The Relational Model of Identity Development: An Essential Curricular Component for Social Work Education and Practice

This concept article presents a rationale for including the relational model, also referred to as \u27self-in-relation\u27 theory, as a component in social work education and practice. The work of the Stone Center theorists at Wellesley College is discussed and related to the significance of relationships in social work and, thus, to its \u27goodness of fit\u27 with numerous aspects of the profession. The relational model is applied as well to a variety of required curricular components mandated by the Council on Social Work Education. A literature review was conducted, and the results indicate that self-in-relation theory is being used by social work authors. Its diverse applications may speak loudly to its relevance for social work