Graduate social work students’ attitudes about client religion

Abstract

Scholars recognize the importance of religion and spirituality for individual as well as family functioning and development throughout the life stages. However, few studies empirically examine the attitudes of social workers on these issues. This paper describes a study which explored the attitudes of graduate students about client religion and social work practice. Findings suggest that students recognize the importance of religion yet are less sure how to operationalize this concern. Analysis across variables indicated that student religious affiliation and activity levels exerted more influence on these “professional attitudes” than social work education.

Keywords:

• Client religion
• student attitudes
• social work education