British Journal of Social Work (2024) 54, 976-994
https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcad215
Advance Access Publication October 5, 2023
Risk Factors Contributing to Crossing
Professional Boundaries in the Context
of COVID-19 in the Czech Republic
Romana Dimmrothová, Martina Křivánková *,
Pavel Navrátil and Vanda Hendrychová
Department of Social Policy and Social Work, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University,
Jostova 10, Brno 602 00, Czech Republic
*Correspondence to Martina Křivánková, Department of Social Policy and Social Work,
Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Joštova 10, Brno 602 00, Czech Republic.
E-mail: 407135@mail.muni.cz
Abstract
Crossing professional boundaries in the context of Czech social work remains an
understudied phenomenon. Additionally, the recent situation caused by the COVID-19
pandemic dramatically affected work conditions and transformed social work practice.
The aim of this article is to answer the following research question: How do subjectively
experienced risk factors affect the social worker in situations when professional
boundaries are crossed and in the context of a pandemic situation (COVID-19)? The
text is based on the theory of professional boundaries in the client-worker relationship
and also includes the perspective of professional boundary crossing in social
work. The key conceptual framework is ecosystem theory qualitative research carried
out in two phases via in-depth semi-structured interviews in the selected locality. Each
phase included informers who were active as social workers in low-threshold centres
for children and youth. The text is a reflection of the influence of external factors on
professional boundaries and of the internal dispositions of social workers, on the basis
of which the text offers practical recommendations for social work practice in three
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Professional Boundaries in the Context of COVID-19 977
categories: social workers at the individual level, leadership and organisations, educational
institutions.
Keywords: boundary crossing, child welfare, COVID-19, professional boundaries,
reflexivity, social workers
Accepted: September 2023
Introduction
Crossing professional boundaries in the client-social worker relationship
is more common in practice than it may appear but it often remains
unnoticed and unaddressed (Doel et al, 2010). The relationship between
the social worker and the client is a key component of the helping process,
but it must have proper boundaries to be safe and bring about the
desired change.
This text focuses on the factors that increase the risk of professional
boundary crossing by social workers. The research goal is to answer the
following question: How do subjectively experienced risk factors affect the
social worker in situations when professional boundaries are crossed and
in the context of a pandemic (COVID-19)? To find the answer, we examined
the experiences of social workers in a low-threshold centre for children
and youth, working with at risk youth. Focusing on risk factors may
appear outdated since social work as a field is currently more focused on
strengthening protective factors and empowerment rather than on analysing
deficits and risks. However, we believe that from the perspective of
improving the good judgement and professional decision making of social
workers, recognising and understanding risk factors is useful if not essential
(Taylor and Whittaker, 2018).
The Czech social system legally establishes social service centres for
children and youth in difficult social situations. The aim is to help these
young clients integrate and improve their overall situation (ČAS, 2008)
by providing information and professional help. Services are provided in
the centres as well as field services (Kappl, 2013). The target group is defined
as socially threatened children and youth aged six to twenty-six
years old, also called 'at risk' (Klíma, 2009).
We hope this text will contribute to a better understanding of situations
when professional boundaries are crossed and we also wish to stimulate
a debate on appropriate and effective preventive measures to
create, maintain and regularly reflect on safe boundaries in professional
relationships (Navrátil, 2019).
978 Romana Dimmrothová et al.
Theoretical bases
Understanding professional boundaries
Traditionally, professional relationships have been understood as a way
for social workers to distance themselves from their clients (O'Leary
et al, 2013). Czech authors use a variety of metaphors to define professional
boundaries, such as a 'divider' which helps workers to determine
what is their business and what remains up to the clients (Kopřiva,
2013). In the Czech educational system, but also in the practice of social
workers, a great emphasis is placed on setting professional boundaries.
Social work students actively address this topic during their studies.
Social work organisations then follow methodologies, codes of ethics and
examples of good practice (MPSV, 2019). The issue of boundaries is also
discussed in Czech academic literature (Kopřiva, 2013; Navrátil, 2019).
