Ungdommers presentasjon av eget sosialt nettverk - erfaringer med bruk av ”Family Dialogue Set” i barne- og ungdomspsykiatrisk utredningspost

Abstract

Background. Since 2006, Family Dialogue Set (FDS) has been used as an assessment for social networks of youth admitted to Utredningsenheten by BUP clinic Lian in Trondheim, Norway. Our experience with the use of FDS revealed great variation in how the patients presented their experienced network. I wanted to see whether these variations are connected with diagnosis and other characteristics of the youth or their life situation. Result. A quantitative research of clinical facts of 28 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with diagnosed neuropsychological developmental disorders or emotional disorders. A comparison of social network patterns showed that age was not related to social network, but gender and diagnosis were. Findings suggest that diagnoses are related to the way young people present their networks. Youths with neuropsychological disorders often describe networks where they are unable to refine relationships, they seem to be more dependent of their parents and often presents a social network without close friends. Youths who struggle with emotional disorders tend to present more “normal” social networks. Conclusion. The findings suggest that diagnosis affects the way young people present their networks. The youth's capacity for social interaction and interest in others becomes visible in using FDS as an assessment.