Building resilience in social workers: an exploratory study on the impacts of a mindfulness-based intervention

Authors:
CROWDER Rachael, SEARS Alexandra
Journal article citation:
Australian Social Work, 70(1), 2017, pp.17-29.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis

Burnout is a frequent and well-documented consequence of social work practice. The literature suggests that mindfulness-based interventions might help develop the mental states and emotional skills that are indicators of resilience. This mixed-methods, non-randomised controlled, exploratory study with 14 social workers in Canada investigated differences in social workers’ levels of stress, resilience, and burnout after a mindfulness-based intervention, compared to a waitlist group. The intervention group was also interviewed about changes in their relationships within the workplace, their perceived sense of mental health, and wellbeing. Results suggested that the mindfulness-based intervention significantly decreased the treatment group’s perceived stress compared to those on the waitlist and continued to decline for 26 weeks post-intervention. Intervention participants reported positive changes in attitudes, perspectives, behaviours, and energy in relation to their workplace relationships with peers and supervisors. Mindfulness-based interventions for reducing stress and building resilience to burnout in social workers and other helping professionals hold promise, and invite further research. (Publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
mindfulness, stress, resilience, social workers, intervention, attitudes;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Canada
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1447-0748
ISSN print:
0312-407X

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