Weaknesses are plentiful throughout the shame resilience theory as well. Shame resilience focuses on one major theme – shame. Because of this, it could be hard to apply the theory to any other feelings that cause distress to a person. This makes the theory extremely limited in usage and potentially limited in the aspect of creditability. The outlined four steps make it user-friendly, but overall the meat of the theory does not seem to be as in depth as other theories, which could be the result of shame resilience theory being fairly new. There is also extremely little empirical evidence to support shame resilience theory. In fact, there is hardly any research on the theory at all (Van Vliet, 2008). This is a major weakness for the theory, because
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The theory is fairly easy to understand, and makes it well known that spirituality plays a large role in its implementation. The processes an individual or social worker goes through when dealing with the theory do not seem out of reach. Transpersonal theory has been studied extensively, but not all of the research has focused out-right on Jung and his ideas. However, as one of the key initiators of the theory, the broad teachings of the theory typically align with Jung’s personal beliefs surrounding it. Empirical evidence tends to support transpersonal theory, stating that dealing with big issues can be easier when an outside force can be used as a resource and comfort (Cowley, 1993). Another strength is the focus on individualization. Being able to work with a client on their level, and understanding that even within societal “types” or labels there is individuality with every person, allows for better therapeutic work (Adler & Jung, 1971). Comparing those who understand and practice their own spirituality and those who do not, levels of psychological issues are lower for the people who accepted a spiritual component of their lives (Friedman & Hartelius, 2013). By engaging social workers in the management of mental illness according to transpersonal theory, the social workers also benefit by increasing their knowledge around the theory and the spiritual aspects of the individuals they work with (Cowley & Derezotes, 1994). Awareness of internal potentials, which come out through practice of transpersonal theory, can help individuals as well as therapists apply the skills to coping with the mental illness as well as other aspects of life (Rosselli & Vanni, 2014). For example, a person may realize they have the ability to practice and enjoy doing yoga. They decide to do yoga to deal with their depression, but also find they can use it as a form of exercise, which is beneficial
The theory is fairly easy to understand, and makes it well known that spirituality plays a large role in its implementation. The processes an individual or social worker goes through when dealing with the theory do not seem out of reach. Transpersonal theory has been studied extensively, but not all of the research has focused out-right on Jung and his ideas. However, as one of the key initiators of the theory, the broad teachings of the theory typically align with Jung’s personal beliefs surrounding it. Empirical evidence tends to support transpersonal theory, stating that dealing with big issues can be easier when an outside force can be used as a resource and comfort (Cowley, 1993). Another strength is the focus on individualization. Being able to work with a client on their level, and understanding that even within societal “types” or labels there is individuality with every person, allows for better therapeutic work (Adler & Jung, 1971). Comparing those who understand and practice their own spirituality and those who do not, levels of psychological issues are lower for the people who accepted a spiritual component of their lives (Friedman & Hartelius, 2013). By engaging social workers in the management of mental illness according to transpersonal theory, the social workers also benefit by increasing their knowledge around the theory and the spiritual aspects of the individuals they work with (Cowley & Derezotes, 1994). Awareness of internal potentials, which come out through practice of transpersonal theory, can help individuals as well as therapists apply the skills to coping with the mental illness as well as other aspects of life (Rosselli & Vanni, 2014). For example, a person may realize they have the ability to practice and enjoy doing yoga. They decide to do yoga to deal with their depression, but also find they can use it as a form of exercise, which is beneficial