Youth-caregiver relationship quality in residential youth care

Professionals' perceptions and experiences

Bibliographic Data

ID2922355
AuthorsEunice Magalhães (0000-0002-1421-0397, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal, corresponding author), M Ferreira (0000-0002-4412-0245, University of Lisbon), Sandra Ornela (0000-0003-4139-1434, University of Lisbon), Sandra Ornelas (University of Lisbon), Carla Sofia Silva (0000-0002-4645-4660, CICPSI, Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal), Cláudia Camilo (0000-0002-3691-1397, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal), Maria Manuela Calheiros (0000-0002-4768-9613, CICPSI, Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal)
Year2024
Volume41
Issue4
Pages822-845
Publication date2024-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/02654075231215824
OpenAlexW4388724229
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited68

This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of professionals working in residential care (RC) settings (i.e., caregivers and directors) about youth-caregiver relationship quality (YCRQ). Method: A qualitative study was developed in Portugal including 15 caregivers (73.3% women, 23-50 years) and 15 directors (73.3% women, 34-45 years) working in 18 generalist RC units. Data were collected through six focus groups using a semi-structured interview script. Data were analyzed following a content analysis approach using NVIVO 12 software. Results: Our findings revealed that the concept of YCRQ in RC was mainly described in terms of good qualities, and the organizational determinants of YCRQ relationships were most mentioned both by caregivers and directors (i.e., organizational social context, intervention models and strategies). Individual characteristics of youth and staff were less described as determinants of YCRQ. These findings provide important insights for practice. Conclusions: efforts should be made to design interventions in RC that aim to improve its organizational social climate so as to provide caregivers with the necessary support and resources that enable them to enhance positive YCRQ

Content analysis · Context (archaeology · Focus group · Intervention (counseling · Medical education · Perception · Psychological intervention · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Quality (philosophy · Sociology · Applied Psychology · Child Welfare and Adoption · Family and Disability Support Research · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access