Abstract

 
 
 This paper based on literature review relates to emotions, emotional intelligence (EI) and their contributions to working relationships and decision-making processes are explored, particularly in social work settings. Little research has been conducted regarding emotion and Emotional Intelligence in the social work context. However, other caring professions such as health and nursing placed great emphasis on the importance of EI in their practice. Illness and healing processes occur within the context of relationships, and relationships are important frameworks for conceptualizing health care. This paper therefore aims to reveal the potential contributions of EI to working relationships with clients and decision-making processes in social work. This paper may provide some useful information for individuals and organizations as to how they can benefit from such contributions in order to develop more effective social work practices.
 
 
Highlights
In caring profession especially in the health care professions, illness and healing processes occur within the context of relationships, and relationships are important frameworks for conceptualizing health care
According to Beach, Inui and the Relationship-Centered Care Research Network (2005), a process occurs when patients realize the importance of working relationships between patients and nurses. They propose four principles in relationship-centered care: 1) relationships in health care ought to include the personhood of the participants, 2) affect and emotions are important components of these relationships, 3) all health care relationships occur in the context of reciprocal influence, and 4) the formation and maintenance of genuine relationships in health care are morally valuable (2005:53)
Scheff agrees with Goffman regarding the emotional/relational world (ERW) and suggests that one of the main reasons that Goffman’s work on emotions is important is that if people are to have more than a passing understanding of themselves and their society they need to become better acquainted with the ERW
Summary
In caring profession especially in the health care professions, illness and healing processes occur within the context of relationships, and relationships are important frameworks for conceptualizing health care. Morrison quotes the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (2002) as saying that in establishing a therapeutic relationship, a nurse offers clients the following: 1) dedicated time, 2) full attention, 3) commitment to helping them get their needs met, 4) a supportive, boundary and ethical relationship, 5) empathy, 6) a suspension of normal moral judgement, and 7) reflective comments or feedback These components can be applied in social work practice where they could enhance client’s trust of social workers. For a professional practitioner to fully appreciate the implications of the strength-based perspective, it is necessary for him or her to engage in a personal analysis just as if he or she were attempting to shift ‘automatic thoughts’ or engaging ‘unique outcomes’ as alternative narratives to the dominant professional perspective (Blundo, 2006) This requires a competency in understanding and recognizing others’ emotions. Social workers need to be well aware of the factors that contribute to a successful relationship process
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