The resilience of social workers rendering services to nyaope-dependent youths

The concept of resilience is increasingly gaining universal recognition among helping professionals and social scientists. It explains the complexities and responses of individuals, groups and communities to stressful, emotional, depressive, traumatic and challenging situations. Since social work is considered an emotionally demanding profession, resilience is a highly relevant concept that forms the theoretical basis of the article. This study used a qualitative research methodology to understand the resilience of social workers who render services to distressed communities. The primary goal of this study was to develop an in-depth understanding of resilience in social workers rendering services to substance abusers, especially nyaope-dependent youths. The researcher conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews using a purposive method of sampling. An interview guide was utilised as a data-collection instrument. The study employed an exploratory research design. Ethical requirements such as informed consent, debriefing, beneficence, confidentiality and avoidance of harm were adhered to. The study found that positive thinking and attitudes, the family support systems, satisfaction and religion are significant mechanisms used by social workers to cope with adversity and develop their resilience.