areas of research in social work

199+ Social Work Research Topics [Updated 2024]

In the vast and dynamic field of social work, research plays a pivotal role in shaping interventions, policies, and practices. Social work research is not just an academic pursuit but a powerful tool for effecting positive change in communities. As aspiring researchers delve into this realm, the journey begins with a crucial decision – selecting the right social work research topic.

In this blog, we will explore the significance of choosing the right social work research topics, provide insights into the selection process, highlight popular research areas, discuss emerging trends, offer tips for conducting research, and share valuable resources for social work researchers.

Significance of Choosing the Right Social Work Research Topics

Table of Contents

Impact on Research Quality

The choice of a research topic significantly influences the quality and relevance of the research conducted. A well-chosen topic enhances the researcher’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge in social work.

Alignment with Personal Interests and Goals

Selecting a topic aligned with personal interests and career goals fosters a sense of passion and commitment. This alignment not only sustains the researcher’s enthusiasm throughout the process but also increases the likelihood of producing impactful research.

Contribution to the Field of Social Work

The right research topic has the potential to contribute to the broader field of social work by addressing pressing issues, proposing innovative solutions, and advancing our understanding of complex social dynamics.

How to Select Social Work Research Topics?

Understanding the Scope of Social Work: Social work is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses various domains such as mental health, child welfare, community development, and more. Prospective researchers should explore the diverse scopes within social work to identify areas that resonate with their interests and expertise.
Identifying Personal Interests and Passion: Passion fuels research endeavors. Researchers should reflect on their personal experiences, values, and interests to identify areas within social work that evoke a strong sense of commitment.
Considering Relevance to Current Social Issues: Social work research gains significance when it addresses current societal challenges. Researchers should evaluate potential topics based on their relevance to contemporary issues, ensuring that the findings can contribute meaningfully to ongoing dialogues and efforts for social change.

199+ Social Work Research Topics: Category-Wise

Mental health and social work.

The impact of community support on mental health outcomes.
Examining the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in social work.
Exploring stigma surrounding mental health in diverse populations.
Integrating technology in mental health counseling: Challenges and opportunities.
The role of social work in preventing suicide and self-harm.

Diversity and Inclusion in Social Work

LGBTQ+ inclusivity in social work practice.
Addressing microaggressions and bias in social work interactions.
Promoting cultural competence in social work education.
Exploring challenges faced by immigrants and refugees in accessing social services.
Intersectionality in social work: Understanding and addressing multiple identities.

Social Work and Community Development

Evaluating the impact of community gardens on neighborhood well-being.
The role of social workers in disaster response and recovery.
Strategies for combating homelessness and housing insecurity.
Assessing the effectiveness of community-based participatory research in social work.
Social work’s contribution to sustainable community development.

Social Work and Child Welfare

Investigating the long-term outcomes of children in foster care.
The impact of parental substance abuse on child welfare.
Exploring cultural competence in child welfare services.
Innovative approaches to supporting kinship care families.
Assessing the effectiveness of early intervention programs for at-risk children.

Global Perspectives in Social Work Research

Cross-cultural perspectives on social work ethics.
Human rights and social work: An international comparison.
The role of social work in addressing global health disparities.
Social work responses to forced migration and refugee crises.
Comparative analysis of social work systems in different countries.

Technology and Social Work

Ethical considerations in the use of artificial intelligence in social work.
Online therapy and its implications for the future of social work.
Integrating telehealth in social work practice: Challenges and benefits.
Cyberbullying and the role of social workers in prevention and intervention.
The impact of social media on social work advocacy.

Policy and Advocacy in Social Work

Analyzing the impact of welfare reform on vulnerable populations.
Social work advocacy for criminal justice reform.
The role of social workers in shaping healthcare policies.
Addressing disparities in access to education through social work policy.
Environmental justice and the role of social work in sustainability.

Substance Abuse and Addiction in Social Work

Harm reduction strategies in social work practice.
Supporting families affected by substance abuse: A social work perspective.
Exploring the intersection of trauma and addiction in social work.
Assessing the effectiveness of drug prevention programs in schools.
The role of social workers in opioid addiction treatment.

Gerontology and Aging in Social Work

Aging in place: Examining the role of social work in supporting seniors at home.
Social isolation and mental health in the elderly population.
Addressing elder abuse: Strategies for prevention and intervention.
Palliative care and the role of social workers in end-of-life care.
The impact of dementia on families and the role of social work support.

Education and Social Work

The role of school social workers in addressing student mental health.
Inclusive education: Social work interventions for students with disabilities.
Bullying prevention programs in schools: A social work perspective.
Examining the impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes.
Social work support for students experiencing homelessness.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

Human trafficking prevention and intervention strategies in social work.
The role of social workers in supporting survivors of human trafficking.
Addressing labor exploitation through social work advocacy.
Intersectionality and human trafficking: A comprehensive approach.
Assessing the effectiveness of anti-trafficking policies and programs.

Family Dynamics and Social Work

Impact of divorce and separation on children: Social work interventions.
Foster care reunification: Challenges and success factors.
LGBTQ+ parenting and the role of social work in family support.
Domestic violence prevention programs: A social work perspective.
Blended families: Navigating challenges and fostering resilience.

Health and Healthcare Disparities

Social determinants of health and their impact on vulnerable populations.
Access to healthcare for underserved communities: A social work perspective.
The role of social workers in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses.
Reducing health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities through social work interventions.
Palliative care and the psychosocial aspects of terminal illness.

Human Rights and Social Work

Social work advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Promoting gender equality through social work initiatives.
Indigenous rights and the role of social workers in reconciliation.
Advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities: A social work perspective.
Social work responses to human rights violations and social justice issues.

Disability and Inclusion

Social work interventions for children with developmental disabilities.
The impact of inclusive employment programs on individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility and social work advocacy for people with physical disabilities.
Autism spectrum disorder: Social work support for individuals and families.
Inclusive recreation programs: Enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.

Veterans and Military Social Work

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the role of social workers in veteran support.
Social work interventions for military families experiencing deployment stress.
Transitioning from military to civilian life: Challenges and opportunities.
The impact of substance abuse on veterans and social work prevention strategies.
Access to mental health services for veterans: A social work perspective.

Community Mental Health Programs

Evaluating the effectiveness of community mental health clinics.
Peer support programs in community mental health: A social work approach.
Social work interventions for reducing stigma around mental illness in communities.
Integrating mental health into primary care settings through collaborative care approaches.
Social workers’ roles in school-based mental health initiatives.

Immigration and Social Work

Social work responds to populations of immigrants and refugees’ mental health issues.
The effect of immigration laws on social service accessibility.
Community integration and social work support for immigrants.
Advocacy for immigrant rights: A social work perspective.
Family reunification and the role of social workers in immigration processes.

Social Work in Rural Communities

Access to healthcare in rural communities: Social work interventions.
Substance abuse prevention in rural settings: Challenges and solutions.
Community development strategies for promoting rural well-being.
Addressing mental health disparities in rural populations: A social work approach.
Social work support for families facing economic challenges in rural areas.

Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice

Integrating trauma-informed care into social work practice.
Addressing childhood trauma through school-based interventions.
Trauma-focused therapies and their application in social work.
Vicarious trauma and self-care strategies for social workers.
The role of social workers in supporting survivors of sexual assault.

Social Work in Schools

School-based bullying prevention programs: A social work perspective.
Social work interventions for students with learning disabilities.
The impact of school social workers on academic success.
Mental health support for at-risk youth in school settings.
The role of social workers in addressing the school-to-prison pipeline.

Criminal Justice and Social Work

Reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals: A social work approach.
Juvenile justice and the role of social workers in rehabilitation.
Addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system: A social work perspective.
The impact of incarceration on families and social work support.

