Disequilibrium, as used in social work theory, refers to disruption among which elements?

Disequilibrium, as used in social work theory, refers to disruption among which elements?

• A. Individuals, groups, and the environment
• B. Only individuals' internal states
• C. Only environmental resources
• D. Only groups and institutions

Answer: (A)

Disequilibrium in social work theory means an imbalance that spans the whole system of people and their surroundings—the individual, the groups they are part of, and the environment they live in. This concept comes from systems thinking and the person-in-environment perspective, which hold that a person’s functioning depends on ongoing exchanges across micro, meso, and macro levels. When stressors or changes occur in one part—such as personal health, family dynamics, or environmental resources—they reverberate through the others, creating a state of disruption until the system adjusts. For example, job loss can strain an individual’s well-being, alter family interactions, and change access to community supports, all contributing to disequilibrium across the person, groups, and environment. This is why the disruption is best described as involving individuals, groups, and the environment together.

Disequilibrium in social work theory means an imbalance that spans the whole system of people and their surroundings—the individual, the groups they are part of, and the environment they live in. This concept comes from systems thinking and the person-in-environment perspective, which hold that a person’s functioning depends on ongoing exchanges across micro, meso, and macro levels. When stressors or changes occur in one part—such as personal health, family dynamics, or environmental resources—they reverberate through the others, creating a state of disruption until the system adjusts. For example, job loss can strain an individual’s well-being, alter family interactions, and change access to community supports, all contributing to disequilibrium across the person, groups, and environment. This is why the disruption is best described as involving individuals, groups, and the environment together.