Within the worker-client relationship, boundaries ensure rules around
sharing personal information, physical contact, communication style, etc.
(Cooper, 2012). Professional boundaries are subjectively conceived by
each worker. If the social worker cannot clearly determine the limits s/he
is willing and capable of preserving, it is difficult to maintain safe boundaries
(Janoušková and Nedělníková, 2008). Boundary work remains part
of the professional relationship from start to finish, it is a substantial part
of reflective practice (Schón, 1983; Navrátil et al, 2021). Reflective practice
includes 'discussion before situation' before, during and after the behaviour
(Thompson and Thompson, 2008). Boundary-related challenges
include for example pressure on time and stress, lack of information, different
approaches amongst workers or client approach as manipulation.
Human interactions between client and worker are very complex and the
transference and countertransference are also present (Cooper, 2012).
Social workers supposed to be aware of it and work in helping process
reflexively.
Our study can be understood as a form of reflection on behaviour, intentional
or unintentional, that represents a crossing of professional
boundaries on the part of the social worker. Social work is specific in its
need for quick complex judgements and evaluations of many multifaceted
factors (Navrátil, 2019). Despite the care taken by the social worker
to reflect on professional boundaries and to maintain them, situations
may arise when boundaries do get crossed (Cooper, 2012). For a deeper
understanding, one must become aware of crossing the boundary. Some
authors argue that even small boundary transgressions are important to
note, since multiple studies show that even almost imperceptible infractions
often lead to a more serious violations (Galletly, 2004).
The consequences of boundary transgressions are varied. Apart from
direct consequences, client motivation and trust may be undermined.
Professional Boundaries in the Context of COVID-19 979
Failure to receive the support needed to achieve positive change and
negative experiences with a social worker may influence the client's
openness to the helping professions (Dimmrothová and Punová, 2022).
The danger for the social worker lies in the loss of meaning, stagnation,
exhaustion or burnout (Maroon, 2012). Other risks include merging,
which is when the social worker identifies with the client's problems or
dual relationships (Levická, 2015; Reamer, 2020).
Understanding risk factors
The maintenance of professional boundaries is influenced by several factors
(Zubrzycki, 2006). Protective factors help social workers to act
within professional boundaries. Simultaneously, risk factors make the situation
more difficult for the social worker and increase the risk of
boundary crossing. Risk always shifts the focus away from the present to
the future, because 'the essence of risk is not that it is happening, but
that it might be happening' (Adam and van Loon, 2000, p. 2). Whilst we
consider it beneficial to inquire into the factors that prevent boundary
crossing and positively contribute to boundary maintenance (Banyard
and Hamby, 2021), awareness of risks helps to prevent problem situations
and to create an appropriate organisational environment for social
work (Baláž, 2015).
Our study is based on distinguishing between multiple layers of risk
factors and we assume that factors influencing professional boundary
maintenance can be situated in micro, mezo, exo, macro and chrono systems,
or introduced by interactions between these levels
(Bronfenbrenner, 1986). Some factors are linked not to the social environmental
aspect but to the person of the social worker (Glumbiková,
2020).
Interior factors (of the Self) are a part of the personal inner constitution
or the personality of the worker as emotional instability or low selfawareness
(Punová, 2022). The social worker and Self remain part of the
social environment in which s/he works (Corcoran and Nichols-Casebolt,
2004). On the level of the social worker's Self, the key factors include
identity, temperament and personal characteristics (Corcoran and
Nichols-Casebolt, 2004), as well as personal and work experiences.
Interior factors play a major role in reflexivity and skills prevent burnout
(Ungar, 2004; Barbezat and Bush, 2014; Janebová, 2014; NASW, 2018;
Punová, 2022). Self-perception is also important, as are one's selfvaluation
and self-respect (Satir, 2005). Interior factors also include motivation
(Janebová, 2014).
