Social Work Sectors Research Articles

How Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practice Impacts Burnout: A Sequential Mediation Model

ABSTRACT Purpose With the rapid development of China’s social work sector, the increasing job pressures, and risks of professional burnout among social workers have become more prevalent. This study examined the relationship between Chinese social workers’ attitudes toward evidence-based practice (EBP) and burnout, exploring the mediating mechanisms of evidence-based knowledge (EBK) and service quality perception (SQP). Materials and methods We applied PROCESS 4.2 macro in SPSS to analyze the data from 5,931 social workers, testing the sequential mediation effects of EBK and SQP between their attitudes toward EBP and burnout. Results The findings revealed: (1) Attitudes toward EBP had significant indirect positive effects on burnout; (2) EBK partially mediated the relationship between EBP attitude and burnout; (3) SQP partially mediated the relationship between attitudes toward EBP and burnout; (4) Attitudes toward EBP had a sequential mediated effect on burnout through EBK and SQP. Discussion The findings emphasize the need to implement targeted interventions and training programs to foster positive attitudes toward EBP, promote continuous professional development, and provide access to EBP resources. Moreover, nurturing EBK and SQP could help alleviate burnout by improving social workers’ ability to address client issues and enhance their sense of confidence and accomplishment. Conclusion This study fills a research gap by providing empirical evidence on the negative correlation between Chinese social workers’ attitudes toward EBP and burnout, while demonstrating the mediating roles of EBK and SQP.

Collective psychological ownership and turnover intention amongst social workers in China: the mediating effect of burnout

ABSTRACT This study, which utilises data from the CSWLS survey, examines the correlation between collective psychological ownership (CPO) and turnover intention (TI) among social workers. The results demonstrate a negative correlation between CPO and TI among social workers. Additionally, emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP) and lack of personal accomplishment (LOPA) from burnout all partially mediate the link between CPO and TI. Developing a culture of teamwork and a positive organisational environment can help decrease TI among social workers and better advance the social work sector.

Criticality assessment and cascading effects: impacts of COVID-19 disruptions in public transport on marginalized groups in Dortmund, Germany, São Paulo, Brazil, and Cape Town, South Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness of critical infrastructure systems and their profound impact on marginalized communities. This study investigates the cascading effects of reduced mobility and infrastructure disruptions caused by COVID-19 response strategies on marginalized households across three diverse urban settings: Dortmund, São Paulo, and Cape Town. Employing a criticality assessment, we examine disruptions in healthcare, food and nutrition, social work, education, and childcare sectors, highlighting interdependencies and their implications for marginalized communities. Our findings reveal that disruptions in one sector, such as public transportation, can trigger adverse consequences across interconnected systems, amplifying vulnerabilities and exacerbating social inequalities. Furthermore, limited digital accessibility compounds these challenges, particularly for marginalized groups who may lack access to necessary technologies or digital literacy skills. Addressing these disparities in digital access is crucial for ensuring equitable access to essential services and support networks, especially in times of crisis. The study underscores the importance of mobility and accessibility in addressing systemic vulnerabilities and advocates for comprehensive resilience strategies that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities. Recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and community stakeholders are provided to enhance infrastructure resilience and mitigate the indirect effects of disruptions on marginalized groups. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of cascading effects within critical infrastructure networks and informs future research and policy initiatives aimed at building resilient communities in an interconnected world.

Adapting across Borders: Experiences of Hong Kong Social Workers in England—Navigating Challenges and Fostering Professional Growth through Cultural Adaptation and Continuing Professional Development

Abstract This study investigates the experiences of overseas-qualified Hong Kong social workers in England, specifically focusing on the challenges they encounter while preparing for or working in the social work sector and the strategies they employ to navigate these challenges within the unique English social context. It offers valuable background information for comprehending the journeys of migrant Hong Kong social workers as they transition into a new social work environment. Using qualitative enquiry, ten experienced Hong Kong social workers, who had moved to England in 2021, were selected as participants. This study contributes significantly to the literature on transnational social workers by emphasising the critical role of continuing professional development (CPD) for transnational social workers during their relocation process. It addresses complex transnational issues, such as cultural differences, language barriers, professional development and the integration of global and local intervention skills and practices, filling existing gaps in the literature. This research also provides insight into the importance of CPD for transnational social workers during their relocation and transnational experiences and the potential for advancing their local social work practices.

