Strengths Perspective
The Strengths Perspective is a social work theory and practice approach that
focuses on individuals' abilities, resources, resilience and potential rather than
primarily on their problems, deficits or diagnoses. Developed by Dennis
Saleebey, Charles Rapp and colleagues, the perspective assumes that every
individual, family and community possesses strengths that can be identified and
used to achieve positive change. Rather than asking, "What is wrong with this
person?", the Strengths Perspective asks, "What strengths, resources and
capabilities can be built upon?" Within social work, the approach promotes
empowerment, collaboration and self-determination while recognising that
people are experts in their own lives and have the capacity to overcome
adversity when appropriately supported (Saleebey, 2013).
The Strengths Perspective emerged during the 1980s through the work of
researchers at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. Practitioners
became increasingly critical of traditional deficit-based approaches, which often
focused on pathology, dysfunction and professional expertise while overlooking
individuals' resilience and capabilities. Dennis Saleebey became one of the
leading advocates for the approach, arguing that social work should begin with
people's strengths rather than their weaknesses. The perspective has since
become one of the most influential theoretical approaches in contemporary
social work, mental health, community development and recovery-oriented
practice (Saleebey, 2013).
A central principle of the Strengths Perspective is that every individual has
strengths. Regardless of the difficulties they experience, people possess personal
qualities, skills, relationships, experiences or aspirations that can contribute to
positive change. These strengths may include determination, humour, creativity,
cultural identity, parenting abilities, coping strategies, supportive relationships or
previous successes. Identifying these strengths provides a foundation for
collaborative assessment and intervention.
Another key principle is that adversity can create opportunities for growth. While
acknowledging that trauma, loss and hardship can have profound effects, the
Strengths Perspective also recognises that individuals often develop resilience,
new skills and valuable insights through overcoming challenges. Practitioners
therefore seek to understand not only what has happened to a person but also
how they have survived and what has helped them cope.
The Strengths Perspective is a social work theory and practice approach that
focuses on individuals' abilities, resources, resilience and potential rather than
primarily on their problems, deficits or diagnoses. Developed by Dennis
Saleebey, Charles Rapp and colleagues, the perspective assumes that every
individual, family and community possesses strengths that can be identified and
used to achieve positive change. Rather than asking, "What is wrong with this
person?", the Strengths Perspective asks, "What strengths, resources and
capabilities can be built upon?" Within social work, the approach promotes
empowerment, collaboration and self-determination while recognising that
people are experts in their own lives and have the capacity to overcome
adversity when appropriately supported (Saleebey, 2013).
The Strengths Perspective emerged during the 1980s through the work of
researchers at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. Practitioners
became increasingly critical of traditional deficit-based approaches, which often
focused on pathology, dysfunction and professional expertise while overlooking
individuals' resilience and capabilities. Dennis Saleebey became one of the
leading advocates for the approach, arguing that social work should begin with
people's strengths rather than their weaknesses. The perspective has since
become one of the most influential theoretical approaches in contemporary
social work, mental health, community development and recovery-oriented
practice (Saleebey, 2013).
A central principle of the Strengths Perspective is that every individual has
strengths. Regardless of the difficulties they experience, people possess personal
qualities, skills, relationships, experiences or aspirations that can contribute to
positive change. These strengths may include determination, humour, creativity,
cultural identity, parenting abilities, coping strategies, supportive relationships or
previous successes. Identifying these strengths provides a foundation for
collaborative assessment and intervention.
Another key principle is that adversity can create opportunities for growth. While
acknowledging that trauma, loss and hardship can have profound effects, the
Strengths Perspective also recognises that individuals often develop resilience,
new skills and valuable insights through overcoming challenges. Practitioners
therefore seek to understand not only what has happened to a person but also
how they have survived and what has helped them cope.
