Social Work Student Self-Care and Academic Stress

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between self-care and academic stress in the hope that training social work students to practice self-care will start them on the right path to academic success and career longevity. The study surveyed 90 BASW and MSW students using the Academic Stress Scale. Students who practiced daily self-care had lower academic stress. In addition, with each year of progression through the program, students experienced minimally less academic stress. The type of self-care practiced was not a factor. Social work programs can be encouraged to teach self-care. Self-care theory and domains are also reviewed. More studies are needed to examine other factors that might reduce academic stress.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marissa O’Neill

Dr. Marissa O’Neill, PhD, is Associate Professor and Chair at Humbolt State University, Arcata, California.

Greta Yoder Slater

Greta Yoder Slater, PhD, is Associate Professor and MSW Director at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.

Deric Batt

Deric Batt, BSW, is Supportive Care Specialist at Aspire Indiana, Muncie, Indiana.