Week 4 DQ 1 Hansell's Motivation Theory
What makes a theory useful is the ability of the practitioner to use the elements of
the theory (called premises or postulates) in practice and research. These
applications can empower the human service worker by providing added
information, insight, and perspective regardless of the career level. Theory-intopractice is a forerunner of best practices, where the evaluation of program and
practice results leads to efficiencies and effectiveness. In this discussion you will,
after reading Chapter 4 in the text, with special attention to Hansell’s motivation
theory, analyze this theory in terms of its application to client problems/needs.
Consider the following:

Can the “seven attachments” be used as a checklist to understanding
(discovering) a client’s well being or problems?

What are the inferred implications for a human service worker’s interactions
with the client system?

How does Hansell’s theory support the idea to “search for practical solutions”?
Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings.
Can the “seven attachments” be used as a checklist to understanding (discovering) a
client’s well being or problems?
In my opinion, few of the seven attachments seem like unsuccessful signs and some people
like me may not agree to the first one namely food, water and oxygen. We definitely require
all these elements to stay alive but food can be used as an instrument of distraction in
boredom because people eat food when they have nothing to do and that leads to weight
gain. Also water can be used for health and well-being as people like I drink water to
maintain their health and oxygen is essential for survival. As far as the sexual needs are
concerned, people require those intimate relationships to reduce their loneliness because it
is a truth that humans are social beings and they cannot live alone. However, in my opinion
there are people who don’t need others because many a times living in seclusion is peaceful
too where you can spend time with yourself or kids if you have any. Lots of people join peer
groups to avoid being lonely and to stay busy in social life by making new friends and
having fun. People with unique qualities or lack of financial security may be dissatisfied
with themselves and their lives. These are the reasons I think that many people feel they
must get these seven attachments when in reality they don’t need them.
What are the inferred implications for a human service worker’s interactions with the
client system?
True, it surely assists them in the human services industry. Burger asserts “The objective of
human services analysis is generally to connect the customer with causes of contentment”.
They are present there to allow the social care and human services professional to discover
the feelings and experiences of patients (Burger, 2011, p.164)
How does Hansell’s theory support the idea to “search for practical solutions”?
The human services professional is present there to ensure that the person is capable of
getting a job, residence and maintenance for their family and also to assist them in getting
GED. To me these are the responsibilities of a human service professional. “This may
include assisting the patient gain welfare facilities, getting a job, join a group or club, go
back to college or school or find a temporary residence” (Burger, 2011, p.164)
Reference
Burger, W. (2011). Human services in contemporary America (8th Ed.).p.164.