Structural equation models in proactive coping, organizational resource and work engagement of Chinese social workers

Proactive coping behavior has been considered an important personal job resource for employees. Organizations have paid considerable attention to the proactive coping behavior of employees to maintain their competitive advantage. The purpose of the current study is to discover the relationship between organizational job resources, work engagement, and proactive coping using structural equation modeling. The participants were 340 licensed Chinese social workers. In the rapidly growing social work sector in China, social work organizations require psychologically connected and dedicated social workers. Findings include the effect of organizational job resources and work engagement on proactive coping. Based on the results, impacts on organizational management are discussed.

Understanding and Improving Black Social Worker and Student Experiences in England

This article explores the experiences of Black newly qualified social workers and student social workers in England. Drawing on related studies that have begun to outline the challenges faced by Global Ethnic Majority social workers in the UK, the article highlights that this is both an important and under‐researched area. The article provides a much‐needed contribution to understanding the unique experiences of Black social workers through a thematic analysis of interviews with Black social workers, providing an opportunity for social work colleagues, managers, educators, and academics to understand the challenges and obstacles that these social workers face. The research reveals a dire situation in which Black social workers are hindered by racial stereotyping, discrimination, and invisibility. Black social worker voices also highlight suggestions for best practice and guidance for the social work sector about how to improve. By centering these underrepresented voices, this article provides an opportunity to acknowledge and begin to rectify the barriers and challenges that Black social workers face.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN AFRICAN SOCIAL WORK: IMPLICATIONS FOR U.S. PRACTICE

This study delves into the burgeoning realm of technological advancements in African social work and their consequential implications for practice in the United States. The primary purpose is to unravel the unique challenges encountered in the African social work landscape and to explore how innovative technological solutions have been employed to address these challenges, thereby offering valuable insights and potential applications for U.S. social work practice. Employing a comprehensive literature review as its methodological backbone, the study meticulously examines the evolution and integration of technology in global social work, with a keen focus on the African context. This approach facilitates a deep dive into the nuances of technological innovations such as mobile technology, digital platforms for community engagement, and e-health services, especially in crisis situations. The findings illuminate the significant strides made in African social work through technology, overcoming geographical, logistical, and resource constraints. These innovations have not only enhanced service delivery but also fostered greater community engagement in remote and underserved regions. A comparative analysis with current U.S. practices reveals both parallels and gaps, suggesting areas ripe for adaptation and integration. Conclusively, the study underscores the transformative potential of technology in social work, advocating for its tailored application within specific social, cultural, and economic contexts. Recommendations include the adaptation of successful African technological models to the U.S. context, the development of ethical guidelines for technology use in social work, and the promotion of technological competency among social workers. This research paves the way for further exploration into the practical implementation and evaluation of these technological adaptations in the U.S. social work sector.
 Keywords: Technological Advancements, African Social Work, U.S. Social Work Practice, Digital Innovation, Comparative Analysis.

Improving the legal policy system to develop the social work sector in Vietnam in the context of international integration

Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW of the Fourth Plenum of the 12th Central Committeeof the Communist Party of Vietnam (“Resolution 06”) [1] outlines strategies and policiesfor effectively implementing the process of international economic integration whilemaintaining political and social stability in the context of Vietnam's participation in newgeneration free trade agreements. The resolution highlights the importance of addressingsocial issues, including developing the social work sector in Vietnam. In accordance withthe government's Resolution No. 22/NQ-CP on May 28, 2009[2], the Prime Minister ofVietnam issued Decision No. 32/2010/QD-TTg (“Decision 32”) [3] to approve the plan fordeveloping social work from 2010 to 2020. However, 12 years have passed since then, andmany objectives have yet to be achieved. The lack of legal tools is currently hindering thedevelopment of the social work sector, making it necessary to improve the legal policysystem in Vietnam to promote the sector's development in the context of internationalintegration.

Measuring the Urban Resilience Abased on Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) Model in the Post-Pandemic Era: A Case Study of Jiangsu Province, China

Since China declared that the post-epidemic era would begin in April 2020, the prevention and control of epidemics have become routine. The capacity of cities to respond to future public health emergencies will be enhanced if the resilience of cities is accurately measured and an emphasis is placed on improving resilience levels. Under the 4R framework, this study quantifies and analyzes the level of resilience of the cities in Jiangsu Province from both subjective and objective perspectives. By selecting explanatory variables and developing a GWR model, the spatial distribution characteristics of the quantified scores of resilience and the spatial characteristics of the influencing factors are analyzed. The results indicate that cities in southern Jiangsu should invest more in economic development and medical resources in the post-epidemic period. Northern Jiangsu should prioritize boosting the health and social work sector’s gross domestic product. Coastal cities must enhance their capacity for innocuous waste treatment.

Understanding the mental health needs of Scotland's prison population: a health needs assessment.

