Cognitive Development

Cognitive development includes the gradual formation of life-enhancing beliefs about self, others, and the universe; effective problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills; and full use of the various forms of intelligence. Ivey45 suggested that as the individual becomes able to understand the complexity of systems and “systems of systems,” she gradually takes on a more multifaceted view of the world. The effective social worker strives to understand many viewpoints of reality and is able to use his imagination to “walk in another person's shoes.” The cognitively mature worker also does not reduce people to simplistic generalizations, but appreciates how complex and unique every person really is.

The effective social worker realizes that she can continue to learn across ...