Abstract
Workplace characteristics of social workers may harm their self-resilience and lead to symptoms of poor mental and physical health. Therefore, this study investigates the contribution of several personal factors (gender and length of work experience) and environmental factors (subjection to client violence, social support, and social and economic exchange in the employee–organization relationship) to self-reported resilience among social workers in Israel. Structured questionnaires were administered to 346 social workers. The findings suggest that previous subjection to violence by clients was associated with lower levels of self-reported resilience. Perceived social support and social exchange were positively associated with self-reported resilience. However, gender, length of professional experience, and economic exchange were not significantly associated with self-reported resilience among social workers. The current research findings can be used by policymakers and managers of welfare organizations intending to strengthen the resilience of social workers. Promoting resilience should consist of both measures to protect the physical safety of social workers in the work environment, and mechanisms to strengthen their emotional coping and thereby enhance their mental health in the workplace.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Health Promotion and Education
KEYWORDS
Social work, Resilience, Subjection to client violence, Social support