This study reports on an assessment of mental health needs among Scotland's prison population which aimed to describe the scale and nature of need as well as identify opportunities to improve upon the services available. The project was commissioned by the Scottish Government to ensure that future changes to the services available to support the mental health and wellbeing of people in prison would be evidence-based and person-centered. A standardized approach to health needs assessments was employed. The study was comprised of four phases. In phase I a rapid literature review was undertaken to gather evidence on the prevalence of mental health needs experienced by people in prison in the UK. In Phase II a multi-method and multi-informant national mapping exercise involving providers to all Scottish prisons was undertaken to describe the mental health services available, and any gaps in these services, for people in and leaving prison. In Phase III prevalence estimates of several mental health needs were derived for Scotland's current prison population, modeled from a national survey dataset of Scotland's community population using logistic regression. Finally in Phase IV, professional stakeholders and individuals with lived experience were interviewed to understand their experiences and insights on challenges to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of people in prison, and ideas on how these challenges could be overcome. Evidence across the four phases of this needs assessment converged indicating that existing provision to support the mental health of people in prison in Scotland was considered inadequate to meet these needs. Barriers to effective partnership working for justice, health, social work and third sector providers appear to have led to inadequate and fragmented care, leaving prisoners without the support they need during and immediately following imprisonment. Joint and coordinated action from justice, health and social care, and third sector providers is needed to overcome enduring and structural challenges to supporting the mental health of people in prison. Eighteen evidence-based recommendations were proposed to the Scottish Government relating to the high-level and operational-level changes required to adequately meet the prison population's mental health needs.

A case study of the emerging social work sector in Guinea, West Africa

ABSTRACT A coastal country in West Africa, Guinea, is home to 13 million people and ranks 175 out of 189 countries on the UN’s Human Development Index. While the majority of West African nations have a recognized social work sector, Guinea has only a small number of trained social workers. In response to the Ebola epidemic, there is increased governmental interest in developing a sector of university-educated social workers to address the complex social issues the country faces. Using data gathered through a Fulbright research grant, this case study communicates the most recent developments in professionalizing social work in Guinea and considers them through a framework of transmission, indigenization, and authentication. This includes the redevelopment of a tertiary level social work training programme new national policy to employ social workers in the public service, and the expansion of professional social work organizations to support the creation of a professional social work sector.

Health-promoting factors among students in higher education within health care and social work: a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data in a multicentre longitudinal study

BackgroundEducational environments are considered important in strengthening students’ health status and knowledge, which are associated with good educational outcomes. It has been suggested to establish healthy universities based on a salutogenic approach – namely, health promotion. The aim of this study was to describe health-promoting resources and factors among first-semester students in higher education in healthcare and social work.MethodsThis cross-sectional study is based on a survey distributed among all students in seven healthcare and social work programmes at six universities in southern Sweden. The survey was carried out in 2018 using a self-reported, web-based questionnaire focussing on general health and well-being, lifestyle factors together with three validated instruments measuring health-promoting factors and processes: the Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale, Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS) and Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ).ResultsOf 2283 students, 851 (37.3%) completed the survey, of whom 742 (87.1%) were women; 722 (84.8%) were enrolled on healthcare programmes, and 129 (15.2%) were enrolled on social work programmes. Most reported good general health and well-being (88.1% and 83.7%, respectively). The total mean scores for the SOC scale, SHIS and OBQ were, respectively, 59.09 (SD = 11.78), 44.04 (SD = 9.38) and 26.40 (SD = 7.07). Well-being and several healthy lifestyles were related to better general health and higher SOC, SHIS and OBQ scores. Multiple linear and logistic regressions showed that perceived well-being and no sleeping problems significantly predicted higher general health and higher SOC, SHIS and OBQ scores. Being less sedentary and non-smoking habits were significant predictors of higher SOC.ConclusionsSwedish students in higher education within the healthcare and social work sector report good general health and well-being in the first semester, as well as health-promoting resources (i.e. SOC, SHIS and OBQ), and in some aspects, a healthy lifestyle. High-intensity exercise, no sleeping problems and non-smoking seem to be of importance to both general health and health-promotive resources. This study contributes to knowledge about the health promotive characteristics of students in the healthcare and social work fields, which is of importance for planning universities with a salutogenic approach.

Working conditions and well-being in UK social care and social work during COVID-19.

