Understanding Stress and Burnout in Social Work
Faculty Mentor
Marquis Chandler
Major/Area of Research
Social Work
Description
INTRODUCTION: This paper explores the critical role of social workers in supporting marginalized communities and the challenges they face in their profession. It investigates stressors such as heavy caseloads, trauma exposure, and organizational barriers, and their impact on mental health and job satisfaction. The discussion distinguishes between general stress and burnout, emphasizing the importance of preventing burnout to maintain social workers' effectiveness. Ultimately, the study highlights the necessity of addressing these issues to ensure the well-being and continued dedication of social workers in their vital role in society.
METHOD: A quantitative survey was conducted with 25 social workers using snowball sampling to efficiently reach participants. The survey, was administered through SurveyMonkey, included closed-ended questions assessing emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, career accomplishments, workplace support, and coping mechanisms. Data was analyzed using automated aggregation tools within SurveyMonkey, which categorized responses into measurable patterns regarding stress levels, burnout symptoms, and workplace support systems.
RESULTS: The findings revealed that 36% of participants reported experiencing emotional exhaustion "often," with an additional 48% experiencing it "sometimes." Depersonalization was reported by 52% of respondents, indicating a detachment from their work or clients. Despite these stressors, 40-44% of participants reported feeling a sense of accomplishment in their roles. Workplace support was perceived as inadequate by many, with 48% seeking external professional support such as therapy. High caseloads, insufficient resources, emotional demands, and personal life stressors were identified as the primary contributors to burnout.
CONCLUSION: The study highlights the significant impact of stress and burnout among social workers, particularly for those in the field for one to three years. While a sense of professional accomplishment persists, high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization highlight the urgent need for enhanced workplace support, self-care practices, and systemic changes to reduce burnout. Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustaining the effectiveness and well-being of social workers and ensuring the longevity of their careers in this demanding yet vital profession.
Understanding Stress and Burnout in Social Work
INTRODUCTION: This paper explores the critical role of social workers in supporting marginalized communities and the challenges they face in their profession. It investigates stressors such as heavy caseloads, trauma exposure, and organizational barriers, and their impact on mental health and job satisfaction. The discussion distinguishes between general stress and burnout, emphasizing the importance of preventing burnout to maintain social workers' effectiveness. Ultimately, the study highlights the necessity of addressing these issues to ensure the well-being and continued dedication of social workers in their vital role in society.
METHOD: A quantitative survey was conducted with 25 social workers using snowball sampling to efficiently reach participants. The survey, was administered through SurveyMonkey, included closed-ended questions assessing emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, career accomplishments, workplace support, and coping mechanisms. Data was analyzed using automated aggregation tools within SurveyMonkey, which categorized responses into measurable patterns regarding stress levels, burnout symptoms, and workplace support systems.
RESULTS: The findings revealed that 36% of participants reported experiencing emotional exhaustion "often," with an additional 48% experiencing it "sometimes." Depersonalization was reported by 52% of respondents, indicating a detachment from their work or clients. Despite these stressors, 40-44% of participants reported feeling a sense of accomplishment in their roles. Workplace support was perceived as inadequate by many, with 48% seeking external professional support such as therapy. High caseloads, insufficient resources, emotional demands, and personal life stressors were identified as the primary contributors to burnout.
CONCLUSION: The study highlights the significant impact of stress and burnout among social workers, particularly for those in the field for one to three years. While a sense of professional accomplishment persists, high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization highlight the urgent need for enhanced workplace support, self-care practices, and systemic changes to reduce burnout. Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustaining the effectiveness and well-being of social workers and ensuring the longevity of their careers in this demanding yet vital profession.