Adverse Childhood Experiences Among MSW Students

Thomas, Jacky T.

doi:10.1080/08841233.2016.1182609

Cited by 77 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 57 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…As psychology focuses on the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, social work students may begin their pursuit of social work with a predisposition toward working with individuals. In addition, research has shown that people choose social work as a profession due to their own personal experiences with trauma, early family dysfunction, or demands to provide caregiving at an early age (Black et al, 1993;Thomas, 2016). Lastly, interest in micro methods has been attributed to licensure eligibility and student concerns about employability (Hill et al, 2017).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Increasing Social Work Students’ Participation in Macro Specializations

Apgar

2021

ASW

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Much effort has been made to increase the number of social work students in macro practice specializations in graduate school. Despite the development of pedagogical techniques which have shown to increase interest in and appreciation for macro practice, the proportion of macro students has stayed low and stable over time. Using survey data collected from 474 Master of Social Work students and graduates, this exploratory study identified both structural and attitudinal barriers which impede specialization in macro practice. Data reveals that despite exposure to these methods, those whose original motivation to enter the profession was based on a desire to do clinical work are unlikely to concentrate on macro practice. Structural barriers such as the lack of availability of macro programs also prevented increased specialization in macro practice. Social workers who are Black/African American are more likely to concentrate in macro practice, perhaps due to a recognition of the need for systems change in the United States to promote equal opportunities and rights for those who have historically been marginalized. Findings indicate that current efforts to increase the number of graduates with macro specializations may not be effective. Treatment of macro methods as a specialization, rather than integral to social work education, should be revisited if the profession wants to ensure enough graduates are able to make system-level changes to rectify current societal inequities.

show abstract

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Increasing Social Work Students’ Participation in Macro Specializations

Apgar

2021

ASW

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Efforts are increasing to incorporate the implications of the ACE study (and consequent trauma-informed practices) into organizations, policies, and provider networks (Larkin, Shields, & Anda, 2012). Researchers are beginning to examine adverse childhood experiences not just in clinical populations, but also among helping professionals, including social workers and social work students (Thomas, 2016). Esaki and Larkin (2013) looked at adverse childhood experiences among social workers employed at a residential child service agency serving traumatized children, and found much higher ACE scores than those reported in the original ACE study.…”

Section: Adverse Childhood Experiencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One hundred and thirty-nine students (93.2%) chose to complete the cross-sectional survey. An analysis of the ACE prevalence data with a portion of this sample was previously reported (Thomas, 2016). Participants were drawn from both 2-year and 3-year MSW cohorts, and were concurrently completing internships in community field placements for 16-20 hours per week.…”

Section: Sample and Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Compelling evidence links ACE histories with negative health and social outcomes in adult life (Anda et al, 2006;Dube et al, 2004), and trauma history has generally been viewed as a potential risk factor in terms of MSW students' vulnerability to mental health issues, truncated careers, and compromised therapeutic practice with clients. However, the implications of such trauma histories for social work students and professionals remain unclear (for more detailed discussion, see Thomas, 2016). Marcus and Dubi (2006) found that prior histories of trauma did not predict depression, anxiety, burnout, or compassion fatigue among mental health professionals, and Howard et al (2015) found that higher ACE scores among foster care workers were actually associated with reduced risk for burnout and greater compassion satisfaction.…”

Section: Acesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

What Doesn’t Kill You

Thomas

Beecher

2019

ASW

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and resilience in a sample (n=139) of Masters of Social Work (MSW) students. Perceived stress, religious faith, experiential avoidance, and mindfulness were also examined as correlates of resilience. Resilience scores for the MSW students were comparable to general population and college student norms, but ACEs and perceived stress scores were higher. Despite a broad literature supporting associations of high ACE scores with varied measures of physical and psychological problems, this study paradoxically showed a positive relationship between higher ACE scores and resilience. Regression analysis indicated a model including age, ACE scores, experiential avoidance, religious faith, and perceived stress explained 39.2% of the variance in resilience scores. Prior adverse childhood experiences and stronger religious faith are associated with increased resilience, while experiential avoidance and perceived stress are associated with lower resilience. This study provides further evidence that many students come to social work education with substantial trauma histories and experience considerable stress during their studies. Results suggest that social work educators should acknowledge risks associated with avoidant coping, and provide learning experiences aimed at developing students’ capacities for increased awareness and acceptance of challenging experiences—their own and others.

show abstract

“…Although less is known about trauma among DSPs, preliminary research has indicated elevated levels of early life adversity among DSPs in contrast to the general population (Keesler, ). This may be likened to the increased rates of trauma among other helping professionals like social workers and mental health professionals (Esaki & Larkin, ; Thomas, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Promoting satisfaction and reducing fatigue: Understanding the impact of trauma‐informed organizational culture on psychological wellness among Direct Service Providers

Keesler

2020

Research Intellect Disabil

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are challenged with maintaining a viable workforce of direct support professionals (DSPs). Amid multiple factors, organizational culture based on trauma‐informed care may promote DSP retention through increased satisfaction and decreased fatigue. Method An online survey was used to gather data from DSPs (n = 380) across seven agencies and two online social media groups. Data were analysed using stepwise regression to identify the relationship between trauma‐informed organizational culture and professional quality of life (i.e., satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress). Results Trauma‐informed organizational culture was associated with increased DSP psychological wellness. Regression models explained 7.3%–40.5% of the variance in professional quality of life. Conclusions Although trauma‐informed initiatives have lagged in IDD services, this study provides preliminary evidence to bolster its justification, highlighting it as a possible partial response to the current workforce challenges.

show abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences Among MSW Students

Cited by 77 publications

References 57 publications

Increasing Social Work Students’ Participation in Macro Specializations

Increasing Social Work Students’ Participation in Macro Specializations

What Doesn’t Kill You

Promoting satisfaction and reducing fatigue: Understanding the impact of trauma‐informed organizational culture on psychological wellness among Direct Service Providers

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About