Citation

Steen JT, Straussner SLA, Senreich E. Smith Coll. Stud. Soc. Work 2021; 91(3): 216-233.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00377317.2021.1887790

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Studies of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have found that childhood maltreatment can have a negative impact during adulthood. Little is known about ACEs among social workers and how these experiences impact their work. This paper presents qualitative data collected from a convenience sample of 1,828 licensed social workers from 13 states exploring the ways in which their ACEs, as reflected by their responses to the ACE inventory, influenced their decisions to become social workers and affected their work. Respondents indicated that their ACEs created interest in exploring their own and their clients' family dynamics, helping others, engaging in their own therapy, understanding clients' experiences, advocating for change, and seeking supervision, among other themes. Implications for social work education and practice are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

Adverse Childhood Experiences; career choice; qualitative research; social workers; workplace issues