Managing the results trap: Resources drawn from the integration of spirituality, religion, and practice

ABSTRACT

The results trap happens when social workers believe they are responsible for and/or that they have control over the outcomes of their clients. This article explains the etiology and signs of the results trap along with highlighting how it can impair a social worker’s practice as it fosters stress and burnout. The article explores how a spiritual-based examination of practice perspectives and self-care can help practitioners avoid or limit the impact of this trap. Examination and consideration of spiritual and religious voices as part of a spiritual self-care strategy can help practitioners utilize these approaches while simultaneously avoiding this trap.

KEYWORDS:

• outcomes
• results
• spirituality
• religion
• burnout

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.