Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
School of Social Work
First Reader/Committee Chair
Smith, Laurie
Abstract
The present study explored the preparedness of social workers when providing services to individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders who present with non-affective psychosis. The present study sought to examine the perceived barriers to mental health service utilization for individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders as well as the perceived preparedness of social workers when providing services to individuals with non-affective psychosis. Social workers are crucial frontline workers in the treatment and support of individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorder. This qualitative study was comprised of twelve semi-structured interviews to gauge the preparedness of social workers (N=12). Results from the thematic analysis demonstrated social workers are not prepared to provide services to individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders. Themes included difficulty transitioning from theoretical knowledge to real-world practice, lack of exposure to real-world experiences and mentorship opportunities, perceived levels of preparedness were lacking when encountering individuals experiencing psychosis especially during initial encounters, and a more robust clinical track needed in social work education, particularly in diagnosing and treating mental health issues such as non-affective psychosis. Overall, these themes underscore the importance of experiential learning, specialized coursework, practical skill development, and continued research to adequately prepare social workers for working with individuals experiencing non-affective psychosis.
Recommended Citation
Crespin, Paula, "SOCIAL WORKERS’ PREPAREDNESS FOR PRACTICE WITH PATIENTS EXPERIENCING PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS" (2024). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 1852.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/1852