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

Principles and applications of community-based participatory research in social work.
Engaging communities in the research process: A CBPR approach.
Evaluating the outcomes of community-based interventions using CBPR.
Challenges and opportunities in implementing CBPR in diverse settings.
Empowering communities through CBPR: Case studies and best practices.

Social Work and Environmental Justice

Climate change and its impact on vulnerable populations: A social work perspective.
Environmental justice and community organizing: Social work interventions.
Sustainable community development and the role of social workers.
Access to clean water and sanitation: A social work advocacy approach.
Indigenous perspectives on environmental justice: A social work lens.

Human Services Administration

Leadership styles in human services administration: A social work perspective.
The role of technology in improving human services delivery.
Strategies for effective human services program evaluation.
Addressing burnout and promoting self-care in human services organizations.
Social work ethics and decision-making in human services administration.

Social Work and Artificial Intelligence

Applications of AI in social work practice: Opportunities and challenges.
The role of chatbots in mental health support: A social work perspective.
Bias and fairness in algorithmic decision-making in social work.
Human-AI collaboration in social work: Enhancing service delivery.

Crisis Intervention and Social Work

Social work responses to natural disasters: Lessons learned and best practices.
Crisis intervention strategies for individuals experiencing acute trauma.
The role of social workers in emergency shelters and disaster recovery.
Trauma-informed care in crisis intervention: A social work approach.
Collaborative approaches to crisis intervention in community settings.

Social Work in the LGBTQ+ Community

LGBTQ+ youth homelessness: Social work interventions and prevention.
Supporting transgender and non-binary individuals in social work practice.
Mental health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community: A social work perspective.
LGBTQ+ inclusive policies in social service organizations.
Social work advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and equal access to services.

Social Work and Aging

Aging in place: Social work interventions for promoting independence.
Social work support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.
End-of-life decision-making and the role of social workers.
Social isolation among older adults: Strategies for prevention and intervention.
Exploring innovative housing models for aging populations.

Faith-Based Social Work

The intersection of faith and social work: Ethical considerations.
Faith-based organizations in community development: A social work perspective.
Pastoral care and counseling: Social work support in religious communities.
Addressing religious discrimination in social work practice.
Interfaith dialogue and its role in fostering social cohesion: A social work approach.

Social Work in Substance Use Prevention

Social work interventions for preventing substance use among adolescents.
The impact of early childhood experiences on later substance use: A social work perspective.
Prevention programs targeting high-risk populations: A social work approach.
Social work support for families affected by parental substance use.
Community-based strategies for preventing opioid misuse: A social work lens.

Global Mental Health and Social Work

Cultural considerations in global mental health: A social work approach.
Collaborative approaches to addressing mental health stigma globally.
The role of social workers in disaster mental health response internationally.
Integrating traditional healing practices into global mental health interventions.
Comparative analysis of mental health policies and services worldwide.

Social Work and Human-Animal Interaction

Animal-assisted therapy in social work practice: Applications and benefits.
The role of therapy animals in reducing stress and promoting well-being.
Animal cruelty prevention and the role of social workers.
The impact of pet ownership on mental health: A social work perspective.
Ethical considerations in incorporating animals into social work interventions.

Refugee Mental Health and Social Work

Trauma-informed approaches in working with refugee populations.
Social work support for refugee children in educational settings.
Addressing mental health disparities among refugee communities.
Cultural competence in providing mental health services to refugees.
Resettlement challenges and social work interventions for refugees.

Community Resilience and Social Work

Building community resilience in the face of adversity: A social work perspective.
Social work interventions for promoting resilience in vulnerable populations.
Resilience-based mental health programs in schools: A social work approach.
The role of social workers in disaster resilience planning.
Collective trauma and community healing: A social work lens.

Technology and Social Work Ethics

Ethical considerations in the use of social media in social work practice.
Privacy and confidentiality in the age of digital record-keeping.
Ensuring equity in access to technology-based interventions: A social work approach.
Social work responses to cyberbullying: Prevention and intervention strategies.
Ethical guidelines for the use of virtual reality in social work practice.

Social Work in Sports

Sports-based youth development programs: A social work perspective.
The role of social workers in promoting mental health in athletes.
Addressing substance use and performance-enhancing drugs in sports: A social work lens.
Inclusive sports programs for individuals with disabilities: A social work approach.
Social work interventions for preventing and addressing sports-related violence.

Social Work in the Arts

Arts-based interventions in social work practice: Applications and outcomes.
The role of creative expression in trauma recovery: A social work perspective.
Using theater and performance arts in social work education and therapy.
Arts programs for at-risk youth: A social work approach.
The impact of the arts on community well-being: A social work lens.

Social Work and Foster Care Adoption

Social work interventions for successful foster care reunification.
Addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care.
The impact of foster care placement on child development: A social work perspective.
Post-adoption support services: A social work approach.
Cultural competence in transracial and transcultural foster care and adoption.

Social Work in the Gig Economy

The Role of Social Work in Addressing Mental Health Challenges in the Gig Economy
Exploring Social Work Strategies for Supporting Gig Workers’ Financial Stability
Gig Economy and Social Work Advocacy: Ensuring Fair Labor Practices
Navigating Occupational Hazards: Social Work Interventions in Gig Work Environments
Social Work’s Contribution to Promoting Work-Life Balance in the Gig Economy

Emerging Trends in Social Work Research

The Impact of Technology on Social Work Practice: Examine how technology is influencing social work practices and service delivery, considering both advantages and ethical considerations.
Ethical Considerations in the Use of Technology in Social Work Research: Discuss the ethical challenges associated with the integration of technology in social work research and propose guidelines for responsible use.
Cross-Cultural Studies in Social Work: Explore the significance of cross-cultural studies in social work research, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse cultural contexts.
Addressing Global Social Issues through Research: Investigate how social work research can contribute to addressing global social challenges, such as poverty, migration, and climate change.

Tips for Conducting Social Work Research

Developing a Research Question

Craft a research question for social work research topics that is clear, concise, and aligns with the chosen social work research topic. The question should guide the research process and contribute meaningfully to the existing literature.

Choosing Appropriate Research Methods

Select research methods that align with the nature of the research question and the goals of the study. Consider whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches are most suitable for addressing the research objectives.

Ethical Considerations in Social Work Research

Prioritize ethical considerations throughout the research process. Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the dignity and rights of research participants.

Resources for Social Work Researchers

Journals and Publications

Explore reputable social work journals and publications to stay updated on the latest research, methodologies, and findings. Examples include the “Journal of Social Work” and the “British Journal of Social Work.”

Professional Organizations

Joining professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and conferences that enhance a researcher’s knowledge and skills.

Online Databases and Research Tools

Utilize online databases like PubMed , Social Work Abstracts, and Google Scholar to access a wide range of social work research articles. Additionally, familiarize yourself with research tools and software that can streamline the research process.

In conclusion, the journey of selecting the social work research topics is a crucial step that requires thoughtful consideration and reflection. The chosen topic should align with personal interests, address current social issues, and contribute meaningfully to the field of social work.

As researchers embark on this journey, they have the opportunity to explore diverse areas, from mental health and child welfare to emerging trends in technology and global perspectives.

By following ethical guidelines, employing appropriate research methods, and leveraging valuable resources, social work researchers can make significant contributions to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

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Research Areas

The School of Social Work faculty regularly focus on research that impacts people not only throughout the nation, but throughout the world. Our research can be grouped into six main themes: Child Welfare, Health and Mental Health, Poverty, Social Innovation, Social Work Research in Schools, and Workforce Development. We are experts in a variety of scientific methods including advanced observational science, advanced statistics, intervention science, qualitative research, and program evaluation.

