- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Faculties
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
19 Jan 2010 11:55:24
Trainee social workers could benefit from special training in emotional intelligence - according to a University of Bedfordshire professor.
That’s the result of a study carried out by Professor of Occupational Health Psychology Gail Kinman and Louise Grant of the Department of Social Work. Professor Kinman presented her findings at a national occupational psychology conference.
Some 240 trainee social workers from across the South-East took part in the study which aimed to gain a better understanding of how to help newly trained social workers become more resilient to stress.
The study measured the levels of emotional resilience and psychological distress, as well as several key attributes that might enhance stress resilience. These include emotional intelligence, empathy and reflective ability.
A total of 43 per cent of the trainee social workers had scores of psychological distress high enough to warrant psychological intervention.
Professor Kinman said: “This finding illustrates the psychological demands on social workers. The results indicated that trainee social workers who are more emotionally intelligent and socially competent are more resilient. This seems to protect them from the high levels of psychological distress that are common in this profession.
“I suggest that time and training should be dedicated to helping trainee social workers develop the emotional competences that are likely to enhance their emotional resilience and equip them for their future career.
“At the University of Bedfordshire we are dedicated to helping our social work students enhance their resilience to stress. The research programme is ongoing, but we have used the findings of our research to introduce special training in stress management which will help improve wellbeing in the profession.
The British Psychological Society Division of Occupational Psychology Annual Conference took place at the Brighton Holiday Inn from 13 – 15 January 2010.
Latest news» 2010» January» Resilience training could help trainee social workers says Uni professor
