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Open Access Knowledge and Scholarship

Date of Award

5-2026

Culminating Project Type

Thesis

Styleguide

apa

Degree Name

Social Work: M.S.W

Department

Social Work

College

School of Health and Human Services

First Advisor

Dr. Togo-Malm Patience

Second Advisor

Dr. Sheila Moriarty

Third Advisor

Dr. Stark-Rose

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Keywords and Subject Headings

Burnout; Emotional Exhaustion; Social Work Practice; Self-Care; Organizational Support; High-Acuity Work; Workforce Well-Being; Occupational Stress; Human Services; Systemic and Structural Pressures.

Abstract

The study examines both self-care practices and organizational strategies in preventing burnout among social workers in Minnesota. The main objective of this study is to examine social workers' self-care practices to prevent burnout, assess organizational support for preventing burnout, and analyze how these individual and organizational approaches influence burnout experiences.

An exploratory qualitative design underpinned semi-structured interviews with 5 social workers, some of whom also serve in supervisory or organizational leadership roles across practice settings, including healthcare, child welfare, and mental health services. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis approach in NVivo. The analysis showed five interconnected themes: Emotional Exhaustion as Burnout's Core Dimension; Self-Care Defined;

Intentional Disconnection and Restoration; Guilt and Moral Obligation as Barriers to Self-Care;

Organizational Support as Both Protective and Constrained; and the Limits of Self-Care amid Systemic Pressures. The findings showed that these barriers affected their engagement in meaningful self-care practices despite supportive supervision and peer relationships. Although self-care practices, which participants found meaningful, are beneficial, participants continue to face high workload demands, staffing shortages, and structural constraints. The study's findings show that burnout among social workers is primarily an organizational and systemic issue and requires integrated interventions that combine individual self-care with supportive leadership, manageable workloads, and broader policy-level reforms.

Comments/Acknowledgements

This thesis would not have been attainable without the almighty God, who blessed the key individuals in my life with the wisdom, strength, and compassion to support me. My first acknowledgement goes to my committee chair, Dr. Togo-Malm Patience, for her invaluable input and supervision. Her professionalism, work ethic, and detail-oriented supervision helped shape this work and left me with enduring lessons in effective organization and attention to detail. I am grateful to Dr. Togo-Malm Patience. God bless you. 

First, I am grateful to my committee members and fellow mentors, Dr. Sheila Moriarity and Dr. Stark-Rose, who provided valuable knowledge and skills. To all the faculty members in the Social Work Department, I appreciate your knowledge and advice during my graduate studies. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to my partner, Mawuli Martey, for his unwavering support and encouragement, which provided a strong foundation throughout my graduate studies. I am also extremely thankful to my mom, Christiana Afeke, for believing in me and in my journey. Special thanks to all the heads of institutions who graciously gave me access to their organizations, making my data collection possible.

I dedicate this thesis to all social workers who tirelessly serve others while managing emotional and professional challenges. May this work inspire continued efforts to support their well-being and resilience. God bless you all. 

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