Sociatrogenic Dysfunctions: A Concern for Social Work Education

Abstract

This paper discusses the concept of sociatrogenic dysfunctions—negative consequences resulting from the efforts of the social healer. This concept is applicable to all levels of social work practice —individual, group, organizational, and societal. Instances of sociatrogenic dysfunctions in psychotherapy, corrections, mental hospitals, dropout campaigns, and urban renewal are cited The possible occurrence of sociatrogenic dysfunctions challenges the notion that doing something is always better than doing nothing and emphasizes the necessity of critically evaluating the role of the social worker in change efforts. The implications for social work education and the importance of educating students to evaluate approaches to treatment are discussed.