Professional Social Work Values
Professional Social Work Values
Abstract
This correlational study was designed to evaluate the relationship between religiosity and internalized heterosexism among lesbian, bisexual, and gay (LGB) individuals. Religiosity was examined in terms of positive religious coping (PRC), redefining stressors as a positive spiritual opportunity, or negative religious coping (NRC), defining stressors as a negative struggle between the individual and a Higher Power. The researcher hypothesized that, as seen in previous studies, use of negative religious coping methods would correlate with internalized heterosexism, and that use of positive religious coping methods would significantly correlate with lower internalized heterosexism. Data analysis of participants (N=162) illustrated significant Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients only between NRC and PRC, and NRC and internalized heterosexism. The first hypothesis was supported; meaning LGB individuals coping with minority stressors using NRC report a higher score of internalized heterosexism. PRC may be able to moderate mental well-being and minority stress, but this study does not support its moderation of internalized heterosexism and mental well-being. Understanding religious coping mechanisms LGB clients may use, or be using actively, can assist psychologists in treating the impact of internalized heterosexism by helping the client decrease their use of NRC. Psychologists may also be able to mitigate the grief and mourning experienced by some LGB individuals when they believe they must give up their religious identities.
Heterosexism is defined as “the discrimination or prejudice by heterosexuals against homosexuals” (merriam-webster.com) and is predicated on the belief that being heterosexual is the norm and the only accepted type of relationship.
Everyday heterosexism is exemplified in our media, our policies, and daily practices. By making these assumptions, social workers can be in part culpable for the oppression and marginalization experienced by the LGBTQ community.
As a profession, social work embraces diversity and strives to ensure equal rights for all. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is committed to supporting the needs of these groups and, in turn, they created the National Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues. During this week’s discussion you will be asked to consider how one’s own personal views on sexual orientation may clash with the profession’s stance.
- Post a scenario of how a social worker’s personal, ethical, and moral values in relation to the LGBTQ community might conflict with those of their clients.
- Explain the distinction between personal ethics and values and professional ethics and values evident in the social work profession in addressing this community.
- Be specific and explain how this distinction relates to the scenario you posted.
- Also explain how prejudice and bias might create barriers to fulfilling your professional responsibility to the LGBTQ community.
References (use at least 2)
Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castaneda, C., Hackman, H. W., Peters, M. L., & Zuniga, X. (Eds.). (2013). Readings for diversity and social justice. (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge Press.
Clinton, H. R. (2011). United Nations Address on Global LGBT Rights. U.S. Department of State. Retrieved from
It Gets Better Project. (n.d.). It gets better. Retrieved September 6, 2013, from:
Professional Social Work Values
Discussion 2: Moral Development Theory and Bullying
Bullying is not a new phenomenon, but social media and communication technologies have introduced a breadth and depth to which public shaming, targeted taunting, and bullying have manifested. For this Discussion, consider how bullying has changed and how it has remained the same in light of modern technology.
- Post an explanation of one moral development theory and its connection to the act of bullying.
- Be sure to frame your explanation within the context of cyber and other bullying that persists in social media and communication technologies used by adolescents.
- Also explain how bullying has changed and how it has remained the same in light of modern technology.
References (use at least 2)
Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Chapter 8 (pp. 376-422)
Glasser, L., & Keller, M. (2009). Are the competent the morally good? Perspective taking and moral motivation of children involved in bullying. Social Development, 18(4), 798–816. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
