The mental health needs of social work students: findings from an Irish survey

ABSTRACT

It is important to consider the mental health of social work students to promote their wellbeing and to ensure they are prepared for the potential stressors of practice. This cross-sectional survey of social work students (n = 240), the first of its kind on the island of Ireland, provides findings on mental health and a range of associated issues which can help to improve student welfare; the content of social work courses; social work practice; and so, outcomes for service users. The article discusses implications for the delivery of social work education internationally.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health
• social work
• professional education
• Social Determinants of Health
• Adverse Childhood Experiences
• Student Health Services

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jim Campbell

Jim Campbell is Professor of Social Work and Head of School in the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin.

Gavin Davidson

Gavin Davidson is Professor of Social Care in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen’s University Belfast.

Gloria Kirwan

Gloria Kirwan is Assistant Professor of Social Work in the Department of Applied Social Studies, Maynooth University.

Claire Mccartan

Claire McCartan is Research Fellow in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen’s University Belfast.

Daniel Mcfadden

Daniel McFadden is a PhD Researcher in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen’s University Belfast.