Self-care among healthcare social workers: An exploratory study

Soc Work Health Care. 2017 Nov-Dec;56(10):865-883. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2017.1371100. Epub 2017 Sep 6.

Abstract

Despite growing interest in self-care, few studies have explicitly examined the self-care practices of healthcare social workers. This exploratory study investigated self-care among practitioners (N = 138) in one southeastern state. Overall, data suggest that healthcare social workers only moderately engaged in self-care. Additionally, analyses revealed significant differences in self-care practices by financial stability, overall health, and licensure status, respectively. Interestingly, perceived health status and current financial situation were significant predictors for overall self-care practices. After a brief review of the literature, this narrative will explicate findings, elucidate discussion points, identify salient implications, and conclude with areas for future research.

Keywords: Healthcare; self-carel; social Work.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Social Workers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Socioeconomic Factors