Reactance and the Child Welfare Client: Interpreting Parents' Resistance to Services Through the Lens of Reactance Theory

Many parents express resistance to child welfare services and can experience severe consequences as a result. This article defines the concept of psychological reactance and explores how this concept can be used to normalize child welfare parents' resistant behaviors in a way that does not blame the client. Examples of reactance responses in this population and specific strategies for effectively addressing resistance and engaging these clients are included. The impact of race and oppression and the social service worker's use of power are highlighted. Future research questions are identified.