Running head: MID TERM ASSIGNMENT � PAGE �1�
Mid Term Assignment
Manru Vivian Zhang
New York University
Silver School of Social Work
Submitted to:
Professor Besa Bauta, Ph.D.
Social Work Practice III
Oct, 22, 2014
Theoretical Underpinnings of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has demonstrated considerable efficacy in clinical social work practice, especially in the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD) (Hoffman, et al., 2005; Rakfeldt, 2005; Panos, et al., 2014; Schulz, & Rafferty, 2008). Very little research, however, has explored the theoretical roots and mechanisms of change underlying DBT.
Dialectical Theory
As a worldview, dialectical philosophy provides a foundation for DBT (Lynch, et al., 2006). Western philosophy proposes that the world embraces constant change, with creative and destructive forces constantly operating upon each other. Also, dialectical philosophy has its roots in the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang: all aspects of the universe contain the seeds of its opposites (Petrov, 2002).
English: A Yin & Yang symbol surrounded by the 'ba...
English: Yin & Yang
Yin Yang GuaThe Chinese philosophers perceived the universe as Chin energy, which is mean for interaction between world forces of Yin and Yang. Yin symbolizes dark, cold, evil, bad, female, and negative things; and Yang symbolizes light, warm, good, male, and other positive nature (Petrov, 2002). Forces of Yin and Yang interact, overcome and transform one to another as illustrated as bellowed:
Vladimir Petrov (June, 17, 2002) Retrieved from: http://www.triz-journal.com/laws-dialectics-technology-evolution/
Dialectic theory embraces three essential laws: the unity of opposites, transformation of quantity into quality, and the negation of the negation (Petrov, 2002). Dialectics is implemented not only in the presence of specific DBT interventions, but also in the style and manner in which interventions are delivered (Lynch, et al., 2006).
Systems Theory
Systems theory also shares similar philosophy with dialectic theory. DBT treats the whole patient, rather than a discrete disease or disorder. When...