Early Brain Development for Social Work Practice

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terri Combs-Orme
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Brain Development ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Complex Structures ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Early Brain Development ◽  
Infant Brain ◽  
Infant Brain Development ◽  
The Brain

Development of the brain in the first 3 years of life is genetically programmed but occurs in response to environmental stimuli. The brain is organized “from the bottom up,” that is, from simpler to more complex structures and functions, so the experiences and environment that shape early development have consequences that reach far into the future. This entry describes the ontogeny and processes of fetal and infant brain development, as well as major risks to early brain development (during pregnancy and after birth), with emphasis on the factors seen in social-work practice. Neuroscience research is changing social work practice, and understanding early brain development and the contributors to poor development is critical for social workers in medical, mental health, child welfare, and other practice settings.

Social Empathy

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Segal
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Brain Imaging ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Social Empathy ◽  
The Relationship

This article defines and explains the concept and trait of social empathy and the relationship to interpersonal empathy. Both concepts are explained using the latest cognitive neuroscience research on brain activity. Through brain imaging, the components that together make up the full array of empathy have been identified and are discussed in relation to social work practice. The application of social empathy in the policy-making arena is described, and the implications for social work practice to enhance empathy are discussed.

scholarly journals The Future of Social Work Practice in Addictions

10.18060/91 ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 202-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana M. DiNitto
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Political Environment ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Future ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Brain

Few social workers specialize in addictions practice. That number may grow in the years ahead due to demographic changes in the population, an expanding definition of addiction, and other factors. Social workers in all areas of practice see clients with addictions and their family members, but there is a large gap in the numbers who need treatment and receive it. The social work workforce of the future must be better equipped to develop and identify prevention and treatment services that are both appealing to clients and effective. These services may need to be offered in other setting where clients are seen. There is also much work to be done in the years ahead in the political environment to make treatment available and to see that individuals with addictions are treated fairly. Substantial research is being conducted on genetics and the brain chemistry of addiction. Psychosocial factors are also believed to play a substantial role in the development of addictions, thus ensuring social workers place in the addictions field in the years ahead.

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