Final answer:
To establish a therapeutic relationship with a hostile 14-year-old, a social worker should first listen actively and build a non-judgmental rapport, understanding peer influence during adolescence, and exploring family dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
To establish a therapeutic relationship with a 14-year-old who has been referred due to hostility and fighting with peers, a social worker should first focus on building trust and understanding the context of the adolescent's behaviors. The initial step involves active listening to comprehend the youngster's perspective without jumping to conclusions. Forming a non-judgmental and supportive rapport is essential before proceeding with further intervention.
Adolescents often experience turbulent emotional periods, making them susceptible to peer influence and resulting in challenging behaviors. Evidence suggests that strong and warm parent-child relationships can positively influence behavior and academic performance. Hence, a social worker might also consider exploring the adolescent's family dynamics as part of the holistic assessment.
Key strategies include choosing words carefully to avoid inflaming the situation, remaining calm and respectful, asking open-ended questions, and focusing on problem-solving rather than blaming. This approach aligns with proven conflict resolution techniques that emphasize understanding and collaboration rather than confrontation.