Professional training for strengthening the bond between intervention agent and participant in a psychosocial poverty alleviation programme

The objective of this article is to identify relevant aspects of the bond between intervention agents and participants for the training of social workers and other professionals who are involved in programmes with a psychosocial component. A qualitative study was done, with 21 interviews with participants, intervention agents and a team leader, which were analysed using Grounded Theory. Transversal and technical skills, sources of training, facilitators and hinderers, and recommendations for training were identified. We conclude on the relevance of training in transversal and technical skills for the agent–participant bond for improving both social work practice and social care policies.