| Summary: | <p> This qualitative research study addresses the gap in literature about the lived experience of counselors working with English-speaking immigrant parents who use physical discipline with their children. A phenomenological design was used to guide this project as a way of capturing the unique meanings of each participant. Relational cultural theory was the framework utilized to present explanations of counselors’ work with the clients/parents they serve. The researcher interviewed 10 social workers: five were licensed master social workers and the other, licensed clinical social workers who volunteered for the study. The interviews were individually conducted and audio-recorded. Four semi-structured interview questions guided the interview. Each interview was transcribed verbatim, read multiple times, and coded and analyzed by using the computer software, MAXQDA. The three themes emerged from the data analysis were: (a) Counselors’ Knowledge of Physical Discipline; (b) Counselors’ Perspectives of Physical Discipline; and (c) Counselors’ Use of Self. The identified themes were supported by selections of the participants’ responses. The findings of this study reveal the need for counselors’ initial and ongoing education and trainings in cultural sensitivity and cultural competence to better serve English-speaking Caribbean immigrant parents who use physical discipline with their children. This study’s results were compared and contrasted to existing literature on counselors’ work and on physical discipline. Implications, limitations, and future recommendations were also discussed.</p>
|
|---|
