Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Tina Jaeckle

Abstract

AbstractAs the leading-edge baby boomer (L-E boomer) cohort continues to age, demands of mental health services in treating diagnosed depression in this cohort are increasing. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are the most likely social workers to provide services to L-E boomers diagnosed with depression. LCSWs were the chosen participants for this generic qualitative study to gain knowledge of their perspectives of working with L-E boomers diagnosed with depression. Grounded in generational theory, this study used a generic qualitative approach allowing for nonrestrictive measures for capturing the data. NVIVO assisted in coding the data and identification of common themes, words, and patterns. The five themes which emerged from the results are as follows: (a) obstacles to successful client therapy, (b) emergence of Covid 19, (c) rewarding experiences that derived from working with L-E boomers, (d) the role that the use of drugs and alcohol played with L-E boomers, and (e) cultural aspects of L-E boomers that surfaced during therapy sessions Positive social change was recognized in providing a better understanding of the changes needed to improve services for depression for this cohort as it is an illness commonly found with L-E boomers. This study also addressed a shortage of LCSWs interested in specializing in careers that provide treatment for depression of L-E boomers. A better understanding of some of the misconceptions that prevail in working as a LCSW for this cohort may entice potential LCSWs to choose gerontological social work. This may help meet the demands for mental health services with treatment for depression for L-E boomers.

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