Summary Stress and mental health are among the biggest causes of sickness absence in the UK, with the Social Work and Social Care sectors having among the highest levels of stress and mental health sickness absence of all professions in the UK. Chronically poor working conditions are known to impact employees' psychological and physiological health. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected both the mode and method of work in Social Care and Social Work. Through a series of cross-sectional online surveys, completed by a total of 4,950 UK Social Care and Social Workers, this study reports the changing working conditions and well-being of UK Social Care and Social Workers at two time points (phases) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings All working conditions and well-being measures were found to be significantly worse during Phase 2 (November–January 2021) than Phase 1 (May–July 2020), with worse psychological well-being than the UK average in Phase 2. Furthermore, our findings indicate that in January 2021, feelings about general well-being, control at work, and working conditions predicted worsened psychological well-being. Applications Our findings highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the impact of the pandemic on the Social Care and Social Work workforce, thus highlighting that individuals, organizations, and governments need to develop mechanisms to support these employees during and beyond the pandemic.

A Research on the Dilemmas of Faculty Founded Agencies

Faculty founded social work agency is something with “Chinese characteristics”, also a unique phenomenon appearing in the special development process of social work in China, moreover, such a phenomenon has been widely recognized, and it will sustain for a long time. However, faculty founded social work agencies face not only the dilemmas which are common for all social work agencies, but also a variety of unique dilemmas. This paper analyzed such dilemmas from several aspects including censure of the society, lack of resources, treatment dilemmas, time and energy dilemmas, it is a thorough summary and overview on the current dilemmas of faculty founded social work agencies. Based on the analysis over the dilemmas of faculty founded social work agencies, and the present situation of social work education, practice and sector development, this paper addressed the dilemmas of faculty founded social work agencies from three aspects. i.e.: thinking and orientation, understanding and mutual-aid, mission and persistence, in turn proposed their development direction for the future, which is also the conclusion of the paper.

Downward spirals to vulnerability

One of the most frequently voiced concerns in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is ‘not to forget the vulnerable groups in society’. Social workers occupy a privileged position with a view to mapping such vulnerabilities, their complex interrelations, and the processes that increase the risk of falling victim to them. Therefore, in order for policy interventions aimed at mitigating negative impact on vulnerable groups to be effective, it is important to gain an in-depth insight into the first hand experiences and concomitant concerns of social workers. The main aim of this article is to describe and categorize the main concerns social workers had about their clients a few weeks into Belgium’s first wave of the pandemic. The data used derive from a large scale online survey taken among social workers in Flanders and the Brussels region in April/May 2020, closely following the lockdown on 18 March. Thematic coding analysis was used to analyse textual answers with regard to concerns about current clients. Concerns fall into six main categories, the most important one being direct concerns about the safety and wellbeing of clients in the context of various life domains (physical and mental health, family, work, education, social networks, housing, financial and material wealth), apart from concerns about communication issues more in general, about changes in the interactional dynamics between social worker and client, the effects of lockdown related changes to forms of social help, about very specific vulnerable groups, and, lastly, about the resilience of the social work sector. Analysis of the connections between concerns also enables us to reconstruct several chains of events that may result in specific (reinforced) vulnerabilities. If policy interventions aim to be attentive to such vulnerabilities, taking stock of these chains of events is of paramount importance.

Dignity and worth for all: identifying shared values between social work and Christian faith-based groups’ anti-sex trafficking discourse

ABSTRACT Faith-based organizations are important partners in anti-trafficking efforts due to their familiarity with local threats and commitment to safeguarding their communities. However, differences in values and beliefs can create challenges for collaborations between faith-based organizations, social work, and other sectors. This study used a culturally sensitive qualitative inquiry of Christian anti-sex-trafficking discourse through dialogue with faith leaders, in order to uncover shared values between Christian anti-sex trafficking and social work as a foundation for ethical collaboration, and to identify areas of differences where further dialogue is necessary to promote respect for diverse viewpoints and to advocate for sex trafficking survivors.

다문화가족 이주여성의 자살생각에 대한 연구

Objectives: This study examined suicidal ideation and its associated factors of immigrant women in Korea. Methods: Data from the parent survey of the 2016 Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study was used. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted using data from 1,261 foreign-born mothers. Results: The mean score of suicidal ideation was lower than the median value, indicating that immigrant women’s suicidal ideation may not be as high as other immigrant populations in Korea. The strongest predictor of their suicidal ideation was their self-esteem, followed by acculturative stress, their perceived economic status, and marriage status. In addition, their Korean language ability and family-related stress were also significantly associated with their suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The findings show that an array of factors is related to women’s suicidal ideation, ranging from self-esteem to their family-related stress. Overall, the findings call for a need to recognize their mental health risks as well as for better, more comprehensive policy and service measures to prevent and intervene in their suicidal risks. Service providers, in health, social work, and education sectors need to be aware of the vulnerability of these women as immigrants, women, single mothers, and as a marginalized and overlooked population within Korean society. They must strive to expand their understanding of the mental health needs of this population.

