An explorative study of social workers' knowledge, experience and approach to factitious disorder
Master Thesis
2014
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Factitious disorder is characterised by a compulsion with an unconscious motivation to intentionally fabricate signs and symptoms of physical or psychological illness. Factitious disorder by proxy is a form of abuse which usually presents as a parent portraying their child as being ill. Factitious behaviour indicates severe psychological dysfunction, and these clients could pose a danger to themselves as well as their families. There is limited research on factitious disorder in social work practice. This study aimed to explore social workers’ knowledge of factitious disorder, the presentation and prevalence of factitious disorder in social work practice, the experience of social workers with clients with factitious behaviour, and social workers’ approach to the assessment and treatment of factitious disorder. This study used a qualitative exploratory research approach with a phenomenograpy design that enabled the researcher to explore the variation in social workers’ knowledge, experience and approach to factitious disorder.
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Includes bibliographical references.
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Oosthuysen, D. 2014. An explorative study of social workers' knowledge, experience and approach to factitious disorder. University of Cape Town.