How might reluctance or resistance manifest itself in a service user’s behaviour or actions?

Learning Objectives

After considering this resource, you should understand how reluctance or resistance may manifest itself in a service user's behaviour or actions.

There can be many reasons why a service user may be reluctant or resistant to work with you. For example, they may see no reason for needing the help in the first place, or seeing a need for help as a sign of weakness (Egan, 2007, p.154).

These feelings towards social work intervention can also then, manifest itself in many different ways. The following video highlights potential behaviour, which reluctant or resistant service users may demonstrate.

Download: Video transcript

Reflective Questions

  1. Have you ever been reluctant or resistant when using a service? What were the reasons for this?
  2. Reflect on the reasons why a service user may be reluctant or resistant.
  3. In what ways might you be able to identify reluctance or resistance behaviour in service users?
  4. How might the professional value base help to create a rapport with a resistant or reluctant service user?

Reference:
J Lishman (2009) Communication in Social Work, 2nd edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Expert opinions