The School of Social Work faculty and their collaborators are focused on the following research themes:

Child Welfare at the School of Social Work is defined as the social policies, practices, and services aimed at ensuring the safety, permanence and well-being of children and their families. Child welfare researchers engage a wide range of issues including the epidemiology of child maltreatment and public health implications, foster care and child welfare service delivery, and the impacts of policy on outcomes. Scholars focus their work both locally and nationally in the areas of:

Epidemiology of Child Maltreatment and Public Health – Advancing understanding of the incidence of child abuse and neglect in the United States along with their multi-level, interacting risk and protective factors and making a case for viewing child abuse and neglect in the United States as a critical public health issue
Foster Care and Child Welfare Services – Evaluating the service delivery and outcomes of children involved in public welfare systems and using research to support child welfare systems and agencies to be responsive to needs
Consumer-Perspectives and Experiences – Capturing the perspectives of children, families, and other child welfare professionals and using research to make person-centered-driven recommendations in systems of care
Strengthening Outcomes of Children and Families – Evaluating the degree to which policy, practices and services in Illinois have the intended impacts and using research to support decision makers in Illinois to make system decisions

Informed by a health equity framework, health and mental health research at the School of Social Work are broadly defined as a state in which all individuals have access to the resources necessary to achieve social, physical, and psychological well-being. Researchers at the School focus their work locally and internationally in the areas of:

Developing and testing behavioral health interventions to improve physical and mental health and to reduce substance use and enhance adherence to treatment through community engaged research
Identifying social determinants of health and health disparity among LGBTQ people of color, people with serious mental illness, older adults, and people with disabilities in marginalized urban and underserved rural communities
Detecting risk and protective health factors for perinatal women, children and families, people exposed to violence, and those with chronic health conditions
Determining impact of demographic and epidemiological changes on communities, addressing barriers to accessing and obtaining equitable health care, and tracking the role of technology in treatment

Poverty at the School of Social Work is defined as a state in which individuals, families, and communities lack access to material resources and political, social, and economic opportunities. Our poverty research includes primary and secondary analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to identify multi-level risk/protective factors, determine the impacts of policy interventions, and make science-based practice and policy recommendations. Scholars focus their work locally and internationally in the areas of:

Economic Security – Determining the impact of developmental approaches on economic well-being and the long-term employment and earning trajectories of children and families living in poverty
Access to Resources – Developing and testing innovative and strategic policy initiatives that increase access to benefits and understanding the ways access to resources effects child and family well-being
Health and well-being – Identifying the effects of poverty on health and well-being of individuals and communities

Social Innovation research in the School of Social Work is defined as the use of technology and bottom-up innovation strategies to create new solutions to social problems and transform social systems. Our social innovation research crosses disciplinary boundaries and has a focus on real world impact. Scholars at the School focus on:

Use of advanced mixed reality and virtual reality (VR) software to deliver psychotherapy and health education programming to racial/ethnic minority and vulnerable populations
Understanding the impact of volunteerism on sustainable social development
Developing and testing new tech-based applications to improve mental health and reduce substance use in the U.S. and internationally
Use of technology to deliver behavioral health interventions for older adults
Assessing gender, racial, and geographic inequalities in social enterprise and entrepreneurship

Social Work in Schools research at Illinois addresses multiple aspects of education and schooling and focuses on the promotion of just and equitable learning environments. Scholars at the School focus on:

Identifying aspects and impacts of structural racism and discriminatory practices, developing and evaluating alternatives to suspension
Evaluating the impacts of policy reforms on students, institutions, and communities and the implementation of evidence- based best practices
Developing and conducting evaluation at the school, district, and state levels to assess the impact of programming
Detecting preventative and risk factors, aspects of the social environment, and social emotional well-being that impact academic achievement
The development, implementation, and promotion of prevention, intervention, and remedial strategies and research within schools

Workforce Development is broadly defined by the School of Social Work as the development of community- based infrastructure and dissemination of training and educational models that are responsive to the changing landscape of the profession. Researchers at the School focus on:

Designing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum that supports social work education in fields such as substance use disorders, health, behavioral health, child welfare, school social work, leadership and social change, trauma informed practice.
We work with partners to develop solutions to address the behavioral and mental health workforce crisis and grow, recruit, and retain a qualified, modern, diverse, and evolving social work workforce

Social Work Research Methods That Drive the Practice

A social worker surveys a community member.

Social workers advocate for the well-being of individuals, families and communities. But how do social workers know what interventions are needed to help an individual? How do they assess whether a treatment plan is working? What do social workers use to write evidence-based policy?

Social work involves research-informed practice and practice-informed research. At every level, social workers need to know objective facts about the populations they serve, the efficacy of their interventions and the likelihood that their policies will improve lives. A variety of social work research methods make that possible.

Data-Driven Work

Data is a collection of facts used for reference and analysis. In a field as broad as social work, data comes in many forms.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

As with any research, social work research involves both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Quantitative Research

Answers to questions like these can help social workers know about the populations they serve — or hope to serve in the future.

How many students currently receive reduced-price school lunches in the local school district?
How many hours per week does a specific individual consume digital media?
How frequently did community members access a specific medical service last year?

Quantitative data — facts that can be measured and expressed numerically — are crucial for social work.

Quantitative research has advantages for social scientists. Such research can be more generalizable to large populations, as it uses specific sampling methods and lends itself to large datasets. It can provide important descriptive statistics about a specific population. Furthermore, by operationalizing variables, it can help social workers easily compare similar datasets with one another.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative data — facts that cannot be measured or expressed in terms of mere numbers or counts — offer rich insights into individuals, groups and societies. It can be collected via interviews and observations.

What attitudes do students have toward the reduced-price school lunch program?
What strategies do individuals use to moderate their weekly digital media consumption?
What factors made community members more or less likely to access a specific medical service last year?

Qualitative research can thereby provide a textured view of social contexts and systems that may not have been possible with quantitative methods. Plus, it may even suggest new lines of inquiry for social work research.

Mixed Methods Research

Combining quantitative and qualitative methods into a single study is known as mixed methods research. This form of research has gained popularity in the study of social sciences, according to a 2019 report in the academic journal Theory and Society. Since quantitative and qualitative methods answer different questions, merging them into a single study can balance the limitations of each and potentially produce more in-depth findings.

However, mixed methods research is not without its drawbacks. Combining research methods increases the complexity of a study and generally requires a higher level of expertise to collect, analyze and interpret the data. It also requires a greater level of effort, time and often money.

The Importance of Research Design

Data-driven practice plays an essential role in social work. Unlike philanthropists and altruistic volunteers, social workers are obligated to operate from a scientific knowledge base.

To know whether their programs are effective, social workers must conduct research to determine results, aggregate those results into comprehensible data, analyze and interpret their findings, and use evidence to justify next steps.

Employing the proper design ensures that any evidence obtained during research enables social workers to reliably answer their research questions.

Research Methods in Social Work

The various social work research methods have specific benefits and limitations determined by context. Common research methods include surveys, program evaluations, needs assessments, randomized controlled trials, descriptive studies and single-system designs.

Surveys involve a hypothesis and a series of questions in order to test that hypothesis. Social work researchers will send out a survey, receive responses, aggregate the results, analyze the data, and form conclusions based on trends.

Surveys are one of the most common research methods social workers use — and for good reason. They tend to be relatively simple and are usually affordable. However, surveys generally require large participant groups, and self-reports from survey respondents are not always reliable.

Program Evaluations

Social workers ally with all sorts of programs: after-school programs, government initiatives, nonprofit projects and private programs, for example.

Crucially, social workers must evaluate a program’s effectiveness in order to determine whether the program is meeting its goals and what improvements can be made to better serve the program’s target population.

Evidence-based programming helps everyone save money and time, and comparing programs with one another can help social workers make decisions about how to structure new initiatives. Evaluating programs becomes complicated, however, when programs have multiple goal metrics, some of which may be vague or difficult to assess (e.g., “we aim to promote the well-being of our community”).

