An Exploration of MSW Field Education and Impairment Prevention: What Do We Need to Know?

Abstract

This paper examines the types of challenges social work students face and how practicum performance is impacted by them. Secondary data related to 125 social work students in a course in human behavior in the social environment were analyzed. More than one-fourth of students reported a parent with mental health and substance abuse problems. Students' self-reported substance abuse problems (9%), and mental health problems (16%). Sixty-two percent of students reported some problem in their family of origin. Regression analysis showed that performance during the second semester of the first-year practicum was influenced by current and early family experiences and that by the second year of the MSW program, there was no impact on field. This manuscript explores some of the possible ways that social work students overcome and manage personal challenges that impact their field placement.