Stress and Coping in Social Workers: A Preliminary Investigation

Three groups of social workers (child, adult mental health or handicap, elderly or physical handicap) completed a questionnaire examining sources of stress, coping strategies, and stress outcomes (e.g. anxiety, depression). All respondents reported high levels of stress, although stress resulting from factors intrinsic to the job, relationships with other people, and from the organizational structure were greatest among childcare workers. In addition, these workers reported greater emotional involvement with their clients and higher levels of general anxiety and depression, as well as job related mental distress. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to training, job design and support of social workers.