Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
School of Social Work
First Reader/Committee Chair
Li, Yawen
Abstract
Burnout, stress, and retention challenges have become pervasive issues among social workers in Child Welfare Services. The experience of stress and burnout can profoundly impact a worker's physical health and overall well-being. Implementing self-care practices, which involve attending to one's health and well-being through activities such as exercise, spiritual engagement, and hobbies, can effectively mitigate feelings of stress and burnout, fostering a positive impact on individuals. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between reported stress levels and self-care habits among Child Welfare Services social workers in two counties on California's central coast. To gather relevant data, an online survey was administered to social workers in both agencies, utilizing the Self-Care Practices Scale and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Quantitative analysis of data collected from seventy-three participants was analyzed in SPSS, which revealed a negative correlation between reported stress levels and self-care habits among Child Welfare Services social workers. In addition, there was no statistical significance between demographic characteristics. These findings carry significant implications, potentially prompting changes at both individual and institutional levels. By raising awareness about the importance of self-care practices, this research may inspire policy adjustments within workplaces to facilitate greater opportunities for self-care among social workers, thereby enhancing overall social work practice.
Recommended Citation
Boyd, Jaclyn and Ojeda, Denise, "Self-Care Habits and Burnout Among County Social Workers on the Central Coast of California" (2024). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 1944.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/1944