The micro level includes individual personal relationships. The basis of
the micro level is the manner in which the social worker relates to subjects
of the social environment in his/her role including dual relationships
980 Romana Dimmrothová et al.
(Corcoran and Nichols-Casebolt, 2004; Cooper, 2012). This level includes
family members who hold certain values (Satir, 2005), friends and close
individuals making up the personal relational network (Říčan, 2004;
Lacinová et al, 2016) and also the quality of relationships with colleagues
and superiors.
The mezo level is composed of micro systems and their interrelationships
(Bronfenbrenner, 1986; Shelton, 2018). This includes the work environment,
the management style, supervision or methodological help
including ethical codex or standards of quality of social services, and the
organisational culture including values and goals (Bedrnová and Nový,
2002; Lukášova, 2010). Community relationships create a support network
for the social worker; if such relationships and the feeling of belonging
are lacking, certain needs may go unfulfilled (Seligman, 2011).
The exo level influences the immediate setup and functioning. It consists
of formal and informal social institutions. The social worker may
not be in direct contact with them, but even indirect influence may have
a significant impact (Bronfenbrenner, 1986; Shelton, 2018). This includes
informal social networks, security forces or educational institutions, etc.
Significant structures are created by the accessibility of services or pastime
activities.
Institutions and social structures can also be part of the macro system
where all the lower levels of system interrelate. It is a broader spectrum
that includes the political, economic, social and environmental arrangements
of the society but also boundaries of social work itself amongst
other professions (Bronfenbrenner, 1986; Punová, 2012). We can also include
culture and the educational and healthcare systems. It is at this
level that the professional basis of social work is formed, as well as its
status, aims, level of remuneration, etc.
The chrono system is related to the duration of the various factors
rather than the size or scope of the system. It includes situational factors,
which can last a moment or have effects within a clearly defined short
period of time and constant factors which are long-lasting or permanent
(Folkman and Lazarus, 1984; Cooper, 2012; Punová, 2012).
Understanding low-threshold centres for children and youth and
national context
According to Czech law L T C are a form of social prevention service
characterised by easy access, low bureaucracy, collaborative competencies
and an inclusive arena. These centres provide ambulatory or field
social services to children between six and twenty-six years of age exposed
to socially adverse phenomena. This service aims to improve the
quality of children's lives by preventing or reducing the social and health
risks related to their way of living (Czech Republic, 2006).
Professional Boundaries in the Context of COVID-19 981
Methodology
The aim of this article is to answer the following research question: How
do subjectively experienced risk factors affect the social worker in situations
when professional boundaries are crossed and in the context of a
pandemic (COVID-19)? The aim is to support increased engagement of
social workers in the setting of professional boundaries.
We selected a qualitative research strategy using the method of semistructured
interviews. The sample consisted of social workers at lowthreshold
centres for children and youth who work directly with clients.
Respondents were purposely selected to include workers at various
centres in a regional city with varied amounts of work experience. We
chose the criterion sampling which involves the selection of sample based
on some predetermined criteria (social workers in various centres in a regional
city with varied amounts of work experience). We conducted a pilot
interview, which was included in the research. The research was
carried out in two phases. The first phase took place at the beginning of
2021, with seven respondents participating. The second phase took place
in early 2022 with additional six respondents. Although the research was
conducted in the Czech social and cultural context, certain aspects (reactions
of clients and social workers in stressful situations, issues of boundary
setting) may be transferable and applicable to other contexts.
Because all the research took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, we
also included the topic of changes in risk factors whilst the centres functioned
under various public health restrictions. Phase II respondents were
asked about this in the first interview, whilst phase I respondents were
asked a year later, during phase II. Of the original seven participants, five
replied, since in the meantime two had left the centre. The research was carried
out with the agreement and informed consent of all the respondents.
A total of thirteen social workers (eleven women, two men with length
of practise from six months to seven years, level of education—university/higher
education) representing eight centres participated. The
respondents are classified as R1-R13. The data were analysed using contemporary
approaches to grounded theory according to Charmaz (2014).
The open coding method was used along with categorisation and interpretation
procedures on the bases of selective and axial coding. The project
was supported by a grant from the University, and its ethical
dimension was also assessed.
Research results
A n important finding is that all the interviewed social workers had experience
of crossing professional boundaries. Another basic finding was
that during the pandemic, risk factors truly changed and social workers
982 Romana Dimmrothova et al.
were forced to deal with new challenges, which complicated safe professional
relationships. We divided the interpretative part into internal and
external factors according to the level of their influence. Finally, we divided
the factors into specific categories and subcategories according to
the area from which they arose.
Results from the area of internal factors
Knowledge and experience from professional and personal life
Subcategories: personal maturity, actual experiences with close individuals,
work experience, education, theoretical basis of social work
Respondents said a very important factor is lack of work experience. As
time goes by, R5 explained, 'it is not about a serious crossing but small
nuances'. More experienced social workers can be more rigid in their approach.
Another risk is education of insufficient quality in the field of social
work, or even the complete absence of education, setting the stage for the
social worker not to reflect on the boundaries of his/her roles. Further risk
factors are personal immaturity and ungroundedness: 'I can perceive it
within myself that if there is something unclarified in my own life, it becomes
visible in my work with the clients' (RIO). Unclear boundary setting in personal
relationships has an impact on professional boundary setting. R8 mentioned
that at times when she is in conflict with others in her personal life,
she becomes emotionally engaged elsewhere and her thoughts wander. A social
worker in a difficult personal situation has less capacity for reflexivity.
Internal setup of social worker?
Subcategories: long-term setup, life values, family patterns, personal difficulties,
sensitive topics, personal boundaries, personal setup, personal
characteristics, values, needs
The constant internal factors include the personal setup of the social
worker, long-term setup and approach to life and work. R3, for example,
mentioned that he tends to think things over and considers whether a particular
step will be correct. As a result, his decision to act in a tight situation
may come too late. The constant factor of personal setup, according to the
respondents, is influenced by education and the environment: 'Sometimes I
have the tendency to hug the clients... or to put my hand on their shoulder'
(R9). The specific situation can reveal social workers' values, for example at
the moment when clients are facing difficulties (financial, hunger, etc.).
Social workers try to protect clients and make concessions. During the pandemic,
there was a tendency to 'be present for the clients even more' (R9).
Professional Boundaries in the Context of COVID-19 983
The respondents noted increased compassion and the need to support clients
to the maximum during the unusual situation. Too much engagement
took place when social workers took on responsibility for their clients and
their needs. During the pandemic there was also an unreasonable degree of
risk in the attempts to maintain good cooperation and to value clients' success,
which was connected with the need for contact and self-realisation.
Specific factors included personal problems and sensitive topics to which the
respondents reacted inappropriately. A n extra burden was created by the
spread of the novel illness and conspiracy theories about the virus, as well
as personally living through the situation.
Emotions, feelings
Subcategories: joy and relaxation, fear and anxiety, frustration and tension,
sorrow, anger, a feeling of failure
Emotions, pleasant or unpleasant, are linked with all other categories. The
most risky are joy with relaxation (e.g., joy at overcoming barriers in a relationship
with a client) and fear: 'Fear of what will happen, if the client will
break something or not, or if I will get beaten up or not' (Rl). Fear appears
at the moment when a conflict arises and the client acts aggressively. Further
emotions are anger and frustration, when the client is difficult or obstinate
or has been unable to change for a long time. Sorrow is an intense feeling,
and according to R12 it is difficult to maintain perspective when working
with clients in a very difficult situation. Sometimes social workers question
whether they are acting correctly or experiencing feelings of failure. During
the pandemic, the respondents reported more intense emotions, as they felt
overwhelmed, pressure, uncertainty and were overall exposed to greater psychological
stress in their professional and personal lives. The research findings
suggest that emotions are linked to loss of control and can weaken the
ability to work with boundaries. The most risky emotions according to the
respondents are those unpleasant emotions and feelings that arise in reaction
to an ongoing situation and are linked to personal experiences.
Results from the micro system level
Specifics of the situation and its ambiance
Subcategories: physical discomfort, unclear situation, conflictual situation,
crisis situation, overburdening, pressing nature of the situation,
composition and size of the client group, friendly and relaxed atmosphere,
individual form of work
Social workers are negatively affected by such workplace factors as cold,
lack of fluids or noise related to the client group, which can increase
984 Romana Dimmrothova et al.
physical discomfort. Unclear situations are risky, as they may escalate
into conflicts (with threats, and calling the police). Situational specificity
can be burdensome and involve time pressure, which lowers frustration
tolerance and capacity for adaptation. R U noted that time pressure leads
to disempowerment: 'When there is too much work, one is tempted to
simplify things or to do them for the client, instead of him [doing them]'.
The risk increases if situations arise that are not anticipated by the work
methodology (R8). Risk factors also include individual contact with clients
in private, which increases feelings of closeness and intimacy, and a
relaxed atmosphere, which tempts clients to share overly personal things
or to make inappropriate remarks.
Specifics about the client
Subcategories: sympathy/antipathy, difficult/easy client, grateful/ungrateful
client, client uncertainty over boundary setting
Risk factors include shared sympathy, shared experiences and a good,
long-term relationship or antipathy and low engagement. 'I see some people
so often that I almost consider them as my sister or brother...' (R12).
Related to this is the social worker identifying with the client's life situation.
The specifics include personality traits such as over-activity, obstinacy,
loudness, aggression or manipulation. The client can also be easygoing,
open or motivated. In interactions with such clients, social workers may be
less attentive to boundaries or may experience a 'blurring' of lines (R5).
Another situational factor is gratitude or lack thereof on the part of the client,
who respond that the cooperation did not bring about anything good.
During the pandemic these specifics became more pronounced and had
greater influence on the respondents. As the health rules at the centres
changed repeatedly during the pandemic. Respondents observed another
risk factor that clients tried to transgressed boundaries more often: 'Their
world turned completely upside down, they were more focused on us, they
demanded interactions more often and were more intense'. (R2).
Presence of co-workers and relationships at work
Subcategories: varying boundaries of team members, irresponsibility
and inconsistency, team relationships and communication, presence of
other persons, loss of personal contact with the team
Misunderstanding amongst co-workers and different personal setups are
risk factors. When a team member is not sufficiently responsible and reliable,
conflicts may result. Repeated concessions to clients are also risky
for the whole team, because then the client is asking for concessions
Professional Boundaries in the Context of COVID-19 985
from all team members. Another substantial factor is the presence of another
person at the workplace. When co-workers have friendly relations,
they feel more relaxed and guard their boundaries less. The presence of
co-workers may also create the perception that one is not needed at the
moment, and the social worker then spends too much time with one client.
When a social worker is alone responsible for a large number of clients,
a chaotic situation may ensue. During the pandemic the social
workers experienced a lack of contact with fellow team members. 'It
wasn't possible anymore to share anything at anytime as it had used to
be. Our supervisor tried very hard and was very active and supportive, it
just was different' (R9). For some time, personal contact disappeared
completely, making it harder for respondents to adjust the functioning of
services for clients according to the rapidly changing government regulations.
They felt lonely and isolated.
Results in the meso system level
Characteristics of the service and organisational approach
Subcategories: low-threshold rules for services, specific rules for street
work, culture and organisation, professional support, increase in individual
work with a client
Respondents reported that boundaries in the youth centres were looser
than in other social service facilities. They perceived risk and more insecurity
in street work, where even fewer rules are set than in the centres.
'When we go to meet the clients, we must respect how things are done
there. One cannot bring there the rules from the centre, it's a completely
different set up' (R5).
