Beware of the big bad storyteller? An exploration of the therapeutic potential of bedtime reading from the perspective of young people and residential workers

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Simpson, Dawn (2014) Beware of the big bad storyteller? An exploration of the therapeutic potential of bedtime reading from the perspective of young people and residential workers. Scottish Journal of Residential Child Care, 13 (1). ISSN 1478-1840

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Abstract

Research evidence shows that for looked after and accommodated children, bedtime can be a traumatic and challenging time (Bettelheim, 1950; Conlon, 2005). Additionally, research has identified that storytelling is a therapeutic activity for young people (Lamwaca, 2004; Morning, 2008; Stevens, Kirkpatrick and McNicol, 2008). The study discussed in this article examines the therapeutic potential of bedtime reading for young people in residential child care by exploring the related experiences of young people and children's workers in one large residential child care establishment. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eight participants: three young people, four children's workers and one residential child care consultant. The findings from the research identified that all staff viewed bedtime reading as a therapeutic tool that enhanced their relationship with young people and supported the child's development. Young people stated that it was an enjoyable activity that helped them to feel safe, relaxed and closer to staff.

Persistent Identifier

https://doi.org/10.17868/strath.00084932
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