A qualitative exploration of children's understanding of indiscriminate friendliness - and research portfolio

Eight young people (aged 9-14) took part in interviews about indiscriminately friendly behaviour. The majority of the sample had a history of maltreatment and placements within foster and care settings. Clinicians and guardians identified these young people as indiscriminately friendly, which was supported by data provided by the Relationships Problems Questionnaire. Interview transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, a phenomenological qualitative methodology that is gaining growing acclaim within the field of clinical psychology. Emergent themes were drawn from interview data which highlighted the young people’s experiences of rejection and feelings of insecurity within their social interactions. While being aware of the risks associated with speaking to strangers and the efforts of adults attempting to protect them from the potential danger associated with indiscriminate friendliness this group of young people demonstrated a trust of new people and a craving for kindness from others. Through their descriptions of social interactions, and the experience of the interviewer during her interactions with these young people, there was a strong appreciation of the control they exert upon others during social contact. These findings offer clinicians an insight into the social interactions of this vulnerable group of children.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

DClinPsy

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Glasgow

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Bennett, Julie

• BF Psychology
• RJ101 Child Health. Child health services

Language dc:language

en