Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Loveland, Emily

Abstract

Self-care in the social work profession is commonly framed as an individual responsibility; however, organizational environments play a critical role in shaping workers’ ability to engage in sustainable self-care practices. This study will focus on understanding how workplace environments influence professional self-care among social workers. Much of the existing literature emphasizes personal coping strategies while overlooking structural and organizational supports that enable or constrain self-care. Previous research has largely failed to address the importance of professional self-care at the organizational level, which can unintentionally place responsibility solely on individuals and contribute to feelings of inadequacy when self-care is difficult to maintain. To address this gap, this study will employ a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Data will be collected through two questionnaires measuring self-care practices and workplace factors, along with an open-ended interview to capture participants’ experiences in greater depth. Quantitative and qualitative findings will be analyzed concurrently and integrated to provide a comprehensive understanding of organizational influences on self-care. The significance of this research lies in its potential to shift the conversation from individual responsibility to shared accountability. Findings may inform organizational policies, guide workplace interventions, and support advocacy efforts aimed at improving professional well-being and reducing burnout in social work settings.

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