In terms of the organisation, the structure, and relationships between
different levels within the structure, is important. Risk factors include
non-functional communication and lack of professional support in the
form of intervisions for the team, in terms of quality or frequency. It is
very risky when the same social worker has two positions providing different
types of services used by the same clients, as the social worker
then functions in different roles. During the pandemic, respondents experienced
risky growth of individual workloads and increased frequency of
meetings with certain clients. 'We had fewer clients. When a client came,
we had more privacy and more room. I perceive that we had more intimate
contact' (R12). Professional boundaries were lower and the work
was more personal, thus increasing the possibility of boundary crossing
from both sides.
986 Romana Dimmrothová et al.
Results from the exo and macro levels
It is interesting that the factors on the exo and macro levels were mentioned
only in connection with the most difficult period of the pandemic.
During more peaceful periods the influence of these factors was not
mentioned.
Influence of state institutions, external factors
Subcategories: spread of infection, frequent changes in government
regulations, pressure to fulfil a certain number of interventions in
service
The spread of the infection was an intense factor, together with the frequent
changes of government health regulations. Respondents had to
quickly react and multiple times readjust the functioning of the service.
'I was more stressed because there were many changes in a short time
and that was a great pressure. We adjusted something and then we had
to readjust it again' (R2). Respondents felt pressure and fear when trying
to fulfil expectations for providing registered social services and were
more prone to cross boundaries to support clients' activities in the centre.
'Clients stopped coming, then they began again... I was afraid we
were going to lose them again. As a service we had fulfil a certain number
of interventions otherwise it would have an impact on our future
functioning' (R13). The pressure on social workers came from several
sides and their fears were connected to the functioning of their social
services in the long-term, not just overcoming the current crisis linked to
the pandemic.
Discussion
The ecological perspective and the concept of social functioning are popular
in current social work discourse, without foregoing the individual's
inner world and its functioning (Bronfenbrenner, 1977, 1986; Kopřiva,
2013). Most risk factors have their origins in the area of inner setup and
experiences of the social worker, as well as from the micro level of the
proximate environment. Whilst the social worker interacts with subjects
on all levels of the system (Navrátil, 2014). The macro level factors were
very powerful at the peak of the pandemic, when they impacted all other
levels, increasing the intensity and frequency of risk factors.
Corcoran and Nichols-Casebolt (2004) and Punová (in Punová et al,
2020; Punová, 2022) speak of interior factors such as identity, personality
Professional Boundaries in the Context of COVID-19 987
and characteristics also mentioned by the respondents as part of their
personal setup. The respondents agreed with theories (Satir, 2005;
Dickeson and Smout, 2018) that lack of personal experiences is a risk
factor. They further noted the significance of overall personal life experiences,
ungroundedness and lack of self-confidence in relation to personal
maturity. Emotions are a very intense situational factor which link with
all other categories. The pandemic caused heightened sensitivity to and
intensity of emotions for the respondents. Punová (2012) and Cooper
(2012) note that skills related to working with emotions, and the methods
of managing them, are key to prevent over-helpfullness or emotion explosion.
The literature of the last decade has suggested that boundary
crossings are related to insufficient development of skills such as reflexivity,
the ability to keep professional boundaries and self-care (Dundelová,
2015; Dimmrothová and Punová, 2022).
At the micro level, the most important area is personal relationships
(Říčan, 2004; Satir, 2004; Lacinová et al, 2016). The social worker is at
risk when dealing with a difficult personal situation and suffering from
lowered capability for self-reflexion. According to Kopřiva (2013), the relationship
between a social worker and a client is key in promoting the
helping process, which is confirmed by the respondents in this study.
Cooper (2012) lists specific risk factors, which partially overlap with our
findings (e.g., problems arising from obstinate, manipulative, easy-going
or motivated clients). Our study participants described that these factors
could link with their own personal conditions or setup, but also with unusual
circumstances (such as going on a trip). Although the literature
about the micro level primarily addresses the family system (Holland,
2004; Možný, 2008; Matoušek, 2014), working team relationships and the
quality of interactions are additional influential factors.
