Developing Specific Self-Efficacy and Resilience as First Responders among Students of Social Work and Stress and Trauma Studies

Abstract

This article addresses the challenging task of preparing baccalaureate social work students to master proficiency as first responders in stress and trauma situations. We begin with a brief description of the context, goals, admission procedure, structure, and process of a stress and trauma studies (STS) program. We then compare the development of resilience and general and specific self-efficacy among STS students and graduates, with parallel developments among non-STS students in the BSW program. The evaluation of the program by the participating students should further an understanding of the significance of their learning experience.