A NEW book written by two University of Worcester academics aims to encourage social workers to explore psychological complexities.
Dr Gabriela Misca, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society, and Dr Peter Unwin, a senior lecturer in social work at the University and member of the British Association of Social Workers, recently released their new book, Psychology and Social Work.
Acting as a timely reminder for social workers and other professionals that the personal and the individual should still be at the centre of everything they do, the book brings together contributions from applied psychology areas, such as clinical, health, forensic and organisational psychology.
As well as for key reading for students on qualifying social work courses, the book also provides a valuable resource for students on psychology and social sciences degrees at the University.
Dr Misca said: “The news is constantly full of social problems, covering abuse of older people in care homes, child deaths and prison riots. It’s all plagued by difficulties of personality and organisational behaviour around issues of power, gender and the establishment.
“Psychologists are increasingly called upon to advise and intervene on a variety of social issues, but are often very focused on individual psychological aspects.
“Meanwhile, often for reasons of time, targets and a lack of confidence, social workers are often neglecting the psychological complexities that lie beneath those families and individuals on their caseloads.
“This book is designed to encourage social workers to explore these complexities further, using research from applied psychology, and for psychologists to learn from their colleagues in social work about the wider social issues affecting individuals.”
Dr Unwin said: “The book offers insights into the individual, family and organisation factors that lie behind our daily headlines and offers helpful pointers to better solutions, building on the insights and knowledge bases of psychology and social work.
“We draw on real, contemporary cases such as the Rotherham child abuse scandal and Baby P case, exploring the complexities from both sides of our disciplines.”
Visit www.politybooks.com for more information.
