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ABSTRACT
Mindfulness and empathy are protective factors for social workers and may also improve client outcomes. They may be especially important when dealing with clients experiencing grief and death-related challenges. This study replicated a previous study assessing empathy and mindfulness in social work students before and after an experiential death education course with a focus on traumatic grief. The Empathy Assessment Index and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire were used to measure changes in empathy and mindfulness in 111 primarily MSW-level social work students after the completion of the course. Results showed statistically significant improvements in overall empathy, on three of five empathy subscales, and on four of five mindfulness facets. A qualitative analysis of responses to an open-ended question asking about ways in which the course was meaningful to students found themes of increased awareness, a deepened sense of connection, and preparation for clinical practice.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Kara Thieleman
Kara Thieleman, MSW from Arizona State University. Kara is currently a PhD Candidate at Arizona State University. Her research interests include traumatic bereavement, grief, and mindfulness.
Joanne Cacciatore
Joanne Cacciatore, PhD is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University. She directs the graduate Certificate in Trauma and Bereavement and both studies the effects of traumatic grief and has a direct practice that includes nature and mindfulness based interventions like carefarming, ecotherapy, and meditation. Her best selling book Bearing the Unbearable: Love, loss, and the heartbreaking path of grief won a national award.