Religion and spirituality as a source of resilience among social workers: A strength-based perspective

This article explores religion and spirituality as sources of resilience among social workers in South Africa. Social work remains a demanding, emotionally straining, and stressful profession. Although social workers are exposed to adversity, they are expected to be resilient. While some experience structural difficulties and remain passive and vulnerable, others are resilient. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. It presents coping mechanisms for social workers to be resilient and deal with adversity. The study reveals the cultural, traditional, and spiritual as sources of resilience and provides recommendations to bridge the resilience gap guided by a strength-based approach.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Social Work
Published
2025-11-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/00208728251383138
Primary Topic
Resilience and Mental Health
Type
article
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article

Religion and spirituality as a source of resilience among social workers: A strength-based perspective

Tumelo Sekgobela
International Social Work
Resilience and Mental Health
article

Religion and spirituality as a source of resilience among social workers: A strength-based perspective

Tumelo Sekgobela
article en

Abstract

This article explores religion and spirituality as sources of resilience among social workers in South Africa. Social work remains a demanding, emotionally straining, and stressful profession. Although social workers are exposed to adversity, they are expected to be resilient. While some experience structural difficulties and remain passive and vulnerable, others are resilient. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. It presents coping mechanisms for social workers to be resilient and deal with adversity. The study reveals the cultural, traditional, and spiritual as sources of resilience and provides recommendations to bridge the resilience gap guided by a strength-based approach.

International Social WorkVol. 69(2)
University of Venda (ZA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 54%
Resilience and Mental Health
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