The Effects of Work Characteristics Related to Work-Life Imbalance on Presenteeism among Female Workers in the Health and Social Work Sectors: Mediation Analysis of Psychological and Physical Health Problems.

This study is a multigroup path analysis aiming to create a theoretical model of presenteeism among female workers in the health and social work sectors, assess the mediating effects of mental health problems (sleeping trouble and psychological wellbeing), and physical health problems (fatigue and muscle aches) on the relationship between work characteristics (demands at work and social community at work) and presenteeism, and identify the differences between the effects of variables on those who reported low work–life imbalance and high work–life imbalance. Raw data from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) were analyzed. From the total sample of 50,205 people, 2209 women in health and social work were included in the study sample. The results were as follows: the demands at work had a significant and positive indirect effect on presenteeism (B = 0.0023, p < 0.001), mediated by trouble sleeping, fatigue, and muscle aches, in that order. Demands at work were also found to have a significant and negative indirect effect on presenteeism (B = −0.0017, p < 0.001), mediated by psychological wellbeing, fatigue, and muscle aches, in descending order. Social community at work had a significant and negative indirect effect on presenteeism (B = −0.0022, p < 0.001), mediated by trouble sleeping, fatigue, and muscle aches, in that order. Social community at work also had a significant and negative effect on presenteeism, mediated by psychological wellbeing, fatigue, and muscle aches, in descending order (B = −0.0097, p < 0.001). Demands at work did not have a significant effect on psychological wellbeing in the low work–life imbalance group, whereas its effect was significant and positive (β = 0.198, p < 0.001) in the high work–life imbalance group. In conclusion, in the path model of the low work–life imbalance group, demands at work did not influence psychological wellbeing. Therefore, strategies to ameliorate work–life imbalance may be helpful components of interventions to reduce presenteeism.

Correlation between Prolactin and Symptom Profile in Acute Admitted Women with Recurrent Schizophrenia.

The prevalence of hyperprolactinemia among psychiatric patients receiving antipsychotic medications was estimated to be between 30% and 70%. A review of the literature on prolactin and schizophrenia symptoms suggests that the correlation between them is complex and not limited to the adverse effects of antipsychotics. Relations with specific symptom dimensions have not been found consistently across studies. The association between increased prolactin and recurrent episodes of schizophrenia needs to be replicated in larger samples and in a population of female patients. The aim of this study was to find out whether elevated prolactin is related to specific symptoms or dimensions of schizophrenia, which is a heterogenic entity. The sample consisted of 119 consecutively acute admitted women, aged 18 to 45 years with recurrent schizophrenia diagnosed on bases of DSM-5 criteria. Assessment for all the enrolled subjects comprised a psychiatric evaluation and blood draw to determine the prolactin level. Symptoms of schizophrenia were determined using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Data were analyzed by regression analysis and the Independent Samples t Test. Values are given as means ±SD. Hyperprolactinemia was detected in 74.79% patients (n=89), whereas the group without hyperprolactinemia comprised 25.21% of the sample. When plasma prolactin levels and clinical features between groups were compared, there was a statistically significant difference in the negative subscale scores of the PANSS (p=0.0011), positive subscale scores of the PANNS (p=0.0043), general subscale scores of the PANSS (p=0.0226) and total scores of the PANNS (p=0.0003). There were statistically significant differences in the clinical symptoms between two compared groups in total score and in the positive, negative and general subscores.

Social Work Research in Chile: Tensions and Challenges under the ‘Knowledge Economy’ and Managerialist Research Agendas

Abstract Research has been a contested dimension of Chilean social work. An important turn occurred in 2008 when Chilean national research policies—highly influenced by managerialist approaches—increased opportunities for social workers to conduct research. Several efforts have been made by academics and professional social work organisations to encourage research as a means of gaining recognition as a discipline. Drawing upon a thematic literature review from a Chilean-based study on social workers’ research trajectories, this article contends that, despite the value of such efforts, there are some tensions related to the acritical adoption of such a managerialist approach on social work research that need further attention: (i) research does not have the same value for all social work sectors; (ii) social work research is mainly understood as ‘academic’ research; and (iii) social workers’ research does not necessarily have a ‘social work focus’. These findings are discussed in light of the historical background of Chilean social work and the insights provided by the international literature, from which we conclude that the creation of more inclusive and collaborative ways of conducting research is an urgent challenge. Findings are context-specific, yet, offer considerations for social work research seeking to counteract managerial approaches of knowledge production.