Publication Date
2009
Document Type
Masters Thesis
Department
School for Social Work
Keywords
Social work with the homeless, Social work with youth, Homeless youth-Counseling of, Social service-Moral and ethical aspects, Social workers-Professional ethics, Psychotherapist and patient, Psychotherapy-Moral and ethical aspects, Psychotherapists-Professional ethics, Boundaries, Therapeutic relationships
Abstract
This research will explore the experiences of 33 service providers working with homeless youth. Specifically, the research will examine the boundaries constructed by the service providers in their treatment relationships with homeless youth. Homeless youth are a unique group of people. They face a combination of obstacles in front of them at a time of life that is challenging and often after years of abuse, neglect, or family chaos. Service providers who work with these youth are asked to play many roles in the youths' lives such as teacher, counselor, parental surrogate, coach, disciplinarian, etc. The aim of this research is to explore the boundaries that are constructed around the unique relationships that are formed between service provider and youth. A survey was developed specifically for this research that includes demographic data, four questions and 43 items and four open-ended questions. The major findings of this study were that boundary behaviors in this sample are very consistent, clear, and well established. There is some variance in boundary behavior based on job title and amount of time in the field.
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Terbieten, Allison May, "Boundary constructions in treatment relationships between service providers and homeless youth" (2009). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/1152
Comments
iv, 61 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. Includes bibliographical references (p. 45-47)