Preventing Burnout: An Exploration of Social Workers' Challenges and Coping Strategies

In this systematic review, the researcher synthesized literature regarding the stressors and de-stressors that social workers endure in their careers. Using SocINDEX, PsycINFO, and Social Work Abstracts, 13 studies meeting criteria for the review were then analyzed. Themes identified included: stressors coming from the work place, coping strategies that social workers use to deal with their stress, symptoms from stress, social workers working with children having more stress than those working with adults, and reasons why social workers do not quit their jobs. The studies included in this review found several main reasons for stress and ways to cope with them, but suggests a need for additional studies on both symptoms from stress and what keeps social workers from leaving their jobs. This study gives evidence to the need for continual self-care in the social work profession to eliminate burnout and stress.