Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Mary E. Larscheid

Abstract

AbstractMiddle school is a time when adolescents struggle with social challenges, self-identity, and self-esteem. Social workers are critical stakeholders to support families in schools; these professionals serve in a unique capacity to assist with attendance, provide medical and behavioralsupport and connect families with resources to mitigate barriers to students’ success. Little is known, however, about the role social workers play in preventing and addressing the social isolation of middle school students. The purpose of this project was to explore the role of the social worker as it relates to preventing and addressing the social isolation of middle school students. Self-determination theory and relationship motivation theory were used as the conceptual frameworks to support the research. A generic qualitative methodology included semi structured interviews with five middle school social workers from Metro Atlanta school districts. Data were collected, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. Although social workers felt they were equipped to do their jobs (i.e., through professional learning training and with the necessary resources and tools), they were clear that students had unmet needs regarding social isolation, such as consistency indiscipline, meaningful relationships, being able to manage the influences of social media in a healthy way, and so forth. This study can be used for positive social change by highlighting gaps in current social work practice and in the types of professional development needed by social workers, and other educational stakeholders (i.e., teachers, administrators, district personnel, etc.) to positively impact the social isolation middle school students experience.

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