Date of Conferral
2021
Degree
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
School
Social Work
Advisor
Deborah Rice
Abstract
Limited research existed regarding the experience of informal caregiving that female social workers provide to older loved ones while managing a full-time social work position. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to understand how Female Master’s level Social Workers (FMSWs) who are also informal caregivers manage these roles and whether the roles impact current and future well-being. Role spillover theory and cumulative disadvantage theory were the theoretical frameworks. Data were collected from nine participants through interviews completed on Zoom. The participants responded interview questions about significant changes in their levels of stress, resiliency, or burnout at work or other areas of their lives in the short term and long term; skills, resources, or supports they have as social workers in their caregiving role; and any increase in feelings of burden, disadvantages, or fear of future financial or health-related consequences due to performing both roles simultaneously. Themes identified through narrative analysis included feelings of stress caused by role spillover. The most critical nonmaterial resource was the connections participants established as social workers. The financial burden experienced by participants of color was an issue most thought would affect their aging process. Positive social change implications for the profession include acknowledging the struggles social workers face while providing informal care and identifying relevant tools and supports that can be used to ease the burdens.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Randi L., "Understanding Female Full-Time Social Workers’ Experience Providing Informal Care for Older Loved Ones" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 10699.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/10699