Needs Assessments

Social workers use needs assessments to identify services and necessities that a population lacks access to.

Common social work populations that researchers may perform needs assessments on include:

People in a specific income group
Everyone in a specific geographic region
A specific ethnic group
People in a specific age group

In the field, a social worker may use a combination of methods (e.g., surveys and descriptive studies) to learn more about a specific population or program. Social workers look for gaps between the actual context and a population’s or individual’s “wants” or desires.

For example, a social worker could conduct a needs assessment with an individual with cancer trying to navigate the complex medical-industrial system. The social worker may ask the client questions about the number of hours they spend scheduling doctor’s appointments, commuting and managing their many medications. After learning more about the specific client needs, the social worker can identify opportunities for improvements in an updated care plan.

In policy and program development, social workers conduct needs assessments to determine where and how to effect change on a much larger scale. Integral to social work at all levels, needs assessments reveal crucial information about a population’s needs to researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders. Needs assessments may fall short, however, in revealing the root causes of those needs (e.g., structural racism).

Randomized Controlled Trials

Randomized controlled trials are studies in which a randomly selected group is subjected to a variable (e.g., a specific stimulus or treatment) and a control group is not. Social workers then measure and compare the results of the randomized group with the control group in order to glean insights about the effectiveness of a particular intervention or treatment.

Randomized controlled trials are easily reproducible and highly measurable. They’re useful when results are easily quantifiable. However, this method is less helpful when results are not easily quantifiable (i.e., when rich data such as narratives and on-the-ground observations are needed).

Descriptive Studies

Descriptive studies immerse the researcher in another context or culture to study specific participant practices or ways of living. Descriptive studies, including descriptive ethnographic studies, may overlap with and include other research methods:

Informant interviews
Census data
Observation

By using descriptive studies, researchers may glean a richer, deeper understanding of a nuanced culture or group on-site. The main limitations of this research method are that it tends to be time-consuming and expensive.

Single-System Designs

Unlike most medical studies, which involve testing a drug or treatment on two groups — an experimental group that receives the drug/treatment and a control group that does not — single-system designs allow researchers to study just one group (e.g., an individual or family).

Single-system designs typically entail studying a single group over a long period of time and may involve assessing the group’s response to multiple variables.

For example, consider a study on how media consumption affects a person’s mood. One way to test a hypothesis that consuming media correlates with low mood would be to observe two groups: a control group (no media) and an experimental group (two hours of media per day). When employing a single-system design, however, researchers would observe a single participant as they watch two hours of media per day for one week and then four hours per day of media the next week.

These designs allow researchers to test multiple variables over a longer period of time. However, similar to descriptive studies, single-system designs can be fairly time-consuming and costly.

Learn More About Social Work Research Methods

Social workers have the opportunity to improve the social environment by advocating for the vulnerable — including children, older adults and people with disabilities — and facilitating and developing resources and programs.

Learn more about how you can earn your Master of Social Work online at Virginia Commonwealth University . The highest-ranking school of social work in Virginia, VCU has a wide range of courses online. That means students can earn their degrees with the flexibility of learning at home. Learn more about how you can take your career in social work further with VCU.

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Gov.uk, Mixed Methods Study

MVS Open Press, Foundations of Social Work Research

Open Social Work Education, Scientific Inquiry in Social Work

Open Social Work, Graduate Research Methods in Social Work: A Project-Based Approach

Routledge, Research for Social Workers: An Introduction to Methods

SAGE Publications, Research Methods for Social Work: A Problem-Based Approach

Theory and Society, Mixed Methods Research: What It Is and What It Could Be

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225 Social Work Research Topics For College Students – Ideas for College Students

Social work is an important job that helps improve people’s lives, families, and communities. Research is a key part of social work studies. It allows you to look deeply into social issues, understand different views, and contribute to the growing knowledge in this field.

Picking the right research topic can be tough. That’s why we’ve made a list of 225 interesting social work research topics. These topics cover many areas, such as child welfare, mental health, addiction, community development, and social justice.

This list is meant to give you ideas, make you think critically, and provide knowledge to help make a real difference in social work.

Importance of Choosing a Relevant Topic

Table of Contents

Picking a good research topic is super important for a few reasons. First, it makes sure your research fits with current issues and trends in social work. By choosing a topic that deals with challenges happening now or builds on existing knowledge, you can contribute to ongoing talks and help develop effective solutions and rules.

Also, a good topic increases the chances that your research findings will be helpful to social workers, policymakers, and communities. Social work directly impacts people’s lives, and by researching important matters, you can potentially create positive change and inform decision-making.

Furthermore, a well-chosen topic can keep you motivated and involved throughout the research process. When you are truly interested and passionate about the subject, you are more likely to approach the research with enthusiasm and hard work, leading to better results.

It is also important to consider if there are enough resources and data available for your chosen topic. Selecting a topic with plenty of existing writings, reliable data sources, and people to research can make the process smoother and increase the credibility of your findings.

Moreover, a good topic can open up opportunities to collaborate with organizations, agencies, or communities actively working in that area, providing opportunities to apply your research and further explore the subject matter.

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Tips for Selecting a Research Topic

Picking a topic for research is an important first step. Your topic should be something you truly care about and want to explore deeply. Here are some tips for choosing an engaging and meaningful social work research topic:

Find Areas You Really Like

Make a list of the social issues or groups of people that you are most interested in. Think about personal experiences, volunteer work, internships, or classes that made you curious and want to learn more. Having a real interest will keep you motivated throughout the whole research process.

Look at Current Information

Look through recent journals, books, and reliable websites related to your interests. Note any gaps in knowledge or questions that come up from the existing information. These gaps can point you toward relevant research topics.

Consider Real-World Impact

Choose a topic that has the potential to inform policies, practices, or ways to help that can create positive social change. Research that can be applied in real-world situations is especially valuable in social work.

Make Sure Data Exists

Ensure there is enough data available to support an in-depth study of your chosen topic. This may include access to case studies, survey data, records, or people to participate in your research.

Narrow Your Focus

While social issues are often very broad and complex, a focused research topic is easier to manage and allows for deeper exploration. Narrow your topic to a specific population, geographic area, or part of the larger issue.

Get Input from Others

Talk to professors, professionals in the field, or experienced researchers for their insights and suggestions on potential topics. Their expertise can help you refine your ideas and identify promising areas for research.

Think About Ethics

As a social worker, it’s important to consider the ethical impacts of your research, such as protecting participants’ rights and well-being, addressing potential biases, and being sensitive to cultural differences.

Be Flexible

While it’s important to have a clear research focus, be open to adjusting your topic as you learn more from reading materials or encounter new perspectives during the research process.

Choosing a well-defined and meaningful research topic is the base for producing valuable social work research that can add to knowledge and drive positive change.

Social work covers a wide range of issues and groups of people, making it a rich and diverse area for research. The 225 topics listed here are just a small part of the many important areas ready for exploration.

From child well-being and mental health to criminal justice and human rights, each topic offers a chance to examine complex societal challenges deeply and contribute to developing impactful solutions.

As students start their research journeys, they have the potential to uncover new insights, challenge existing ways of thinking, and ultimately improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

With genuine interest, hard work, and a commitment to ethical and rigorous research, social work students can make meaningful contributions that drive positive change in our constantly changing world.

How do I know if a research topic is relevant to social work?

A relevant research topic in social work addresses current societal issues, aligns with the goals of social work practice, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

What are some examples of social work research topics related to social justice?

Examples include investigating disparities in access to healthcare, analyzing the impact of systemic racism on marginalized communities, and evaluating policies aimed at promoting social equity.

How can I narrow down a broad research topic in social work?

You can narrow down a broad research topic by focusing on a specific population, geographic location, or aspect of the issue. Conducting a literature review can also help identify gaps and areas for further exploration.

