A Social Work Perspective on a Disability Story - Essay Example

A Social Work Perspective on a Disability Story Introduction On May 2nd 2011, ABC TV network featured the story of Nicole Timbs, a young beauty therapist whose life was shuttered after Peter Hodgkins threw a rock at a car she was in, smashing her skull and incapacitating her life forever. As a result of this incident, Nicole’s face was scarred, the right side of her brain referred to as the parietal lobe was injured causing her to experience constant dizziness, memory loss, hearing loss and difficulties with organisational type of thinking. She also lost sensation in her left arm and her motor skills deteriorated. In addition to this, she lost half of her left vision. This incident not only changed Nicole’s life, it also had a significant impact on, Peter Hodgkins the perpetrator of this violent act. He served a prison sentence of 2years and had to quit alcohol since it was what influenced his actions on the night the incident occurred (ABC, 2011; Gee, 2007). This essay seeks to critically analyse this disability story from a biopsychosocial perspective. Foremost, it will explore the biopsychosocial influences that this disability incident had on the people involved. Subsequently, this essay will discuss possible social work roles in responding to issues apparent in this story. The social work roles discussed will be based on the social constructionism theory and the grief and loss theory. Biopsychosocial influences According to Santrock (2007), human health and wellbeing can be understood best by taking into account a combination of biological, social and psychological factors rather than solely relying on biological aspects. In essence, biological, psychological and social aspects are integral in human functioning in terms of health and well-being. Thus a biopsychosocial assessment is important in understanding the condition of a patient or client (Santrock, 2007). A critical look at Nicole Timbs’ disability story, various biological, social and psychological influences are evident. Nicole’s disability story centers on physical or biological outcomes of an ill-fated incident. Prior to the incident Nicole was a healthy and well functioning young woman in her early twenties. After Hodgkins threw a rock at a car she was in, the rock smashed her skull and hit the left side of her brain. Following this incident, Nicole was in an induced coma for weeks. Her face was fractured on the left side which was hit by the rock and scarred due to various surgical operations. The right side of her brain referred to as the parietal lobe was injured causing her to experience constant dizziness, memory loss, hearing loss and difficulties with making speech and organisational type of thinking. Additionally, the accident restricted her movement as she lost sensation in her left arm and her motor skills deteriorated (ABC, 2011; Gee, 2007). Individuals who succumb to sudden physical disability are most likely bound to experience, stress, depression, anxiety, fear and hopelessness as they try to cope with dramatic physical changes (Orto & Power, 2007). Nicole’s disability story also highlights psychological effects that disability can have on individuals. Following the incident Nicole was in a state of depression, she was uneasy and too terrified to go outside alone. She was also prone to panic attacks and felt embarrassed at her disfigured appearance. Furthermore, she felt as a sense of loss and helplessness as she was not able to engage in small day to day tasks on her own (ABC, 2011; Gee, 2007). From a sociological perspective Tarver (2013) notes that, individuals who succumb to disability for the first time have to deal with a wide range of social issues. Foremost, they have to interact within environments that may not be favourable for persons with disability. Due to lack of understanding or awareness on issues facing people with various forms of disabilities, the general public may overlook the negative perceptions and special problems that people with disabilities face (Tarver, 2013). Moreover, individuals who succumb to sudden disability have to deal with family issues associated with their disability such as finances, support level and emotional adjustments. They also have to cope with consequences arising from judgment and negative demeanor that some members of the society may have towards people with disabilities. In addition to this, individuals who succumb to disability for the first time may have to deal with isolation and disengagement from friends and family since their condition could make it difficult for them to move from one place to the other or engage in social activities such as sports. In some cases, disabled individuals may require constant medical attention thus they spend considerable amounts of time in healthcare facilities. This may in turn limit their connection and association with friends and family. They may also have to accommodate professionals who work with them so that they can be able to cope and adjust to their new condition (Orto & Power, 2007). Nicole’s disability story also conveys the social effects that disability may have on individuals. In Nicole’s case, her sudden disability took a strong toll on her family as they had to undergo mental and emotional turmoil. Unlike before when Nicole had her own job and could support herself, her sudden disability rendered her completely dependent on her family members not only for material support but also for support in doing small day to day tasks such as tying her shoe lace. In one way or the other, Nicole sudden disability may have disengaged her from her friends and caused her to withdraw. Prior to the incident that rendered her disabled, Nicole was outgoing, she enjoyed going out with friends. However, due to the incident which fractured and scarred her face disability she is constantly embarrassed of her appearance and dreads leaving her home. There is an apparent fear that due to her appearance, society may perceive her negatively and fail to accept her. Due to her condition she may not be able to engage in normal activities this could in turn disengage her from her friends (ABC, 2011; Gee, 2007). Social work roles based on the social constructionism theory Social constructionism theory is a perspective or approach in social work that focuses on the way in which individuals construct their social reality. It touches on the way social beliefs, values and practices are developed, made known, institutionalised and become traditions over time. This theory holds that the construction of social reality is a continuous and dynamic process that occurs over time based on how people perceive and interpret knowledge. It assumes that social reality is subjective and can be constructed or created based on how a person perceives and interprets knowledge and situations. Social workers can use this approach or theory to address a wide range of social problems that occur in society (Burr, 2003; Lock & Strong, 2010). As a social work paradigm, the social constructionism theory can be used by social workers in a therapeutic or counseling context. Through this approach social workers can help clients to create a new identity, build a sense of self-esteem and self -worth and come into terms with difficult social situations. In this case, the role of social workers involves encouraging their clients to explore their thoughts, emotions and feelings towards the experiences or problematic situations that they are undergoing. Social workers are also expected to actively listening to their clients and empathise with their situation. Subsequently, there are expected to help clients towards a deeper understanding of their issues and how they can be addressed. Helping clients foster a deeper understanding of issues may involve challenging inconsistencies in what they say or do. It may also involve referring clients to appropriate sources of help or helping clients make choices or decisions regarding the best ways of addressing their problems (Witkin 2012). Stojnov & Butt (2002) note that, the social constructionism paradigm has for decades been used within therapeutic contexts to transform individuals’ process and approach of meaning- making. Based on the