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Submission information
Submission Number: 42
Submission ID: 793
Submission UUID: 5f62fec7-e18d-4a58-8ec5-cc91b2fecc19
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Wed, 04/16/2025 - 13:07
Completed: Wed, 04/16/2025 - 13:17
Changed: Fri, 05/09/2025 - 12:35
Remote IP address: 196.255.124.45
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Ms.
Gaitskill
Christené
Ufs
Holding an MA in Clinical Social Work and Honours in Psychology, Christené Gaitskill is a Social Work Lecturer at the University of the Free State's Department of Social Work. She brings a wealth of experience to her teaching of Social Issues & Ethics (First Year), Social Work with Individuals (Second Year), and Work with Families (Third Year). Previously a Senior Therapist at FAMSA, Christené also coordinates third-year field instruction, supervises fourth-year research, and guides postgraduate students. Her areas of expertise include Family Therapy, Mediation, and empowering vulnerable individuals and families.
No
Abstract
Navigating the Shadows: Addressing Parental Manipulation in Child-focused Mediation
THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SUB 2.3 Work with special and vulnerable populations (children, families, women, older persons, LGBTQIA+ etc).
Oral Presentation
This presentation addresses the critical intersection of social work principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on vulnerable populations like children and families navigating separation. Mediation, as a constructive dispute resolution method, holds immense potential in empowering separating parents to collaboratively develop child-centered parenting plans, fostering respectful co-parenting, and contributing to the SDG target of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
This presentation addresses the critical intersection of social work principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on vulnerable populations like children and families navigating separation. Mediation, as a constructive dispute resolution method, holds immense potential in empowering separating parents to collaboratively develop child-centered parenting plans, fostering respectful co-parenting, and contributing to the SDG target of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
However, the emotionally charged context of parental separation can, unfortunately, create fertile ground for parental manipulation. This conceptual desktop analysis delves into the complex challenge of identifying and addressing various forms of manipulation within mediation, including emotional coercion, the harmful tactic of triangulation involving children, strategic information withholding, and the adoption of victimhood narratives. We will analyse the detrimental impact of these manipulative tactics on the mediation process itself and on the resulting parenting plans. Often, these plans become skewed by power imbalances, failing to truly reflect the paramount best interests of the children involved. The presentation concludes by emphasising the crucial role of social work-informed mediation practices in recognising and counteracting manipulation to ensure equitable and child-focused outcomes for separating families.
This presentation addresses the critical intersection of social work principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on vulnerable populations like children and families navigating separation. Mediation, as a constructive dispute resolution method, holds immense potential in empowering separating parents to collaboratively develop child-centered parenting plans, fostering respectful co-parenting, and contributing to the SDG target of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
However, the emotionally charged context of parental separation can, unfortunately, create fertile ground for parental manipulation. This conceptual desktop analysis delves into the complex challenge of identifying and addressing various forms of manipulation within mediation, including emotional coercion, the harmful tactic of triangulation involving children, strategic information withholding, and the adoption of victimhood narratives. We will analyse the detrimental impact of these manipulative tactics on the mediation process itself and on the resulting parenting plans. Often, these plans become skewed by power imbalances, failing to truly reflect the paramount best interests of the children involved. The presentation concludes by emphasising the crucial role of social work-informed mediation practices in recognising and counteracting manipulation to ensure equitable and child-focused outcomes for separating families.
Reviewer ONE Feedback
{Empty}
Mildred
Mushunje
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Dr
Emmi
Muleya
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted