Date of Award
12-2010
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Social Work: M.S.W
Department
Social Work
College
School of Health and Human Services
First Advisor
Jan Kircher
Second Advisor
Sandra Chesborough
Third Advisor
Mario Hesse
Keywords and Subject Headings
Phsycial restraints in a residential setting
Abstract
There are increasing numbers of children and youth in residential settings. Residential treatment centers help children with mental health issues and assisting them with developing new coping skills (Jones &Timbers). Children in residential settings typically have difficult and violent behaviors. It may be necessary for staff of residential treatment centers to use physical restraints to maintain safety (Committee on Pediatric Emergence Medicine, 1997). There is a wide variety of physical restraint techniques used in residential settings. Many residential treatment centers offer training on physical restraints for staff. Physical restraint has been defined as "any physical method of restricting an individual's freedom of movement, physical activity, or normal access of his or her body" (Peterson & Ryan, 2004).
Behavior theory or behavior modification is a psychotherapy designed to change adverse behaviors in people. Behavior theory is used in diverse counseling settings (Colonna, Eisengart, & Faiver, 2004). The focus of behavior therapy is to alter unwanted behaviors by replacing them with more desirable or acceptable behaviors (Turner, 1996, pp. 39-68). Behavior therapy is often used in residential treatment centers to assist children with decreasing unwanted behaviors and increasing more socially accepted behaviors and skills (Turner, 1996).
The research questions in this study analyzed the secondary data collected by a residential treatment center in 2008. The data collected was from children at a residential setting that provides treatment to children with behaviors disorders. The research hypothesis expanded on the differences in males and females views on physical restraints in a residential setting. The study found that there are some differences in males versus females' perceptions of physical holds in a residential setting. There are no differences between the overall perceptions of physical restraint by males and females. Nor were there differences between males and females in their perception of whether physical restraints were harmful. The study found that males are more often restrained than females. It is important for social workers to develop a clear understanding of how children in residential treatment centers feel about physical restraints to improve treatment of children. Social workers should be aware that when using psychical restraints as an intervention that male and female clients are impacted similarly whether they are witnessing the restraint or being restrained. Therefore, physical restraints should only be used as a last resort.
Recommended Citation
Duea, Bradley, "Perceptions of Physical Restraints in Residential Settings" (2010). Culminating Projects in Social Work. 15.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/msw_etds/15
