Predictors of and Causes of Stress Among Social Workers: A National Survey

Abstract

Social work in England operates in an increasingly challenging environment, with rising demands on practitioners, inadequate resources, poor levels of staff retention and negative public and media attention. Very high levels of stress have been noted among social workers, which can result in depression, burnout and higher levels of sickness (BASW, 2013; Schraer, 2015). Concern regarding stress levels among social workers is not a new phenomenon. However, causes and predicators of stress appear under investigated. This study explored stress among social workers, seeking to assemble a snapshot of stress levels and factors contributing to stress. Furthermore, it attempted to advance this research field in relation to substance abuse and emotional eating among social workers. A mixed methodology, targeting qualified social workers in England, was applied to this study, predominantly using an online survey and followed up with semi-structured interviews. Research findings in relation to stress were similar to previous studies and literature. They indicate significant levels of stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. Low organisational support, limited resources and poor IT systems are identified as influences on stress;; while sleep difficulties, emotional eating, and some substance abuse are key responses to stress. However, positive associations exist between finding supervision useful and both job satisfaction and sleeping well. Caseload size also played a significant role in stress. However, finding an association between individual characteristics and stress was less fruitful. Overall, this research pointed to the “system” as the predominant cause of stress, as opposed to individual characteristics.

Date of Award	Sept 2016
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Plymouth
Supervisor	Sheena Asthana (Director of Studies (First Supervisor))