Reflection on the Role of Emotions in Moral Decision-making in Social Work with Vulnerable Children and their Families

Kateřina Glumbíková, Jelena Petrucijová

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the article is to reflect on the role of emotions in the moral decision- -making of social workers working with vulnerable children and their families.
THEORETICAL BASE: Although emotions are inherently present in social work, their (non) presence in social work is a subject to constant discussion. Many authors state that emotions play an informative and motivational role in relation to moral decision-making. The specific roles of emotions, however, are not explored.
METHODS: During the qualitative research strategy, 30 in-depth interviews focused on emotions in social work were conducted with social workers working with vulnerable children and their families. The data were processed using the grounded theory of K. Charmaz.
OUTCOMES: In the data analysis, three roles of emotions in moral decision-making were created: 1. sources of information, 2. sources of reflection of one's own values and 3. sources of motivation. Each role contained a dichotomous sub-role.
SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The research shows that it is necessary to pay attention to emotion reflection in education and social work practice.

Keywords:
emotions, moral decision-making, reflexion, social work with families