Theoretical correspondence in social work: an analysis based on social workers in the field of mental health

Abstract

This article examines how social workers connected to the field of mental health establish correspondence between theory and practice. Three specific aims are identified for this purpose. The first relates to investigating the use that is made of theoretical models. The second examines the assessment undertaken of university training received prior to professional practice. The third aim is to gather opinions regarding the suitability of specialization in the mental health field. The study was carried out in Catalonia, with representatives from the four provinces. The research was qualitative, with a narrative-focused analysis. The sample was made up of 51 professionals and involved 40 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups. The results indicate that a mainly eclectic theoretical approach is used. They also reveal a difficulty in adjusting theory to everyday professional situations. It is notable that knowledge-related skills developed during the university training phase do not correspond to the demands encountered in practice.