Working with Aggression and Resistance in Social Work

Chapter on Adult Protection very useful as is Chapter 3 in relation to diffusing aggression. -- David Calderwood * drupal *
Working with Aggression and Resistance in Social Work is a timely addition to a growing and ever improving range of books to educating future social workers that have much to offer those already in practice. It covers an area that every social worker should be familiar with and understand at the point of qualification; and it could easily form a basis for CPD modules to update staff from a variety of settings. It is good that there are case studies and other references to substance misuse as that is often a feature seen in other areas covered by the book. I have recently seen a workbook for professionals that looks at how experiences of high emotion and potential or actual violence may lead to a state of crisis in the worker and at the dynamics of coming to terms with trauma following incidents. That might be a useful area to cover in a future edition. -- David Hicks * drupal *
Students often worry about dealing with aggression but forget that resistance is often far more complex and something which often needs to be overcome. I particuarly liked the clear advice and guidance this book provides and it will certainly be a book I will recommend students return to once they qualify. -- Dr Ann Hodson * drupal *
A very relevant and important area. -- Dr Isabel Williams * drupal *
NB. This is not for a social work degree but that is the only programme option you offer - it is for the Probation Qualification Framework
Good, practical book considering a range of situations and relevant approaches. -- Graham Smyth * drupal *
This is a very useful book in terms of scenarios and practical advice to students. I will recommend this to all students prior to their work placements, however some of the scenarios could be useful to role play in the classroom. -- Helen Casey * drupal *
Concepts, illustrations and case studies are all useful in developing knowledge and understanding. The chapter summary is useful but could be slightly longer. -- Lesley Parish * drupal *
An important book on an often in-visible area of academic discussion. Well done for commissioning this! -- Mike Marriott * drupal *
This book gives clarity on the barriers to Aggression and Resistance when working in the field of Social Work. It highlights important factors that link theory to practical application and how that impacts on the service users. -- Miss Ella Malton * drupal *
This text demonstrates the challenges that can be faced when working with aggression and resistance. It applies theory to practical application in a way that students can understand the complexities of different cases and how intervention strategies can minimize the reluctant behaviour some social workers are presented with. -- Miss Ella Malton * drupal *
Highly relevant book. Provides a very well written account of the realities facing social workers including aggression and resistance in adults and children (family settings/scenes) -- Miss Gero Kaur * drupal *
This book enhances the work that students undertake in skills labs, in preparation for placements in practice. It enables them to explore and better understand the issues before facing them in real life. It will continue to support them through the rest of their degree and into practice. -- Mr Dave Mason * drupal *
The use of case studies enable students to consider the practical as well as the theoretical approaches to dealing with aggression -- Mr David Ellicott * drupal *
An appropriate and opportune text. -- Mr Gerwyn Henderson * drupal *
An excellent addition to the materials for our first year communication and interpersonal skills module -- Mr Guy Kirk * drupal *
I think that this is a timely book which contains some very useful material. I will recommend it (or certain chapters from it) for my teaching on adult care. -- Mr Ian Mathews * drupal *
This is an excellent text that will be of benefit to students and practitioners. I will be using it for a number of modules. -- Mr Mohammed Jakhara * drupal *
Helpful introduction to aggression and understanding how aggression might develop - useful to discuss ambivalence and issues of power. Good range of topics - good introduction for students wanting to begin to understand these issues - not overwhelming for them and good range of contexts to consider -- Mr Peter Ayling * drupal *
With much emphasis placed on communication and relationship building skills in the context of engagement and assessment on social work courses, this text provides a useful and practical addition to the literature. Positive to see the inclusion of working with ambivalence (particularly in the context of adult protection), in addition to conflict management. -- Mr Peter Simcock * drupal *
The nature of the work Social Workers perform on behalf of Society exposes them to the risk of confronting resistant and aggressive behaviour from people they work with. This book explores the issue throughly by not only discussing the theories of aggressive behaviour but also how to minimise risks to themselves and service users. -- Mr Peter Williams * drupal *
A 360 degree look at these issues that are co-comitant with social work with little choice about contact with services. -- Mr Richard Bartholomew * drupal *
The Book has been used for students undertaking AMHP training. -- Mr Robert Wu * drupal *
Explores both practical and theoretical positions - good links with practice. Perhaps contributors from clients and non Social Work professionals good if you were able to be even more explicit regarding KR′s etc and values, not just at the beginning of each chapter. -- Mr Sam Miller * drupal *
An important and under provisioned area in the general social work literature. It will be extremly useful for the qualified and qualifying practitioners. -- Mr Steven Bamlett * drupal *
This seems to be a really useful and ′hands-on′guide to understanding and dealing with challenging situations or service users which will be a helpful resource in enabling students to begin to consider their needs and develop skills. -- Mrs Dale Van Graan * drupal *
Like the use of case studies, chapter summaries and layuot is easy to follow. Chapters link well together. -- Mrs Deborah Hibbard * drupal *
Covers wide area comprehensively. Case studies assist understanding. -- Mrs Isobel Townsend * drupal *
A clearly presented book giving students a clear insight into the varying situations where resistance to engage can prevent effective working. -- Mrs Jane Maffey * drupal *
Skills based approach to a difficualt topic. Adults and children. -- Mrs Jane Scutt * drupal *
This has been a useful addition to course books for our skills in social work module. Some students struggle with the idea of working with agression and this book gives clear understanding as to why service users may present with aggression, and helpful ideas for practice.
