Self–care practices among social workers: do they predict job satisfaction and turnover intention?

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 713-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gila M. Acker
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Care Practices

Development and Initial Validation of the Self-Care Practices Scale

Social Work ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28
Author(s):  
Jacquelyn J Lee ◽  
Shari E Miller ◽  
Brian E Bride
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
The Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Care Practices

Abstract Self-care is regarded as essential for effective social work practice, offsetting occupational stress and promoting well-being and resiliency among practitioners. However, the literature reveals a notable absence of psychometrically sound instruments to measure self-care. The purpose of the present study was to describe the development, refinement, and construct validity of the Self-Care Practices Scale (SCPS). The piloted version of the SCPS is a 38-item instrument designed to measure frequency of engagement in personal and professional self-care practices. Data were collected through mailed surveys from a random sample of master’s-level clinical social workers and members of the National Association of Social Workers (N = 492). Analysis supports the construct validity of an 18-item SCPS with two subscales that demonstrate strong internal validity. The SCPS is useful for social work educators, practitioners, and administrators to ascertain frequency of self-care practice and build a stronger culture of self-care. The role of SCPS in future research is discussed.

Assessing The “Millennial Self-Care Obsession” Among Social Workers: #NotSoMuch

2020 ◽  
pp. 146801732095435
Author(s):  
J Jay Miller ◽  
Erlene Grise-Owens
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Generational Differences ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Care Practices

Summary Despite the importance of self-care to social work practice, misnomers about the construct persist. One misperception is that millennials are overly focused on self-care and engage in high-levels of self-care, to the detriment of performing work duties. This study examined the self-care practices of social work practitioners (N = 3079) in the United States. Researcher investigated self-care practices across five domains: Professional Support, Professional Development, Life Support, Cognitive Awareness, and Daily Balance. Findings Overall, data suggest that social workers in all generations engaged in moderate amounts of self-care. Analyses revealed that millennials engaged in significantly fewer self-care practices related to Professional Support and Daily Balance, when compared to Generation X and Baby-boomer participants. While not statistically significant, millennials scored lower across all other self-care domains. Applications This is the first known study to explicitly investigate generational differences in self-care within any professional discipline. Within the next five years, millennials will make up nearly 75% of the world’s workforce. Findings from this research suggest the need to reshape prevailing anecdotes about self-care and millennials. Further, data offer insights to organizations looking to better support social workers of all generations in engaging in self-care.

scholarly journals Radical Self-Care for Social Workers in the Global Climate Crisis

Social Work ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meredith C F Powers ◽  
Sandra Engstrom
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Vicarious Trauma ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Sustainable Communities ◽  
The World ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Climate Crisis

Abstract Gradual environmental degradation, more extreme climate change events, and related environmental injustices affect individuals and communities every day. Social work entities around the world are increasingly highlighting professional responsibilities for addressing the global climate crisis. Often, social workers experience vicarious trauma from work with those immediately affected. Working within the context of the global climate crisis brings further risk. Social workers may be personally affected, or experiencing their own challenges, such as climate anxiety and eco-grief. Thus, radical self-care is a dire need as social workers promote sustainable communities and environments and seek ecological justice for all. This article discusses the health and mental health impacts of the compounding factors of the climate crisis, modern technology, and current political contexts. Activism for change and ecotherapeutic strategies are presented as radical self-care for social workers, in both academic and practice-based settings. These strategies are essential for recognizing, legitimizing, and addressing the need for radical self-care practices in the global climate crisis.

Exploring the self-care practices of social workers in Poland

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
J. Jay Miller ◽  
Zuzana Poklembova ◽  
Monika Podkowińska ◽  
Erlene Grise-Owens ◽  
Beáta Balogová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Self Care ◽  
The Self ◽  
Care Practices

Self-Care Practices of Self-Identified Social Workers: Findings from a National Study

Social Work ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay J Miller ◽  
Erlene Grise-Owens ◽  
Larry Owens ◽  
Nada Shalash ◽  
Molly Bode
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Secondary Trauma ◽  
Self Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Workplace Stress ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
National Study ◽  
Care Practices

Abstract Self-care can be an important tool in assuaging professional burnout, workplace stress, vicarious or secondary trauma, and other deleterious employment circumstances. Despite this importance, few studies have examined self-care among social work practitioners. This exploratory study examined the self-care practices of self-identified social workers (N = 2,934) throughout the United States. Primary data were collected with an electronic survey. Data indicate that social workers in the sample engage in moderate self-care practices. Analyses revealed group differences in self-care by several variables including geographic locale of participants’ primary place of employment, race, educational level, and social work licensing status, among others. Significant predictors of self-care included perceived health status (self-report), education level, being a supervisor, and financial status. Overall, findings from this study indicate the need for a systemic response to improving self-care practices among social workers.

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