The effects of student caretaking history on clinical performance

Abstract

Studies of social work students reveal high rates of family dysfunction and trauma (Black, Jeffreys, & Hartley, 1993; Rompf & Royse, 1994; Russel, Gill, Coyne, & Woody, 1993). Object relations theory (Hanna, 1990a, 1990b; Winnicott, 1965) and family systems theory (Lackie, 1983) explain how the choice of a helping profession motivated by unmet dependency needs may lead to problems in clinical performance. This article reports on an exploratory study (n = 15) that found some support for the theoretical link between a history of early, pervasive family caretak‐ing by second‐year clinical MSW students and Winnicott's False Self characteristics. Analysis of process recording data and Working Alliance Inventory (Horvath & Greenberg, 1989) scores suggest some effects of this caretaking history on students’ clinical performance. Implications for social work education and practice are discussed.

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