Occupational stress and social work

This article describes a research project exploring occupational stress within social work. This includes a literature search and an empirical study via a questionnaire within a Social Services department in South Wales in 1998. The results indicate that the majority of the respondents were experiencing differing levels of stress. Demographic details, support received, job satisfaction, effects on service provision and strategies to combat stress are identified. Implications from the results are used to indicate recommendations for further development of support and help for social workers, including, pointers for social work educators. Ideas for future research are included.