Using the Problem-Solving Model to Move through the Life Model

During my field placement at the IHSS in San Joaquin County, I met elderly immigrant clients who were of Southeast Asian origin who were not fluent in English and did not have any support from family members in the area. Most of them experienced seclusion, cultural alienation, and medical-social disorientation. They required culturally sensitive treatment and continuous help, as well as assistance regarding bridging the language barrier: Using the Problem-Solving Model to Move through the Life Model.

The life model allows perceiving their problems as problems in living caused by stressful changes in life, the environment, and cultural displacement (Franklin & Jordan, 2024). I would use it on the impact of ecological aspects, such as inadequate housing or language, that they were experiencing on their adaptive capacity. This facilitates person-environment fit and determines locations where changes in the individual and on a systemic basis are required.

The problem-solving model allows the client to visualize specific challenges, consider possible solutions, and apply steps in order to achieve changes in a manageable form. This structured approach gives the clients more power by increasing their sense of control and confidence that they can cope. Most clients applied denial and minimization as coping strategies toward their adverse health conditions and cultural alienation. These protective mechanisms inhibited them from seeking assistance or expressing emotional distress, which slackened interventions.

The life model does not give a complete explanation of intergenerational conflicts and long-term acculturative stress to immigrants (Piedra & Engstrom, 2009). Additionally, it does not specialize in linguistic obstacles and institutional discrimination either. Such omissions restrict the capacity of the model to approach the subject of immigrant challenges thoroughly.

Segmented assimilation theory explains the role played by structural inequality and intergenerational acculturation in the results of immigrant families. It highlights how different assimilation pathways affect social mobility and family cohesion. Integrating it with the life model offers a more nuanced, culturally grounded approach to intervention.

References

Franklin, C., & Jordan, C. (2024). Turner’s social work treatment (7th ed.). Oxford University Press Academic. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780197678046

Piedra, L. M., & Engstrom, D. W. (2009). Segmented assimilation theory and the life model: An integrated approach to understanding immigrants and their children. Social Work, 54(3), 270–277. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/54.3.270

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*Piedra and Engstrom (2009) noted how the life model “remains general and unspecific regarding factors that affect immigrant families” (p. 272). Recall that there will never be one theory or a model that fully explains a phenomenon or lays out all the steps and procedures when working with complex issues that clients present to social workers. Recognizing this, Piedra and Engstrom selected another theory in the immigration literature—segmented assimilation theory. They identified concepts from segmented assimilation theory to “fill in” the gaps that the life model does not address.

In this Discussion, you examine gaps in the life model by applying it to your field experience.

Using the Problem-Solving Model to Move through the Life Model

*To Prepare

• Review the life model.
• Review this article in the Learning Resources: Piedra, L. M., & Engstrom, D. W. (2009). Segmented assimilation theory and the life model: An integrated approach to understanding immigrants and their children. Social Work, 54(3), 270–277. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/54.3.270
• If you don’t have field experience that applies to this Discussion, you can apply other social work experience, including internships or professional experience, or apply a case study from this course. Contact your Instructor if you need clarification for what could apply for the Discussion.

QUESTION:
Post a response to the following:
Using an example from your fieldwork or other professional experience and a diverse population you encountered at the agency (for example, in Piedra and Engstrom’s article, it was immigrant families), respond to the following:

• *Identify and describe the diverse population and the unique characteristics and/or the distinctive needs of the population in 3–4 brief sentences.
• *Explain how you would use the life model to help the client understand and describe their challenges.
• *Explain how the problem-solving model can help the client address their challenges.
• *How is the client using defense mechanisms, and how is that impeding the ability to problem solve and move forward in the life model?
• *Identify where the gaps are in applying the life model for this population.
• *When looking at the gaps, explain which theory might be helpful in filling the gaps of the life model when working with this population.

 Notes:

• If needed, the client’s place of field experience is IHSS In home supportive services. San Joaquin county.