Strengths-Based Approach Theory Analysis

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Theory Paper: Strengths-Based Approach Alisha Cunning University of Windsor The strengths-based approach was officially developed by social workers. Thus, the profession of social work continues to be the front-runner in its application and research (Graybeal, 2001). The strengths-based approach is considered to be in its toddlerhood with regard to research and development. This perspective has only been in practice for thirty years (Rapp and Sullivan, 2014). The development of the strengths-based approach occurred in two different ways. First, the theory originally stems from work at the University of Kansas during the early 1980’s. The original researchers are Dennis Saleebey, Charles Rapp, and Anne Weick (Staudt, Howard, and Drake, 2001). The approach was first developed to help individuals living with mental health issues. Since its implementation, this perspective has been used to help various populations such as those living in poverty, individuals who have experienced physical and sexual abuse, and older adults. Additionally, Siegel and Rapp from Wright State University were the first to use the strength-based approach with individuals who have substance abuse difficulties (Rapp,…show more content…
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