Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to reflect deeply, analyse information objectively, and draw conclusions based on evidence rather than assumptions or emotion. It involves asking questions, evaluating different perspectives, and making well-reasoned decisions (Moon, 2019). In health and social care, critical thinking helps practitioners make ethical choices, challenge dominant views where necessary, and ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the support they truly need (Andrews, 2021).




Personal Experience: Critical Thinking

When I worked in a supported accommodation for young people with severe behavioural as well as emotional issues, one of the residents began withdrawing, refusing meals, absenting themself from school, as well as avoiding contact with workers. Some of my other workers regarded it as one of those phases of rebelliousness or attention-seeking, not uncommon in the centre. But I regarded the behaviour as diagnostic of something larger in scope and decided to view the problem critically before making any judgment (O’Hara, 2020; Andrews, 2021).

At first, I felt reluctant to express concerns as though I disagreed with the way my group members perceived things. But there was a yearning drive in me to voice myself on behalf of the young adult because there might’ve been some unseen problem being left out. I also had an obligation to act in the young adult's best interest instead of going along with staff assumptions (Moon, 2019; Andrews, 2021).

Amongst supporters of positive influences was not rushing headlong into conforming with others. Rather, I studied the care plan of the young person, the latest daily reports, and past incidents. I had previously witnessed patterns of repeated behaviour with subsequent distress in response to contact with a member of their family. I inquired of the young person politely if they would like to discuss it, and, in due course, they revealed they had concerns about a forthcoming court hearing with a member of their family (Nielsen, 2020; O’Hara, 2020).

The issue was going to the senior team to push for some additional emotional support as well as accommodation around their routine. Not everyone at first disagreed with me, and I had to employ sound reasoning in order to set out my observations and the risk of ignoring signs (McMillan, 2023; Moon, 2019).

This scenario demonstrated just how necessary it is to think critically with at-risk teenagers. By taking evidence, reversing previous patterns, as well as balancing emotion with professional expertise, I was able to recognise there was something besides defiance at play, such as a trauma response (Nielsen, 2020; Wozniak, 2022). I learned it is okay to cite adolescent development as well as trauma-informed care in directing one's thinking. Without a critical thought process, the young adult would have been misunderstood or worse, in trouble, with further damage as a result (McMillan, 2023).

This situation demonstrated just how important it is in social care to think critically. It stopped me from making assumptions, supported effective arguments, and ensured the young person was not penalised but assisted (Andrews, 2021). It further educated me that collaboration with staff is essential, but no less essential is feeling it is okay to query when one does not think it is right. From this date, I will again moderate myself and think before I act on immediate reactions. I will have detailed files, use supervision as an active means of reporting issues, and have regular updates with training in trauma-informed care as well as adolescent mental health (Wozniak, 2022; McMillan, 2023). I will further promote other workers to be critically aware of observing first reactions in working with young individuals.


References

Andrews, L. (2021) Why Critical Thinking Matters in Social Work. The Social Care Institute for Excellence Blog. Available at: https://www.scie.org.uk/news/blogs/critical-thinking-social-work (Accessed: 14 July 2025).

McMillan, H. (2023) Why Trauma-Informed Practice Should Be a Priority in Social Care. Community Care. Available at: https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2023/01/19/why-trauma-informed-practice-matters-in-social-work/ (Accessed: 14 July 2025).

Moon, J. (2019) Reflection and Critical Thinking in Practice. Reflective Practice Blog. Available at: https://www.learningjournal.org/blog/reflection-and-critical-thinking-in-practice (Accessed: 14 July 2025).

Nielsen, K. (2020) Understanding Trauma Responses in Young People. Counselling Directory. Available at: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/understanding-trauma-responses-in-young-people (Accessed: 14 July 2025).

O’Hara, M. (2020) Mental Health Support for Teenagers in Care: The Importance of Looking Beyond the Behaviour. The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/feb/10/mental-health-support-for-teenagers-in-care (Accessed: 14 July 2025).

Wozniak, R. (2022) The Role of Trauma-Informed Care in Adolescent Support Work. Psychreg. Available at: https://www.psychreg.org/trauma-informed-care-adolescents/ (Accessed: 15 July 2025).

Comments

  1. Jane Wouhra19 July 2025 at 19:19

    Rashid you have clearly linked critical thinking to practice and highlight the risks of assumptions in care. However your work needs clearer structure, more concise wording and stronger academic support in places.

    Jane Wouhra

    ReplyDelete
  2. Saiqa Begum19 July 2025 at 22:42

    Good: Clearly shows how critical thinking was applied in a real-life situation with positive impact.
    Needs Improvement: Sentence structure can be simplified in places for better clarity and flow.

    ReplyDelete
  3. SOZIA KHAN AKHTAR26 July 2025 at 09:41

    This shows great critical thinking in your work. You were brave to question what other staff thought and looked at the evidence properly. You took time to check records and spot patterns instead of making quick judgments. Standing up for the young person when others disagreed shows you put their needs first. Your plan to keep learning and help other workers think more carefully shows you want to keep improving your practice.

    ReplyDelete
  4. thestranger3 August 2025 at 07:07

    The reflection is generally well-structured and demonstrates insight, but some claims lack direct in-text citations, particularly in the analysis of behaviours and critical thinking approaches. The piece references trauma-informed care well but could benefit from clearer integration of theory into practice. Some sentences are overly long, making key points harder to digest. The claim about professional obligation is sound, yet could be strengthened with a direct link to ethical standards or legislation. There’s slight repetition in the final paragraphs, which could be streamlined. Overall, stronger referencing within paragraphs and sharper focus would enhance clarity and academic rigour.

    ReplyDelete

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