Are MSW interns and their supervisors adequately prepared to cope with the effect of being indirectly exposed to trauma?

Students who pursue master’s degrees in social work often do internships in schools, hospitals, and community organizations, where they serve clients who have experienced trauma.

And studies show that caregivers who are regularly exposed to traumatized patients often develop symptoms that mimic post-traumatic stress disorder. 

One study, published in 2007, found that more than 15 percent of social workers met the criteria for PTSD. That could mean that they avoid people, struggle to concentrate, or have disturbing dreams.

Are interns in the field of social work—and their supervisors—prepared to cope with the fallout from indirect exposure to trauma?

A team of researchers at UCLA in partnership with Boston College and Boston University will present their preliminary findings at the Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting next week.

“Social work interns are of particular concern because many are new to the field and may not be well-equipped to cope with exposure to trauma,” says Scott Easton, an associate professor in the Boston College School of Social Work who’s working on the study with student Liana Sandell. “While significant research has examined the impact of secondary stress on social work practitioners,” says Easton, who chairs the Health and Mental Health fields of practice, “few studies have focused on the impact or preparedness of social work students entering the field.”

Easton says the project aligns with the school’s Trauma Integration Initiative, a strategic effort to integrate trauma-informed theory, principles, and practice into curriculum, field education, and research. The ultimate goal of the research study, he says, is to provide recommendations to interns, supervisors, agencies, and field departments to reduce secondary trauma. 

“What could the field department do better and what could schools of social work do better?” says Easton. “What could the agency that’s providing the internship do to improve the supervision, quality, and the self-care of the students?”

Sandell says that the project has prepared her to pursue a doctorate in social work, which will require her to continue to do research. “I'm glad I was given this opportunity by professor Easton,” she says. “I feel like it's taken my education to the next level.”

Easton agrees. “The work that Liana is doing now is on the level of a doctoral student,” he says. “It’s high level analytical work that I couldn't be prouder of or more impressed with.”

Here is the schedule for students, faculty, and alumni in the Boston College School of Social Work who will present their research at the Council of Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting next week: