The relationship of theory to clinical practice

This paper, based on the results of a national study of experienced clinical social workers, focuses on the nature of theoretical perspectives, practice models, and modes of clinical intervention. The majority of respondents identified ego psychology as being most instrumental to their approach with socio-cultural, cognitive/behavioral and family systems theories having an important secondary influence. Most identified with the psychosocial model of practice with problem-solving and family therapy being instrumental secondary models. Specific modes of clinical work were examined in relation to these theories and models.     

Subordinate social adaptability and the consequences of abusive supervision perceptions in two samples

The present investigation examined social adaptability as a moderator of the relationships between perceptions of abusive supervision and several work outcomes. Specifically, we hypothesized that individuals with lower levels of social adaptability would be more adversely affected by heightened levels of abusive supervision perceptions than employees with greater levels of social adaptability. Data from two samples offered strong support for the hypotheses. Specifically, employees with lower levels of social adaptability reported heightened job tension (i.e., Sample 1) and emotional exhaustion (Samples 1 & 2), as well as diminished job satisfaction (Samples 1 & 2) and work effort (Samples 1 & 2) as perceptions of abusive supervision increased, whereas employees with greater social adaptability skill were less strongly affected by their perceptions of abusive supervision. Contributions of the research to scholarship and practice, strengths and limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.