Piedra and Engstrom (2009) noted how the life model “remains general  and unspecific regarding factors that affect immigrant families” (p.  272). Recall that there will never be one theory  or a model that can fully explain a phenomenon or lay out all the steps  and procedures when working with complex issues that clients present to  social workers. Recognizing this, Piedra and Engstrom selected another  theory in the immigration literature—segmented assimilation theory. They  identified concepts from segmented assimilation theory to “fill in” the  gaps that the life model does not address.

 

In this Discussion, you examine gaps in the life model by applying it to your field experience.

 

To prepare:

 

• Review the life model.
• Review this article in the Learning Resources: Piedra, L.  M., & Engstrom, D. W. (2009). Segmented assimilation theory and the  life model: An integrated approach to understanding immigrants and  their children. Social Work, 54(3), 270–277.  http://dx.doi.org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/sw/54.3.270

 

By Day 3

 

Post:

 

Using an example from your fieldwork experience and a  diverse population you encountered at the agency (for example, in Piedra  and Engstrom’s article, it was immigrant families), respond to the  following:

 

1. Identify and describe the diverse population and the  unique characteristics and/or the distinctive needs of the population in  3 to 4 brief sentences.
2. Explain how the life model can be applied for the population.
3. Explain where the gaps are in applying the life model for this population.
4. When looking at the gaps, explain which theory might be helpful in filling the gaps of the life model when working with this population.
5. Identify other potential gaps in the life model as applied to the population your colleague identified.
6. Offer another potential theory for filling the gaps of the life model when working with the population identified.

 

Support your posts with specific references to the Learning Resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

 

References (use 3 or more)

Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Chapter 18: Life Model and Social Work Practice (pp. 287–301)
Chapter 24: Problem-Solving and Social Work (pp. 387–397)

Piedra, L. M., & Engstrom, D. W. (2009). Segmented assimilation theory and the life model: An integrated approach to understanding immigrants and their children. Social Work, 54(3), 270–277. http://dx.doi.org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/sw/54.3.270

Westefeld, J. S., & Heckman-Stone, C. (2003). The integrated problem-solving model of crisis intervention: overview and application. The Counseling Psychologist, 31(2), 221–239. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1177/0011000002250638