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In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Social Work Research Methods

Introduction.

History of Social Work Research Methods
Feasibility Issues Influencing the Research Process
Measurement Methods
Existing Scales
Group Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Evaluating Outcome
Single-System Designs for Evaluating Outcome
Program Evaluation
Surveys and Sampling
Introductory Statistics Texts
Advanced Aspects of Inferential Statistics
Qualitative Research Methods
Qualitative Data Analysis
Historical Research Methods
Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews
Research Ethics
Culturally Competent Research Methods
Teaching Social Work Research Methods

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Social Work Research Methods by Allen Rubin LAST REVIEWED: 28 April 2017 LAST MODIFIED: 14 December 2009 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780195389678-0008

Social work research means conducting an investigation in accordance with the scientific method. The aim of social work research is to build the social work knowledge base in order to solve practical problems in social work practice or social policy. Investigating phenomena in accordance with the scientific method requires maximal adherence to empirical principles, such as basing conclusions on observations that have been gathered in a systematic, comprehensive, and objective fashion. The resources in this entry discuss how to do that as well as how to utilize and teach research methods in social work. Other professions and disciplines commonly produce applied research that can guide social policy or social work practice. Yet no commonly accepted distinction exists at this time between social work research methods and research methods in allied fields relevant to social work. Consequently useful references pertaining to research methods in allied fields that can be applied to social work research are included in this entry.

This section includes basic textbooks that are used in courses on social work research methods. Considerable variation exists between textbooks on the broad topic of social work research methods. Some are comprehensive and delve into topics deeply and at a more advanced level than others. That variation is due in part to the different needs of instructors at the undergraduate and graduate levels of social work education. Most instructors at the undergraduate level prefer shorter and relatively simplified texts; however, some instructors teaching introductory master’s courses on research prefer such texts too. The texts in this section that might best fit their preferences are by Yegidis and Weinbach 2009 and Rubin and Babbie 2007 . The remaining books might fit the needs of instructors at both levels who prefer a more comprehensive and deeper coverage of research methods. Among them Rubin and Babbie 2008 is perhaps the most extensive and is often used at the doctoral level as well as the master’s and undergraduate levels. Also extensive are Drake and Jonson-Reid 2007 , Grinnell and Unrau 2007 , Kreuger and Neuman 2006 , and Thyer 2001 . What distinguishes Drake and Jonson-Reid 2007 is its heavy inclusion of statistical and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) content integrated with each chapter. Grinnell and Unrau 2007 and Thyer 2001 are unique in that they are edited volumes with different authors for each chapter. Kreuger and Neuman 2006 takes Neuman’s social sciences research text and adapts it to social work. The Practitioner’s Guide to Using Research for Evidence-based Practice ( Rubin 2007 ) emphasizes the critical appraisal of research, covering basic research methods content in a relatively simplified format for instructors who want to teach research methods as part of the evidence-based practice process instead of with the aim of teaching students how to produce research.

Drake, Brett, and Melissa Jonson-Reid. 2007. Social work research methods: From conceptualization to dissemination . Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

This introductory text is distinguished by its use of many evidence-based practice examples and its heavy coverage of statistical and computer analysis of data.

Grinnell, Richard M., and Yvonne A. Unrau, eds. 2007. Social work research and evaluation: Quantitative and qualitative approaches . 8th ed. New York: Oxford Univ. Press.

Contains chapters written by different authors, each focusing on a comprehensive range of social work research topics.

Kreuger, Larry W., and W. Lawrence Neuman. 2006. Social work research methods: Qualitative and quantitative applications . Boston: Pearson, Allyn, and Bacon.

An adaptation to social work of Neuman's social sciences research methods text. Its framework emphasizes comparing quantitative and qualitative approaches. Despite its title, quantitative methods receive more attention than qualitative methods, although it does contain considerable qualitative content.

Rubin, Allen. 2007. Practitioner’s guide to using research for evidence-based practice . Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

This text focuses on understanding quantitative and qualitative research methods and designs for the purpose of appraising research as part of the evidence-based practice process. It also includes chapters on instruments for assessment and monitoring practice outcomes. It can be used at the graduate or undergraduate level.

Rubin, Allen, and Earl R. Babbie. 2007. Essential research methods for social work . Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks Cole.

This is a shorter and less advanced version of Rubin and Babbie 2008 . It can be used for research methods courses at the undergraduate or master's levels of social work education.

Rubin, Allen, and Earl R. Babbie. Research Methods for Social Work . 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks Cole, 2008.

This comprehensive text focuses on producing quantitative and qualitative research as well as utilizing such research as part of the evidence-based practice process. It is widely used for teaching research methods courses at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels of social work education.

Thyer, Bruce A., ed. 2001 The handbook of social work research methods . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

This comprehensive compendium includes twenty-nine chapters written by esteemed leaders in social work research. It covers quantitative and qualitative methods as well as general issues.

Yegidis, Bonnie L., and Robert W. Weinbach. 2009. Research methods for social workers . 6th ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

This introductory paperback text covers a broad range of social work research methods and does so in a briefer fashion than most lengthier, hardcover introductory research methods texts.

Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content on this page. Please subscribe or login .

Oxford Bibliographies Online is available by subscription and perpetual access to institutions. For more information or to contact an Oxford Sales Representative click here .

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How to become a research social worker

How to become a research sw
What is a research social worker
What do research social worker do
Salary and outlook

When people think about social work, research social work is probably not one of the first fields that comes to mind. Nevertheless, research social work actually plays an important role as its findings can dictate not only governmental policy, but also political reform as well as the allocation of funding.

Research social workers need to be methodical, objective, and thorough in their research. As with any other field of research, the goal is not to confirm what you hope to be true, but rather figure out what is true.

For example, suppose that a city program offers a $1 million grant to a local community led organization. Before that money can be spent, the grant stipulates that a study must be completed to find out what groups in the community need the most support.

In this case, although the research social worker might have pre-existing ideas about how the money should be spent, it is their job to put their personal beliefs aside and complete an objective study of the community to determine where resources are lacking.

The preceding example illustrates a case where a research social worker may be polling hundreds of thousands or people, looking at economic and housing data, and otherwise compiling a macro-view of the community. Research social work can also exist at the micro-level.

Individual research

Participatory research refers to research whereby a social worker integrates themselves with a person or family in order to understand the problems they face and, more broadly, what community resources are missing or inadequate. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this “micro-view” participatory research.

Advantages

It’s possible to gain a very detailed view of a single person’s life and how they interact with the community. Much can be learned that would not otherwise reveal itself through a high level poll or questionnaire.
Due to the trust that can form between a community member and a research social worker, the “subject” may reveal more than they would with a questionnaire.

Disadvantages

Participatory research is time consuming and resource heavy. For example, if a research social worker spends two days with a family, that’s time that they could have otherwise spent gathering data from hundreds or thousands of community members via more efficient means.
It can become very difficult to remain objective as participatory research can lead the researcher to believe that one family’s problems are the most pressing, even if data strongly indicates that other groups are in greater need.
Relationships can form between the social worker and the subject. While these are not necessarily negative, they may lead to biases in data collection which wouldn’t otherwise be prevalent with more impersonal research methods.

Ultimately both macro and micro (participatory) research have a role to play in data gathering. Throughout their careers a research social worker will most likely conduct both kinds of research, and everything in between.

How research social workers need to conduct themselves

In terms of participatory research it is important for a research social worker to take into account multiple voices from the community. So even if a research social believes they know which groups are most at risk they still need to conduct wide ranging interviews and remain objectively open to the answers that they receive. This really touches upon a key facet of research social work: objectivity. Being open to what the data is saying regardless of whether it confirms or denies existing views held by the research social worker.

