PERCEPTION OF BURNOUT AMONG SOCIAL WORKERS AND COPING MECHANISMS USED TO COMBAT IT

Author

Natasha HoganFollow

Date of Award

6-2020

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Barragan, Armando

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how many social workers are experiencing burnout as well as to learn what kinds of methods they use in order to reduce the symptoms of burnout. During this study, the researcher interviewed six participants who are social workers in San Bernardino County. Each participant disclosed their feelings and thoughts surrounding their experience with burnout. To interpret the findings the open coding method as well as a qualitative data analysis was used. It was found that many participants not only experienced burnout in their job as social workers, but many also were experiencing anxiety and depression stemming from burnout. Four out of the six participants utilized friends and family to help manage the feelings of burnout. The main themes that developed from the data was lack of support from management, lowering caseload sizes, experiencing anxiety and depression, and using friends and family to help cope with burnout. The findings of this study can act as a foundation for future research into the phenomenon of burnout among social workers. Furthermore, resources and better support services can be discussed and implemented for social workers with this information.

Recommended Citation

Hogan, Natasha, "PERCEPTION OF BURNOUT AMONG SOCIAL WORKERS AND COPING MECHANISMS USED TO COMBAT IT" (2020). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 1044.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/1044