A critical analysis of parental resistance and the impact of this on child protection social workers

Abstract

This qualitative research critically examined issues which affect child protection social workers, with a focus on their lived experiences of parental behaviours which fall under the umbrella term of ‘parental resistance’. This study also considered the effects of these behaviours on child protection social workers wellbeing and practice. Seventeen semi-structured interviews with child protection social workers were undertaken and analysed using the constructivist grounded theory approach. Participants were largely recruited through social media to limit involvement or influence by local authority employers. Although further steps such as a work network email and training events flyers were required and used successfully. Participants recounted frequent experiences of noticeably high levels of aggressive and ‘manipulative’ parental behaviour. However, they did not always recognise this as resistant behaviour or view it as a negative behaviour. Instead, from the participants emerged a sense of understanding towards parental resistant behaviour, an appreciation of the systemic positioning of parents, and a need to understand the cause of that behaviour. The term resistance was used in this study as it reflected an active parental behaviour designed to prevent change. However, the terminology of resistance was contested during the recruitment process and during interviews as the terms were perceived to be negative and blaming of parents by child protection social workers, academics and the public. Suggestions for reframing resistance emerged. Multiple interpretations of why resistance occurred were offered which fell into the following categories: parental characteristics; environmental response to experiences; natural response to the individual child protection social worker, or the child protection system; stage of change or active behaviour designed to affect the social worker or system. This reflected ‘resistance’ as a continuum of resistant behaviours from unconscious acts to conscious behaviour (Smollan 2011) rather than a static description of active behaviour used to distract or manage the social worker or situation. A recommendation for consideration is for change in the narrative of, and language use within, child protection social work. The findings indicated that child protection social workers find their role hard, and are affected cognitively, emotionally and physically by their work. These effects were experienced as both an impact and a cumulative effect leading to the proposal of an affectload model. Participants felt a strong sense of pressure in managing this complex role. This pressure emanated from both feelings of individual responsibility and external expectations from managers, the organisation and society. Child protection social workers do not get the support they want or need in relation to undertaking their multifaceted role and the effects this brings. Findings suggested the existence of a pervasive macho child protection social work culture which affects not only the individual worker’s attitude to seeking or accepting support, such as speaking about feelings, but also affects the organisation’s response to providing support. Recommendations reflect the need for a supportive culture and frameworks to ensure feelings are recognised and discussed.