Also, it’s important to realize that research social workers may not be able to divulge the purpose of their research as they’re carrying it out. If participants knew the reason that the social worker was conducting a study they may be biased in how they present themselves or answer the social worker’s inquiries. This can actually prove frustrating for research social workers as they may not be able to answer even the most basic questions about what they’re doing.

Why social work research is important

We’ve covered why social research is important in regard to determining needs within a community and how that research can help to allocate funding to the proper areas. But research social work is also important in determining the efficacy of programs that have been implemented in the community. For example, research social workers can,

Administer before and after surveys to determine how the implementation of a new program has benefitted (or not benefitted) the community.
They may also conduct individual interviews with community members to find out how they feel about new programs. More specifically, these interviews may also be a chance to learn exactly how community members are benefitting from a program and also their thoughts on how it can be improved.

Research social work is very important in that it helps to determine what programs are needed in a community and after the programs are created it is research social workers who measure their efficacy.

While a “regular” social worker may spend their life seeing the trees (dealing with individual cases) it is the research social worker’s goal to see the forest. That is, understand the broader macro environment and the role that community programs play in it.

Educational requirements to become a research social worker

Most candidates should only consider taking a degree from a CSWE ( Council on Social Work Education ) accredited institution. Educational institutions without this accreditation may lack a rigorous teaching approach and degree holders from non-CSWE universities may find it more difficult to locate a good job.

Research social work typically requires a candidate to have a Ph.D. as they will be expected to have a comprehensive understanding of statistics and how to compile the data that they collect. Thus research social work typically requires a large commitment in terms of schooling.

In some cases, however, a social worker with a masters degree may be able to find work in the research field. Typically this person will handle assignments like distributing questionnaires and doing other data collection tasks in the neighborhood. A Ph.D. social worker will then compile that data and present the findings to local and federal government officials, among others.

Why research social work can be difficult

One of the primary difficulties associated with social work research is that the social research worker’s role isn’t actually to help, but rather to study and gather data. This is not to suggest that the social worker must be robotic and ignore all problems, however, their role isn’t to solve but to observe. A research social worker may suggest that a “regular” social worker get involved but that’s typically the extent of what they can do.

It can also be difficult doing participatory research, getting to know a subject or a family over the course of a day or two and then having to leave that family and move on. A normal social worker may stay with a family for months or even years, and enjoy a greater reward as that family’s situation improves.

Thus social work research is suggested for those who understand their limited intervention role and are truly interested in data and devising the most effective ways to measure the efficacy of programs within the neighborhood. Research social workers can get their satisfaction from seeing community programs succeed, rather than working with individual subjects.

Research social work career outlook

It can be difficult to determine the career outlook specifically in regard to the research social worker. This is a very niche area of social work, all the more so since it typically requires a Ph.D. That being said, we can still gain valuable information by looking at overall trends for the social work field.

The BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) estimates that from 2021 to 2031 there will be a 9 percent growth rate in the field of social work. In terms of actual numbers, 64,000 new social work jobs will be created by 2031.

Research social worker salary

Again, when it comes to determining the salary for a research social worker it’s difficult as there is little data available. That being the case we can still make a fairly good estimation of how much research social workers earn.

According to HumanServicesEdu.org , “NASW found that a DSW or PhD can boost your earnings by around $17,000 over the baseline numbers you could expect with a bachelor’s.”

Overall we can see that research social workers tend to earn more than other social workers and their job prospects are very good.

Frequently asked questions

A research social worker conducts research studies and evaluations to gather data and evidence related to social work practice and policies.

They use a range of research methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, or experimental designs, to answer research questions and test hypotheses.

A Bachelor’s degree in social work is the minimum requirement for most entry-level social work positions. However, many research social work positions require a Master’s degree in social work. Gain relevant work experience and develop research skills. You can also pursue a DSW or PhD to further your knowledge and expertise.

Research social workers need to be knowledgeable about different research methods, social policies, be able to analyze and interpret complex data.

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2.1 Getting started

Learning objectives.

Find a topic to investigate
Create a working question

Choosing a social work research topic

According to the Action Network for Social Work Education and Research (ANSWER), social work research is conducted to benefit “consumers, practitioners, policymakers, educators, and the general public through the examination of societal issues” (ANSWER, n.d., para. 2). [1] Common social issues that are studied include “health care, substance abuse, community violence, family issues, child welfare, aging, well-being and resiliency, and the strengths and needs of underserved populations” (ANSWER, n.d., para. 2). This list is certainly not exhaustive. Social workers may study any area that impacts their practice. However, the unifying feature of social work research is its focus on promoting the wellbeing of target populations.

But as undergraduate social work students, you are likely not yet practicing social work. How do you identify researchable topics then? Part of the joy in being a social work student is figuring out what areas of social work are appealing to you. Perhaps there are certain theories that speak to you, based on your values or experiences. Perhaps there are social issues you wish to change. Perhaps there are certain groups of people you want to help. Perhaps there are clinical interventions that interest you. Any one of these is a good place to start. At the beginning of a research project, your main focus should be finding a social work topic that is interesting enough to spend a semester reading and writing about it.

A good topic selection plan begins with a general orientation into the subject you are interested in pursuing in more depth. Here are some suggestions when choosing a topic area:

Pick an area of interest, pick an area of experience, or pick an area where you know there is a need for more research.
It may be easier to start with “what” and “why” questions and expand on those. For example, what are the best methods of treating severe depression? Or why are people receiving SNAP more likely to be obese?
If you already have practice experience in social work through employment, an internship, or volunteer work, think about practice issues you noticed in the placement.
Ask a professor, preferably one active in research, about possible topics.
Read departmental information on research interests of the faculty. Faculty research interests vary widely, and it might surprise you what they’ve published on in the past. Most departmental websites post the curriculum vitae, or CV, of faculty which lists their publications, credentials, and interests.
Read a research paper that interests you. The paper’s literature review or background section will provide insight into the research question the author was seeking to address with their study. Is the research incomplete, imprecise, biased, or inconsistent? As you’re reading the paper, look for what’s missing. These may be “gaps in the literature” that you might explore in your own study. The conclusion or discussion section at the end may also offer some questions for future exploration. A recent blog posting in Science (Pain, 2016) [2] provides several tips from researchers and graduate students on how to effectively read these papers.
Think about papers you enjoyed researching and writing in other classes. Research is a unique class and will use the tools of social science for you to think more in depth about a topic. It will bring a new perspective that will deepen your knowledge of the topic.
Identify and browse journals related to your research interests. Faculty and librarians can help you identify relevant journals in your field and specific areas of interest.

How do you feel about your topic?

Perhaps you have started with a specific population in mind—for example, youth who identify as LGBTQ or visitors to a local health clinic. In other cases, you may start with a social problem, such as gang violence, or social policy or program, such as zero-tolerance policies in schools. Alternately, maybe there are interventions like dialectical behavioral therapy or applied behavior analysis about which you would like to learn more. Your motivation for choosing a topic does not have to be objective. Because social work is a values-based profession, social work researchers often find themselves motivated to conduct research that furthers social justice or fights oppression. Just because you think a policy is wrong or a group is being marginalized, for example, does not mean that your research will be biased. It means you must understand how you feel, why you feel that way, and what would cause you to feel differently about your topic.

drawn black arms reaching towards the word justice written in grey text on a white background

Start by asking yourself how you feel about your topic. Be totally honest, and ask yourself whether you believe your perspective is the only valid one. Perhaps yours isn’t the only perspective, but do you believe it is the wisest one? The most practical one? How do you feel about other perspectives on this topic? If you feel so strongly that certain findings would upset you or that either you would design a project to get only the answer you believe to be the best one or you might feel compelled to cover up findings that you don’t like, then you need to choose a different topic. For example, a researcher may want to find out whether there is any relationship between intelligence and political party affiliation—certain that members of her party are without a doubt the most intelligent. Her strong opinion would not be a problem by itself. However, if she feels rage when considering the possibility that the opposing party’s members are more intelligent than those of her party, the topic is probably too near and dear for her to use it to conduct unbiased research.

