing. The study was undertaken in a psychiatric unit, run according to the principles of a therapeutic milieu, in a local hospital. The subject of the study had been admitted to the unit after a parasuicide attempt. He manifested many of the affects and behaviours associated with Borderline Personality Disorder, and was a transsexual who had undergone reassignment surgery. Ongoing assessment and intervention were undertaken in the residential unit on an individual basis and in group activities. Reference to literature, the writings of Klein and Mahler in particular, was a crucial and essential aspect of the study. The selected theoretical framework was found to be of great value in terms of the development of insight into and understanding of human psychological development, which in turn aided the assessment process. Whilst neither Klein nor Mahler wrote extensively or specifically of intervention, a model compatible with their opinions was identified in the literature and effectively used for this purpose. The approach used, both from a theoretical and a practical standpoint, encouraged expression and maintenance of individual uniqueness. The study highlighted the importance of a sound theoretical knowledge base underpinning clinical practice, particularly when practitioners are challenged by difficult cases. In addition, the need for practitioners to assume responsibility for continued dynamic learning, and the significant role of supervision were apparent. Further avenues for study and research were also identified. 2015-11-16T03:53:57Z 2015-11-16T03:53:57Z 2004 Master Thesis Masters MSocSc http://hdl.handle.net/11427/14973 eng application/pdf Department of Social Development Faculty of Humanities University of Cape Town |
| spellingShingle | Clinical Social Work Welch, Elizabeth Katherine The use of object relations theory in clinical social work practice : a case study |
| thesis_degree_str | Master's |
| title | The use of object relations theory in clinical social work practice : a case study |
| title_full | The use of object relations theory in clinical social work practice : a case study |
| title_fullStr | The use of object relations theory in clinical social work practice : a case study |
| title_full_unstemmed | The use of object relations theory in clinical social work practice : a case study |
| title_short | The use of object relations theory in clinical social work practice : a case study |
| title_sort | use of object relations theory in clinical social work practice a case study |
| topic | Clinical Social Work |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/11427/14973 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT welchelizabethkatherine theuseofobjectrelationstheoryinclinicalsocialworkpracticeacasestudy AT welchelizabethkatherine useofobjectrelationstheoryinclinicalsocialworkpracticeacasestudy |