social constructionism theory, a social worker’s role can play a significant role in addressing issues identified in Nicole’s disability story. Firstly, using the social constructionist approach, a social worker can help Nicole come into terms with the biological changes that have occurred in her body. There is likelihood that Nicole may have felt a sense of hopelessness since her body may not be able to function normally. She may also detest her self-image due to scars and fractures in her face. Using a social constructionism, a social worker can encourage Nicole to explore her thoughts and feelings towards her body image. Subsequently, the social worker can lead Nicole towards a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding her condition and help her construct a more positive outlook towards her body image and capabilities as a human being (Stojnov & Butt, 2002). In relations to the social and psychological issues that are evident in this disability story, while employing a social constructionism paradigm, a social worker can mobilise appropriate support systems or sources of help so as to help Nicole effectively adjust to her condition and cope with challenges that may emanate from her external environment. In this case, a social worker could mobilise Nicole’s close family, friends and care givers and equip them with relevant skill and knowledge on how they can become an effective support system that will help Nicole construct a positive outlook towards life situations. According to Lit & Shek (2002), social constructionists not only focus on subjective realities but also socially constructed realities. In the course of interpretation and searching for meaning, constructionists may shift from how an individual constructs their social reality to focus on how people can interact with one another to modify, maintain or construct acceptable truths, beliefs or values. Therefore, support systems in form of close friends, family and care givers can play a significant role in aiding clients to construct positive social realities (Lit & Shek , 2002). Social work roles based on grief and loss theory Sudden physical disability can be equated to a mourning process following the loss of a loved one. Just like a mourning process, adjusting to disability does not take place instantaneously rather it may involve a series of four key stages namely; shock, denial, anger and depression, adjustment and acceptance. Social workers can provide psychological intervention that may help a person like Nicole with a new form of disability to progress through the stages, accept, adjust and live positively with their condition. Psychological intervention may also assist persons with disability to learn how to resolve challenges that they may experience along the way and increase their self-confidence and self-esteem. In the case of Nicole’s disability story, a social worker may use a psychological intervention such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help the client progress and cope with the various stages of adjustment. Gonzalez-Prendes & Brisebois (2012) observe that in an era where evidence-based practice has become very important , in social work practice CBT, has become of one of the commonly used intervention for dealing with psychosocial issues particularly those that revolve around persons with disability (Granvold, 2011). CBT is suitable in this case mainly because it may aid the client to address their concerns regarding their bodily function and appearance. This form of intervention provides modalities for helping individuals change their belief system and address challenges that may arise in each stage of adjustment. Nonetheless, the amount of time an individual may take in each stage while they trying to adjust to their new form of disability may depend on the nature of their disability and their ability to cope (Granvold, 2011). While using such an intervention, the social worker’s role may include; initiating conversation with a client in a bid to understand how thoughts impact on their choices and behavior. Facilitating thought and behavioural change processes through interventions such as group therapy, training, assignments and follow-ups. With regards to Nicole’s disability story, a social worker can use CBT to facilitate her progress through the various stages of adjustment. For instance, during the depression stage, a social worker may introduce Nicole to group therapy. Group therapy may provide a platform where Nicole can share her story and listen to people with similar experiences. This may help her accept her condition knowing that other people have also gone through similar or even worse predicaments. Alternatively, a social worker can provide self-help reading materials that could aid the client to gain relevant knowledge on how to cope with their condition (Granvold, 2011). Conclusion This paper has critically analysed Nicole Timbs’ disability story from a biopsychosocial perspective. It has explored the biopsychosocial influences that this disability incident has on the people involved. Subsequently, it has discussed possible social work roles in responding to issues apparent in this story. The findings of this paper depict that, Nicole’s disability story centers on physical or biological effects such as scarred face, injured parietal lobe, motor skills deterioration, constant dizziness, memory loss, hearing loss and difficulties with organisational type of thinking. This story further highlights psychological effects such as stress, depression, anxiety, fear and hopelessness that come as a result of sudden physical disability. From a sociological perspective individuals who succumb to disability for the first time also have to deal with social issues revolving around dependence on family support level, negative public perception, isolation and disengagement from friends. With reference to social constructionism theory and the grief and loss theory, this paper suggest that possible social work roles that can be used in responding to issues highlighted in this disability story include; counseling and mobilising appropriate support systems or sources of help to help the client adjust to her condition and cope with challenges that may emanate from her external environment. CBT can also be used to aid the client through the various stages of adjusting to their disability. References ABC (2011). Australian Story: Shattered-Transcript, viewed September 8 2013 Burr, V. (2003). Social Constructionism. New York: Routledge. Gee, S (December 15 2007). ‘My happy life in ruins- Nicole Miller’. The Telegraph Gonzalez-Prendes, A. & Brisebois, K. (2012). ‘Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Social Work Values: A Critical Analysis’. Journal of Social Work Values & Ethics, 9 (2), 21-32. Granvold, D.K (2011). ‘Cognitive-behavioural therapy with adults’. In J.R Brandell(Ed). Theory and Practice in clinical social work. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. Lit, S. & Shek, D.T.(2002). “Implications of Social Constructionism to Counseling and Social Work Practice”. Asian Journal of Counseling 9(1), 105-130. Lock, A & Strong, T. (2010). Social Constructionism: Sources and Stirrings in Theory and Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Orto, A. E. & Power, P. W.(2007). The psychological and social impact of illness and disability. 5th ed. London: Springer. Santrock, J. W. (2007). A Topical Approach to Human Life-span Development. 3rd ed. St Louis, MO: McGraw-Hill. Stojnov, D. & Butt, T. (2002). The relational basis for personal construct psychology. In R. Neimeyer & G. Neimeyer. Advances of personal construct theory: New directions and perspectives (pp.81-113). Westport, CT: Praeger. Tarver, T. (2013). ‘The Psychological and Social Impact of Illness and Disability’, 6th Ed., Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet,17 (2), 239-240. Witkin, S.L (2012). Social Construction and Social Work Practice: Interpretations and Innovations. New York: Columbia University Press. Appendix: Links to the Disability Story Used http://www.abc.net.au/austory/content/2011/s3205745.htm http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/my-happy-life-in-ruins-nicole-miller/story-e6freuzi-1111115116449 Read More