Of course, just because you feel strongly about a topic does not mean that you should not study it. Sometimes the best topics to research are those about which you do feel strongly. What better way to stay motivated than to study something that you care about? You must be able to accept that people will have a different perspective than you do, and try to represent their viewpoints fairly in your research. If you feel prepared to accept all findings, even those that may be unflattering to or distinct from your personal perspective, then perhaps you should intentionally study a topic about which you have strong feelings.

Kathleen Blee (2002) [3] has taken this route in her research. Blee studies hate movement participants, people whose racist ideologies she studies but does not share. You can read her accounts of this research in two of her most well-known publications, Inside Organized Racism and Women of the Klan . Blee’s research is successful because she was willing to report her findings and observations honestly, even those about which she may have strong feelings. Unlike Blee, if you think about it and conclude that you cannot accept or share with others findings with which you disagree, then you should study a different topic. Knowing your own hot-button issues is an important part of self-knowledge and reflection in social work.

Social workers often use personal experience as a starting point for what topics are interesting to cover. As we’ve discussed here, personal experience can be a powerful motivator to study a topic in detail. However, social work researchers should be mindful of their own mental health during the research process. A social worker who has experienced a mental health crisis or traumatic event should approach researching related topics cautiously. There is no need to retraumatize yourself or jeopardize your mental health for a research paper. For example, a student who has just experienced domestic violence may want to know about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. While the student might gain some knowledge about potential treatments for domestic violence, they will likely have to read through many stories and reports about domestic violence. Unless the student’s trauma has been processed in therapy, conducting a research project on this topic may negatively impact the student’s mental health. Nevertheless, she will acquire skills in research methods that will help her understand the EMDR literature and whether to begin treatment in that modality.

Whether you feel strongly about your topic or not, you will also want to consider what you already known about it. There are many ways we know what we know. Perhaps your mother told you something is so. Perhaps it came to you in a dream. Perhaps you took a class last semester and learned something about your topic there. Or you may have read something about your topic in your local newspaper or in People magazine. We discussed the strengths and weaknesses associated with some of these different sources of knowledge in Chapter 1, and we’ll talk about other sources of knowledge, such as prior research in the next few sections. For now, take some time to think about what you know about your topic from all possible sources. Thinking about what you already know will help you identify any biases you may have, and it will help as you begin to frame a question about your topic.

What do you want to know?

Once you have a topic, begin to think about it in terms of a question. What do you really want to know about the topic? As a warm-up exercise, try dropping a possible topic idea into one of the blank spaces below. The questions may help bring your subject into sharper focus and provide you with the first important steps towards developing your topic.

What does ___ mean? (Definition)
What are the various features of ___? (Description)
What are the component parts of ___? (Simple analysis)
How is ___ made or done? (Process analysis)
How should ___ be made or done? (Directional analysis)
What is the essential function of ___? (Functional analysis)
What are the causes of ___? (Causal analysis)
What are the consequences of ___? (Causal analysis)
What are the types of ___? (Classification)
How is ___ like or unlike ___? (Comparison)
What is the present status of ___? (Comparison)
What is the significance of ___? (Interpretation)
What are the facts about ___? (Reportage)
How did ___ happen? (Narration)
What kind of person is ___? (Characterization/Profile)
What is the value of ___? (Evaluation)
What are the essential major points or features of ___? (Summary)
What case can be made for or against ___? (Persuasion)
What is the relationship between _____ and the outcome of ____? (Explorative)

Take a minute right now and write down a question you want to answer. Even if it doesn’t seem perfect, everyone needs a place to start. Make sure your research topic is relevant to social work. You’d be surprised how much of the world that encompasses. It’s not just research on mental health treatment or child welfare services. Social workers can study things like the pollution of irrigation systems and entrepreneurship in women, among infinite other topics. The only requirement is your research must inform action to fight social problems faced by target populations.

Your question is only a starting place, as research is an iterative process , one that subject to constant revision. As we progress in this textbook, you’ll learn how to refine your question and include the necessary components for proper qualitative and quantitative research questions. Your question will also likely change as you engage with the literature on your topic. You will learn new and important concepts that may shift your focus or clarify your original ideas. Trust that a strong question will emerge from this process.

Key Takeaways

Many researchers choose topics by considering their own personal experiences, knowledge, and interests.
Researchers should be aware of and forthcoming about any strong feelings they might have about their research topics.
There are benefits and drawbacks associated with studying a topic about which you already have some prior knowledge or experience. Researchers should be aware of and consider both.
Writing a question down will help guide your inquiry.

Image Attributions

Transportation/Traffic by Max Pixel CC-0

Justice by Geralt CC-0

Question by Max Pixel CC-0

Action Network for Social Work Education and Research (n.d.). Advocacy . Retrieved from: https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/answer ↵
Pain, E. (2016, March 21). How to (seriously) read a scientific paper. Science . Retrieved from: http://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2016/03/how-seriously-read-scientific-paper ↵
Blee, K. (2002). Inside organized racism: Women and men of the hate movement . Berkeley, CA: University of California Press; Blee, K. (1991). Women of the Klan: Racism and gender in the 1920s . Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. ↵

Scientific Inquiry in Social Work Copyright © 2018 by Matthew DeCarlo is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Choosing a Social Work Specialization? The 16 Practice Areas to Consider—And Why.

Are you a future social worker looking for your calling? Start with NASW's list of the 16 most common social work specializations.

Social Work Programs You Should Consider

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Online master of social work.

Social workers improve the lives of a substantial subset of the world’s population. Wherever there is hardship, injustice, and/or suffering — which means pretty much everywhere — social workers help others help themselves.

In aggregate, the problems social workers address are far too vast for any one person (no matter how experienced or well-trained) to understand, much less remedy. That’s why social workers specialize in specific fields: to gain the expertise and develop the skills necessary to be effective for the populations they serve.

Some social work specializations focus on particular demographics, like:

The elderly
Children and families
Women and girls
Veterans and active military
The terminally ill
The LGBT community

Other social workers specialize in essential functions, like:

Administration
Substance abuse disorders
School counseling
Community organization
Health care
Trauma and disaster relief

The beauty of a Master of Social Work (MSW) program is that, by the time most students complete their degree, they’ve figured out how they want to specialize, and why. But, as an MSW student, the process of coming to that decision can be difficult. Deciding which specialization to pursue is only the first step in the process; finding the best program for your specialization — the one that will help you develop the specific set of skills needed for your chosen career path — is easier said than done.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work programs both impart the evidence-based training and methodologies that will be needed in whichever specialization you decide to pursue. From there, the best resource in understanding what, exactly, those specializations encompass is found with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) 16 distinct practice areas of social work .

In comparing the NASW’s 16 social work specializations, note the key difference between social workers and psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals who work with overlapping demographics and issues. Social workers use the “person in environment” approach, a holistic method wherein the physical, social, and mental health of their clients are all used for context to understand how clients engage with the world.

Administration and management

As the name suggests, administration and management social workers hold managerial and administrative roles in a variety of organizations, not just in social work enterprises. Social work managers and administrators utilize business and administration skills to empower employees and engage in decision-making. A differentiator for this group of leaders: they ensure the organization stays true to its values and mission.

Social workers in administration and management work in both public and private settings, servicing individual clients and groups including hospitals, community-based agencies, and healthcare facilities. Social workers with this specialization may hold high-level leadership positions at organizations like the United Way, the American Red Cross, and other national nonprofits and foundations. These high-skill, high-responsibility managers earn some of the best salaries in social work .

Common jobs for administration and management social workers

Director of social services
Executive director
Outpatient manager
Program director
Program supervisor
Social services manager
Vice president

“I Want to Be A Social Worker!”