The inclusion of research summaries and case studies is excellent.
I look forward to new books where links to professional capabilities are made, rather than NOS in light of the current changes. -- Mrs Julie Crawshaw * drupal *
Not an easy text to grapple with, although there is a lack of other texts written on this important aspect of social work practice. Students struggled with its use and feedback was that its content and language was difficult to understand. -- Mrs Kay Wall * drupal *
Another accessible yet thorough reader from Learning Matters. An excellent text, with good thought provoking exercises for students. -- Mrs Kerry Fidler * drupal *
This book will be useful on the Interpersonal Skills module. Good use of examples to illustrate service user perspectives. -- Mrs Liz Stanley * drupal *
Useful, thought provoking for students. -- Mrs Nicola Meek * drupal *
At a time when social workers face not only major changes in their profession but are also clearly with the changes created by massive cuts in service user provision, the levels of aggression/resistance has also changed for some source users. This book offers a wide range of information about maintaining professional standards and working positively/pro-actively in what can be a very difficult situation/circumstance. Also very readable. -- Mrs Nieca Boynton * drupal *
Easy to read. Activities very useful. -- Mrs Pauline Green * drupal *
My access students need to know the realitiees of social work practice i.e. that their presence is not always welcome. This book is tremendously helpful for them, now and later. -- Mrs Ruth Mawdsley * drupal *
An excellent contribution to the contemporary debate about those service users reluctant to engage; essential preparation for practice. -- Mrs Sue Bearman * drupal *
Though focused at SW it contains relevant information on a tough subject that will be useful to student nurses who also work with very vulnerable clients. -- Ms Anne Bacon * drupal *
Topical for teaching students techniques for safer practice in social work. Having separate chapters to discuss issues in aspects like Domestic Violence; reluctant parents will help students focus on practice areas from placements. -- Ms Barbara Coulson * drupal *
Helpful reference work for my students both BA and MA or final year specialist elective in social work with aduts. -- Ms Barbara Winston * drupal *
A long overdue book on this topic. Accessibly written, helpful exercises. -- Ms Billie Oliver * drupal *
This book will be recommended to students on the BSc social work programme. The book highlights some important concerns for social workers when dealing with difficult service users. The activites are particularly useful for students to undertake. An excellent tool for 1st years moving on to placements. -- Ms Caroline Meffan * drupal *
Some useful material to use with Suppprted Housing students, particularly on undertsanding aggression -- Ms Catherine Boswell * drupal *
Comprehensive overview of crucial skills for good practice. -- Ms Elisabeth Hunter * drupal *
Relevant, up to date. Particularly liked the chapter on Managing and Working in groups. -- Ms Heidi Dix * drupal *
I find this a good text to use with undergraduate students who have little experience of practice, as it introduces them to situations they may encounter, however I would like to find (or write!) something at a more advanced level for my Post-Qualifying students, who might find this a bit basic -- Ms Helen Burrows * drupal *
Useful topic, good coverage. -- Ms Helen Hingley-Jones * drupal *
Helpful, practical advice. -- Ms Jan Horwath * drupal *
This book needs to be used in conjunction with applying theory to practice (in placement). The book covers a wide range of issues and can be used as background and learning for students and assessors. -- Ms Jane Webb * drupal *
Very useful for students throughout their training. -- Ms Jayne Howie * drupal *
Given that we work in a sector where we need to address stressful situations with individuals I consider this essential reading to understand people′s behaviour and reasons for it. -- Ms Jean Riding * drupal *
A good addition when looks at working with resistive clients. Not enough is written on this topic. -- Ms Martine Wilkinson * drupal *
Excellent book. Social work is an ever changing profession and the need for understanding of aggression and resistance is essential. Having a framework upon which to build can build confidence in students and qualified practitioners and this book provides that. -- Ms Michelle Evans * drupal *
We have recommended this as essential reading for the level 6 students as they prepare to undertake their final practice placement.

This text offers both theory and practical advice in a number of social work settings. -- Ms Stephanie Jones * drupal *
a must have text for all social work students engaging in direct contact with service users on placement.easy to read and engaging -- Ms Susannah Mccall * drupal *
Very useful texts on understanding and dealing with violence and aggression. As always useful case studies and exercises. -- Ms Suzanne Sheldon * drupal *
Dealing with feelings of fear and wanting to retreat. How that can effect practice. -- Ms Wendy Lowe * drupal *
For such a difficult area, and one which raises considerable anxiety for students, I did not find that this book treated the subject with sufficient complexity and subtlety. I would be concerned either that students′ anxieties were raised further, or else some of the less skilled students might feel over confident. -- Peter Yates * drupal *
This book is a very usuful approach for social workers and students relatively the aggression and resistance not only because it constitutes a clear and actual framework on theories in this matters but also it presents significant guidelines to practice with users. -- Professor Francisco Branco * drupal *
An essential read for student social workers in preparation for placements. The text is comprehensive and covers a range of important issues in relation to working with vulnerable adults and those displaying challenging behaviours. -- Rachel Good * drupal *
This is a helpful overview of the area around conflict and resistance. I appreciate the references to Scotland, Northern Ireland in terms of policy and legislation. Very suitable as introductory reading for BA. But final year students would require more detail. -- Siobhan Laird * drupal *