She was also prone to panic attacks and felt embarrassed at her disfigured appearance. Furthermore, she felt as a sense of loss and helplessness as she was not able to engage in small day to day tasks on her own (ABC, 2011; Gee, 2007). From a sociological perspective Tarver (2013) notes that, individuals who succumb to disability for the first time have to deal with a wide range of social issues. Foremost, they have to interact within environments that may not be favourable for persons with disability.

Due to lack of understanding or awareness on issues facing people with various forms of disabilities, the general public may overlook the negative perceptions and special problems that people with disabilities face (Tarver, 2013). Moreover, individuals who succumb to sudden disability have to deal with family issues associated with their disability such as finances, support level and emotional adjustments. They also have to cope with consequences arising from judgment and negative demeanor that some members of the society may have towards people with disabilities.

In addition to this, individuals who succumb to disability for the first time may have to deal with isolation and disengagement from friends and family since their condition could make it difficult for them to move from one place to the other or engage in social activities such as sports. In some cases, disabled individuals may require constant medical attention thus they spend considerable amounts of time in healthcare facilities. This may in turn limit their connection and association with friends and family.

They may also have to accommodate professionals who work with them so that they can be able to cope and adjust to their new condition (Orto & Power, 2007). Nicole’s disability story also conveys the social effects that disability may have on individuals. In Nicole’s case, her sudden disability took a strong toll on her family as they had to undergo mental and emotional turmoil. Unlike before when Nicole had her own job and could support herself, her sudden disability rendered her completely dependent on her family members not only for material support but also for support in doing small day to day tasks such as tying her shoe lace.

In one way or the other, Nicole sudden disability may have disengaged her from her friends and caused her to withdraw. Prior to the incident that rendered her disabled, Nicole was outgoing, she enjoyed going out with friends. However, due to the incident which fractured and scarred her face disability she is constantly embarrassed of her appearance and dreads leaving her home. There is an apparent fear that due to her appearance, society may perceive her negatively and fail to accept her. Due to her condition she may not be able to engage in normal activities this could in turn disengage her from her friends (ABC, 2011; Gee, 2007).

Social work roles based on the social constructionism theory Social constructionism theory is a perspective or approach in social work that focuses on the way in which individuals construct their social reality. It touches on the way social beliefs, values and practices are developed, made known, institutionalised and become traditions over time. This theory holds that the construction of social reality is a continuous and dynamic process that occurs over time based on how people perceive and interpret knowledge.

It assumes that social reality is subjective and can be constructed or created based on how a person perceives and interprets knowledge and situations. Social workers can use this approach or theory to address a wide range of social problems that occur in society (Burr, 2003; Lock & Strong, 2010). As a social work paradigm, the social constructionism theory can be used by social workers in a therapeutic or counseling context. Through this approach social workers can help clients to create a new identity, build a sense of self-esteem and self -worth and come into terms with difficult social situations.

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