Social Work Students’ Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Themes of Resilience

ABSTRACT

In May 2020, we surveyed 3,291 students enrolled in accredited social work programs in the United States about experiences during the pandemic. More than half reported learning less during online delivery (61%) compared to in-person instruction. About 3 in 10 reported disruptions to their financial security (29%) and experiencing mental health concerns (35%). In regression models, students dissatisfied with communication from their university and instructors had higher odds of experiencing each of these three outcomes. Qualitative data reinforced findings that the financial, social, and mental health consequences of the current pandemic have greatly challenged students, and also highlighted areas of strength and resilience. Implications for university administrators and social work program faculty, staff, and students are discussed.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Council on Social Work Education, especially Ryan Bradshaw, research specialist, and Julie Rhoads, director of education initiatives and research for supporting our data collection; Director Dale Russell and Dr. Stacey Ault for advising during early stages of the project; the social work program affiliates for sending out our survey; and the student respondents. Each of these people gave to this project while juggling the early stages of the pandemic themselves.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ethan J. Evans

Ethan J. Evans is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento and a Research Affiliate with the Center for Health Care Policy and Research, University of California, Davis. Sarah C. Reed is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento. Kyle Caler is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento. Kisun Nam is an Associate Professor at California State University, Sacramento.

Sarah C. Reed

Ethan J. Evans is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento and a Research Affiliate with the Center for Health Care Policy and Research, University of California, Davis. Sarah C. Reed is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento. Kyle Caler is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento. Kisun Nam is an Associate Professor at California State University, Sacramento.

Kyle Caler

Ethan J. Evans is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento and a Research Affiliate with the Center for Health Care Policy and Research, University of California, Davis. Sarah C. Reed is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento. Kyle Caler is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento. Kisun Nam is an Associate Professor at California State University, Sacramento.

Kisun Nam

Ethan J. Evans is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento and a Research Affiliate with the Center for Health Care Policy and Research, University of California, Davis. Sarah C. Reed is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento. Kyle Caler is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Sacramento. Kisun Nam is an Associate Professor at California State University, Sacramento.