On the meso level, social workers may experience risk associated with
the management style and professional care in the workplace (Lukášova,
2010). According to our respondents, the greatest risk factor in the area
of professional support is the quality and frequency of intervisions, as
the internal factors of all the team members are at work there, as well as
the micro level factors, which constitute the meso level (Shelton, 2018).
During the pandemic, such support was insufficient at times when the
workers most needed it.
It is more challenging for social workers to see where the influence of
factors at higher levels reaches (Bronfenbrenner, 1977, 1986; Shelton,
2018). During the pandemic, a new situation arose and workers reflected
on the influence of these levels, in contrast to the more calm periods.
They noted intense influence of risk factors such as frequent changes of
government regulations, which caused stress and uncertainty, and pressure
to achieve a certain number of service interventions.
988 Romana Dimmrothova et al.
Limits
Whilst our original design was to carry out semi-structured interviews
face to face, we were forced by the government health regulations to use
distance methods. The distance format was not as binding for the
respondents and they changed interview times, which caused delays in
the research. The online platform could also negatively influence the attention
level and the desire to actively participate and develop the discussed
topic, which put greater demands on the interviewers.
Following our qualitative strategy, we chose the sample intentionally
and the respondents all worked in a specific area of social work in a particular
location (a low-threshold centre for children and youth). There is
therefore only limited applicability of the research results to other populations.
On the other hand, we gained a noteworthy insight into this particular
segment of social work. During analysis, we realised that the
pandemic brought attention to new risks, whilst some 'traditional' risk
factors may have been overlooked due to the urgency of the crisis situation
and related regulations, although such factors remained present.
Recommendations for practice
Based on the findings we formulated the recommendations for practice,
reported in Table 1, which can be helpful in preventing boundary crossings,
especially in difficult or nonstandard situations such the COVID-19
pandemic. We classified the recommendations according to those who
would benefit from them. Many of the findings are consistent with the
literature on setting professional boundaries in social work. These recommendations
may inspire social workers who want to work with professional
boundaries, and can be adjusted according to their needs, the
needs of the team or organisation and within the range of options available
to them.
Conclusions
The key theme of this article is risk factors that may influence light professional
boundary crossing by social workers with clients. The main goal
of the research was to understand how the subjectively experienced risk
factors affect the social worker in general but also specifically in the context
of a pandemic (COVID-19). This goal was reached via qualitative
interviews with thirteen social workers from several low-threshold
centres for children and youth in one geographical area.
The research results showed that in calm periods the majority of risk
factors originate from the micro level or are internal. Under
Professional Boundaries in the Context of COVID-19 989
Table 1. Recommendations for practice
Category Recommendation Description
Social workers at the Sufficient time and space for
individual level self-care.
Leadership and
organisations
Take advantage of supervision
for reflection of personal
setup.
Develop skills for work with
emotions.
Work on one's own grounding
and increase
confidence.
Develop methods for intervision
meetings and support
for leaders.
Deepen the skills of workers
in individual work.
Social workers are sometimes overburdened
and feel great fatigue, which
decreases their ability to concentrate
and work with boundaries. It is imperative
that social workers allot
enough time for self-care and manage
to dissociate their professional
and personal lives (also see:
Matousek, 2013)
Situations with heightened risk of
crossing professional boundaries can
reveal to a great extent the personal
setup of the social worker. This recommendation
encourages effective
use of supervision to stimulate reflection
on this internal setup and its
functioning vis-ä-vis client relationships
(also see: Kopfiva, 2013).
Emotions are a common and highly intense
risk factor. Social workers
should not suppress emotions but
express them in a suitable manner
and know how to work with their
emotions. To develop this skill, one
may enrol in course of work with
emotions or seek long-term professional
support.
Beginners in social work feel insecure
in the work environment and don't
have clear personal boundaries,
which influences the formation of
professional boundaries and work
with them. It is possible to take advantage
of professional support in
the form of counselling or therapy
to improve grounding and increase
confidence.
