Relationship-Based Research in Social Work: Understanding Practice Research

Relationship-based research is founded on the idea that human relationships are of paramount importance and should be central to social work research and practice.

Drawing on psychodynamic and systemic understandings of research and practice, this book offers practitioners and academics an insight into what constitutes relationship-based approaches to research. These ideas are brought to life by illustrative case studies of research projects carried out in England and Finland, where the concept originated. The authors clearly demonstrate how this approach can be applied across the social work sector and provide a model for practice.

This will be a key reference for social work students, practitioners on post-qualifying courses, research students, and consultant and senior practitioner social workers promoting research-informed practice.

Gillian Ruch is Professor of Social Work and works in the Department of Social Work and Social Care at the University of Sussex. Ilse Julkunen is Professor in Practice Research in Social Work, Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki and the scientific leader of the Mathilda Wrede Institute, Finland.