Of Skeletons and Shells (3)

Figure 2 below shows the pattern of an idealised client of residential services. While most of the oscillation takes place on the Shell side, the movement between the most Skeleton pole and the most Shell pole is for this individual similar to that of Figure 1.

Figure 2 Pattern of Oscillation of 'typical' resident

We need to note the common assumption about what constitutes 'progress' on the part of a client. This seems to be the view that there is a straight-line movement from the permanent Shell state to the permanent Skeleton state - one effect of which is to regard any regression as a form of relapse:  
 

Figure 3 - Common-sense view of the nature of progress of a client

As Figure 4 shows, it is more realistic to recognise that regression is a normal part not only of progress, but also of life in general, and therefore to be prepared for apparent backward steps which are in fact integral parts of the generally Skeleton-ward movement of the client. To expect a client to progress tirelessly towards his or her goal without any opportunity to recuperate or to consolidate is to expect more of him or her than of oneself.  
 

Figure 4 - More realistic view of progress

Having outlined the major forms, we can suggest some variations, or deviations, from the common patterns.
 

Figure 5 - Insecurity

Minimal oscillation is possible when the Shell basis is insecure. This corresponds to research on insecure attachment: the pattern represented below as 'ephemeral oscillation' may also fit with the 'ambivalent' form of insecure attachment..
 

Figure 6 - Ephemeral Oscillation

Examining periods of oscillation leads on to a practical issue within residential provision. Some of the residents may be out of step with the period of oscillation of the establishment as a whole.  
 

Figure 7-Lack of Synchronisation between Resident and Establishment
(Blue line represents resident: red line - establishment. Or vice versa)

The assumption behind Figure 7, of course, is that the establishment does manage its own oscillation effectively, in such a way as to facilitate the oscillation of most of its members. Failure to acknowledge a normal cycle tends to lead to 'catastrophic oscillation', which is characterised by uncontrolled swings on the parts of the residents and the staff from one peak to another, in a manner which is usually fairly destructive for all concerned. 
 

Figure 8 - Catastrophic Oscillation

To reference this page copy and paste the text below:

Atherton J S (2013) Doceo; [On-line: UK] retrieved from

Original material by James Atherton: last up-dated overall 10 February 2013

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

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