SocwW8Discussions

Discussion 1:

Theories of Intelligence, Moral Development, and the Strengths Perspective

Your ability to process information and apply it in other contexts represents one aspect of cognitive development. Theories of intelligence focus on the development of an individual’s ability to engage in abstract mental processes for the purposes of making sense of the environment (problem solving). Intelligence also involves psychological and moral development, in addition to physical maturation. Part of making sense of the environment and responding to it relates to an understanding of societal norms. Moral development represents an individual’s understanding of acceptable social human behavior. How might intelligence and moral development be related? As a social worker in support of the strengths perspective, understanding the development of your clients’ intelligence and morality can help to identify their strengths in order to encourage empowering behaviors.

For this Discussion, review this week’s resources. Select a theory of intelligence. Then, consider how intelligence might relate to moral development, referencing the theories from the readings. Finally, think about how you might view the theory you selected from a strengths perspective and what the potential implications of this theory might be for social workers who need to assess the intelligence of clients.

•Post an explanation of how you think intelligence relates to moral development, referencing theories from this week's resources. 

•Then describe the theory of intelligence you selected and explain how you might view it using a strengths perspective. 

•Finally, explain the potential implications of this theory for social workers who need to assess the intelligence of clients.

References (use 2 or more)

Robbins, S. P., Chatterjee, P., & Canda, E. R. (2012). Contemporary human behavior theory: A critical perspective for social work (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.

Termini, K., Golden, J. A., Lyndon, A. E., & Sheaffer, B. L. (2009). Reactive attachment disorder and cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions of moral development. Behavioral Development Bulletin, 15(1), 18–28.

Thompson, R. A. (2012). Whither the preconventional child? Toward a life-span moral development theory. Child Development Perspectives, 6(4), 423–429.

Discussion 2:

The Use of Stimulants in the Treatment ADHD

Stimulant medications have been used since the mid-1900s to treat ADHD. More recently, medical professionals recognize a degree of complicity in the development of addiction in many of their clients with ADHD in connection with the use of stimulant treatment medications such as dextroamphetamine, levoamphetamine, and methylphenidate. As members of medical treatment teams, mental health professionals recognize their responsibility to treat current clients who have developed this comorbid condition as well as to work to prevent future problems of addiction that might arise from use of stimulant treatment. Clients deserve encompassing, accurate information in order to sort through potentially mixed messages from medical professionals, school personnel, family members, and others. Mental health professionals can provide or point to educational materials to help clients make informed choices, provide information about alternatives based on sound research, and help monitor for misuse of potentially addictive medications (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2017).

For this Discussion, review the media titled“Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Counseling Session” and consider the medications a psychiatrist might prescribe to treat ADHD. Conduct an Internet search or a Walden Library search for at least one peer-reviewed journal article that addresses issues related to the use of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD as it relates to the client in the media program.

Post a brief description of the client’s current presentation in the media program.

•Choose a medication that a psychiatrist might prescribe to treat ADHD and explain in detail the major action, intended effects, neurotransmitters implicated in its use, and side effects.

•Explain why you think this medication might be the most effective for treatment. Explain how you might address any issues related to the use of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD.

•Justify your choice based on the client’s presentation and support your position with the Learning Resources and your journal article.

•Explain an alternative approach to treating ADHD.

References (use 2 or more)

Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.

Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Berman, S. M., Kuczenski, R., McCracken, J. T., & London, E. D. (2009). Potential adverse effects of amphetamine treatment on brain and behavior: A review. Molecular Psychiatry, 14(2), 123–142.

Pliszka, S. R. (2007). Pharmacologic treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action. Neuropsychology Review, 17(1), 61–72.

Document: ADHD Stimulant Addiction Case Study: Junior (PDF)