https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7672-1021
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ABSTRACT
This qualitative study explored MSW students’ perceived facilitators and barriers to self-care. Research suggests MSW students experience high stress from heavy course workloads, internship, and exposure to human suffering. MSW students report difficulty engaging in self-care, even when provided by their programs. Hence, it is important to gain insights into what promotes and prohibits MSW student self-care. MSW students participated in four semi-structured focus groups (N = 27, x– age = 27.8 years, 85.2% female, 55.6% white, 44.4% students of color). Analysis followed a combination of constant comparison and template analysis. Five themes underscore barriers and facilitators to self-care. Findings suggest importance of fostering a culture of self-care in MSW programs and assisting students to alter cognitive roadblocks to self-care.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Nicole Nicotera
Nicole Nicotera, PhD, is at University of Denver. Tyler M. Han, MSW, is at University of Denver. Jen Sedivy, MSW, is at University of Denver. Joshua Andelora, MSW, is at University of Denver.