Intervisions, which reflect micro level
factors, have been perceived as a
risk factor. In order to ensure quality
and regularity, it may be helpful to
develop a methodology of intervisions
and ensure support for supervisors
who lead intervisions.
Professional boundary crossing takes
place during intense individual work
in the absence of another social
worker. Development of skills for individual
client work and the ability
to work with professional boundaries
in the form of a course and
long-term professional support may
be supportive.
(continued)
990 Romana Dimmrothová et al.
Table 1. (continued)
Category Recommendation Description
Support good relationships in
work team.
Educational
institutions
Expand the possibility of gaining
practical experience.
Develop knowledge and abili
ties at the macro level of
social work.
Team relationships are risky when the
team members are too diverse and
many conflicts arise. The recommendation
is aimed at strengthening
good relations between colleagues
through teambuilding and team
supervision.
Lack of practical experience is a risk for
social workers. It may be beneficial
to include practical courses in the
curriculum for students, increasing
the number of hours for practicum
or extending the capacity for teaching
professional boundary work.
The social worker and social work are
exposed to the influences of risk factors
at all levels of the social environment,
although the less
proximate levels are often less
reflected. It may be fruitful to expand
the education of critical social
work and the systems perspective, so
that social workers gain better insight
into the influence of the macro
level, factors which influence their
work substantially and with which
they may cooperate (also see:
Cooper, 2012).
extraordinary conditions, it is more difficult for social workers to manage
macro level factors, which influence all the others. Our respondents
reported an increase in frequency and intensity of risk factors during the
pandemic. From the point of view of ecosystems theory
(Bronfenbrenner, 1977, 1986; Shelton, 2018), they noted factors arising
from all levels of the system, as well as internal factors, all to various
degrees.
Both internal and external factors play a role boundary crossing. The
constant internal factors of the social worker often enter the situation,
such as his/her set up or experiences in both personal and professional
areas, which may bring to the surface or intensify the impulse (factor)
arising from the environment. Reactions to the impulse are accompanied
by internal situational factors, emotions, which are connected with the
constant internal factors.
The most frequent impulses coming from the micro level of the system
are one-off or repeated situational factors. Gradually becoming constant
factors, transformed into experience and translated into the interior
setup, they also accumulate (often coexisting together) with internal
Professional Boundaries in the Context of COVID-19 991
constant factors in the situation of boundary crossing. These factors include
specificities on the part of the client, such as difficulties or levels of
motivation and sympathy, an unclear specific situation or individual
work, the presence of others at the workplace, and relationships with
others.
On the meso level we found mainly constant factors such as professional
support (the highest risk is associated with the quality and frequency
of intervisions) and organisational culture. The factors to a great
degree overlap with the micro level, but internal factors are present at
this level, too, such as the internal setup of the subjects taking part in
creating organisational culture and organisational framework of professional
support.
Factors on the exo and macro levels were reflected especially under
extraordinary conditions, whilst during calm periods they remained unreflected
in a deeper way. Under some conditions, however, according to
the respondents, they have great influence on all other levels of the system
and on internal factors, and thus increase the risk of professional
boundary crossings. During the COVID-19 pandemic this concerned specifically
the spread of the disease and frequent changes in government
regulations.
On the basis of our findings, recommendations were formulated for
improving work with professional boundaries in demanding, nonstandard
situations, which are directed to social workers, superiors and organisations
as well as educational institutions. We hope they can be an inspiration
for developing best practices.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the reviewers of the article.
Funding
This study was supported by the project MUNI/A/1522/2021
Contemporary changes in social risks and risk management: new
approaches and professionalisation in social work and social policy supported
by the grant agency of Masaryk University and within the framework
of a Specific University Research grant supported by the Ministry
of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic in 2023 (MUNI/
A/1416/2022).
Conflict of interest statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
992 Romana Dimmrothová et al.
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