Understanding the impact of past experiences, the resulting feelings and beliefs, and the resulting impact on how individuals perceive the world affects how individuals, from a social work perspective, approach practice (Chenoweth & Mcauffe, 2005). Gambrill (2005) argues for the importance of self-awareness in understanding an individual's strengths and limitations, while Thompson (2000) expanded on this idea, including understanding how the use of self impacts theory and knowledge. This essay will provide a thoughtful description and analysis of the impact of significant personal and professional practice on my future practice in the social work profession. First, a descriptive overview of key past family issues will be provided and a reflective analysis of the resulting impact on my personality development and implications for my future practice will be presented. Second, a brief overview of volunteer, work, and educational experience will be described and linked to personality traits and possible influences on future practice. Third, using theory, personality traits will be described and analyzed with respect to their implications for practice. The fourth theory will be used to relate personality traits to potential conflict management styles and the impact this will have on future practice. Finally, potential practice frameworks will be identified and justified in relation to my individual personality traits. The impact of spirituality will not be examined in this essay because I do not think spirituality is an important part of my life. The impact of extended family members will also not be examined as they live interstate and therefore I only see them once a year. Past family problems Single parent family - Absent mother My parents got married when I was...... middle of paper. .....sions and warnings. Social Work, 41(3), 296-305. doi:10.1093/sw/41.3.296 Scheier, MF & Carver, CS (1992). Effects of optimism on psychological and physical well-being: Theoretical overview and empirical update. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 16(2), 201-228. doi:10.1007/BF01173489 Schlenker, BR & Leary, MR (1982). Social anxiety and self-presentation: a conceptualization model. Psychological Bulletin, 92(3), 641. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.92.3.641 Van Willigen, M. (2000). Incremental benefits of volunteering across the lifespan. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 55(5), S308-S318. doi:10.1093/geronb/55.5.S308 Yelsma, P. and Brown, C. T. (1985). Gender roles, biological sex and predisposition to conflict management. Sex Roles, 12(7-8), 731-747.doi:03600025/85/04000731S04.50/0