Do you need a degree.

There are a couple of significant practical considerations: - A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work - A license to practice or required social work certification Credentials vary among careers, states, and territories. Licenses include: - Certified Social Worker (CSW) - Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) - Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) - Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW) - Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) - Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) - Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) - Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Most of these licenses require a Master’s or Doctorate, along with additional coursework or clinical internships. ( source ) A survey of 2017 social work graduates by the National Social Work Workforce Study found that social workers with Master’s degrees and Doctorates made substantially more than those with no advanced degree. ( source ) - People with MSW degrees made $13,000-plus more than those with only BSW degrees - MSWs make more in large cities or urban clusters - People with doctorates earned $20,000 to $25,000 more than people with only MSW degrees

Explore These Related Degree Programs

Advocacy and community organization.

If you’re ready to change the world and right society’s wrongs, eager to enter the fray as an advocate, and not especially interested in one-on-one client work, advocacy and community organization social work may be the practice area for you. Also known as “mezzo practice” because it deals with more with small-to-midsize groups (e.g. schools, organizations, neighborhoods) than with individuals, advocacy and community organization focuses on galvanizing groups for a common cause in the name of social justice. These social workers may also be involved in fundraising and grant writing; they often work for private foundations, nonprofits, and grassroots initiatives.

Common jobs for advocacy and community organization social work

Community organizer
Community outreach worker
Community support specialist
Grant writer
Policy planning specialist
Program developer
Public health manager
Research analyst

According to the U. S. Census Bureau, by 2030, one in every five Americans will be age 65 or over and, by 2035, there will be more people aged 65 and older than people who are under the age of 18. Aging is an in-demand social work practice promising ample opportunity and a healthy job market.

Social workers serving this population work in acute care facilities; private and public hospitals; rehab centers; outpatient programs for specific populations like Alzheimer or dementia patients; nursing homes; age-restricted, independent and assisted-living facilities; home-care services; and memory-care centers. They provide clinical counseling and assessments for mental health and overall well-being in addition to improving the physical, social, and financial tasks of daily life—like eating well and receiving appropriate medical attention. They engage in long-term care planning and work with adult children to lessen the burden of care.

Common job for social workers specializing in aging

Geriatric social worker
Gerontology social worker
Health care social worker
Licensed clinical social worker
Medical care social worker

Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs

Helping individuals recover from substance use disorders is the mainstay of this critical practice area, which employs the disease-based model in planning and implementing interventions. Substance abuse social workers provide counseling and group therapy to people struggling with substance abuse disorders, as well as to their families. Into recovery, social workers help others navigate community resources and secure housing and employment.

Common jobs for social workers specializing in alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs

Substance abuse specialist
Licensed mental health social worker
Substance abuse social worker

Child welfare

Child and youth social workers protect our most vulnerable population, helping families find and develop the resources and tools necessary to raise children in safe and loving environments. When children are abused or neglected, social workers intervene, sometimes placing them in foster homes if safety cannot be ensured at home. Social workers in the child welfare system ensure access to adequate food, housing, schooling, and medical care.

Common jobs in child welfare social work

Adolescent specialist
Case manager
Case worker
Child advocate
Children’s service specialist
Children’s service worker
Child welfare social workers
Family advocacy representative
Family intervention specialist
Forensic case monitor
Foster care specialist
Foster care therapist
Victim advocate
Youth and family specialist

Developmental disabilities

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 defines a developmental disability as a severe, chronic disability that:

Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments
Manifests before age 22
Is likely to continue indefinitely
Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more areas of major life activity

The law provides the basis for developmental disabilities social work, dictating the conditions that must be met and the accommodations that must be provided to this protected population. Developmental disability social workers are, above all, advocates. They help parents of children with developmental disabilities understand their rights, protections, and the aid that’s available to their families.

Common jobs for developmental disability social work

Disability social worker
School social worker

A broad category of social work that provides direct services to individuals, families, and groups in various hospital and medical settings, healthcare is a practice area for many social workers.

In hospital settings, healthcare social workers collaborate with medical teams to treat patients, provide psycho-social assessments and support, and work with family members. Discharge planning, which requires a unique skill set, typically falls to such social workers.

Healthcare social workers may work in specialized units like hospice and palliative care, neonatal care, transplant, or the emergency room, or they may practice as generalists. They can also find employment opportunities in academic, administrative, or policy-driven areas of healthcare (research, program development, and policy).

Common jobs for healthcare social workers

Clinical social worker
HIV mental health coordinator or counselor
Medical social worker
Outpatient health specialist
Patient advocate
Patient navigator
Pediatric social worker
Policy analyst
Psychiatric social worker

International social work

International social work is a growing, high-need area, from immigration to refugee camps, hospitals, orphanages, schools and international health and community organizations. International social workers help refugees assimilate to new communities, and foster self-sufficiency. As identified by The Council for Social Work Education , the primary goal of international social work is “individual empowerment, group empowerment, conflict resolution, institution-building, community-building, nation-building, region-building, and world-building.”

Common jobs for international social workers

Community outreach social worker
Community social worker
Equality and social justice social worker
Immigration social worker
International social worker
Mental health social worker

Justice and corrections

Justice and correctional social work — also known as criminal justice social work — is an exciting area for those interested in law enforcement but not in practicing law or policing communities. Social workers in this area play a vital role in the corrections and legal system, advocating for those accused of crimes, supporting the incarcerated, and supporting family members impacted by imprisonment. These social workers may also work as victims’ advocates in cases of sexual assault, rape, and domestic violence.

Social workers working in justice and corrections are employed in the public defender’s office; federal, state and city parole agencies; probation; legal aid; the court system, including drug court and mental health court; state and federal correctional facilities; city and county jails; sexual assault and rape crisis centers; women shelters; police departments; and nonprofits serving low-income sex-offenders.

Common jobs in justice and corrections social work

Adult probation counselor
Corrections counselor/social worker
Criminal justice and probation social worker
Criminal justice social worker
Crisis/criminal justice therapist
Crisis worker
Forensic social worker
Juvenile probation counselor
Victims advocate

Mental health and clinical social work

When aspiring social workers think of earning their Master of Social Work degree, clinical social work is what usually comes to mind. The pathway to becoming a licensed mental health counselor and therapist, clinical social workers are one of the largest providers of mental health services in the United States, according to the NASW . Clinical social workers are often the only mental health clinicians providing service in underrepresented low-income areas (both rural and urban).

Common jobs in mental health and clinical social work

Behavioral health consultant
Behavioral health counselor
Clinical director
Family therapist
Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
Mental health and clinical
Mental health counselor/therapist
Mental health specialist

Occupational and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) social work

The Americans with Disabilities Act — which updated section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and reclassified mental health and substance abuse disorders as disabilities — provide corporate America with a structured remedy to accommodate employees covered by this statute. Under this regulation, an employee with a disability may not be terminated for their condition; in fact, the law entitles that employee to treatment and intervention. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) assess covered employees, refer them to treatment resources, and monitor their care and return to the workplace.

EAP social work is deeply entrenched in corporate America. Social workers in this practice area help employees with a broad range of personal, family, and health problems. They may also be involved in supporting union members and providing counseling.

Common EAP jobs

EAP case manager
EAP consultant
EAP counselor
EAP licensed clinical social worker
EAP managerial consultant
EAP social worker therapist

Policy and planning

Not all social workers are cut out for direct service work. Many social workers are highly analytical and interested in public policy and planning and are best suited for think-tank work on social welfare initiatives. Social workers in this exciting area of work may also galvanize others in the profession to promote new thinking and policy.

Common social work jobs in policy and planning

Budget analyst
Director of government relations
Planning specialist
Public affairs specialist

As activists, social workers are natural born leaders. Whether the progression to politics is intentional or a natural consequence of becoming engaged in an important social and legislative issue, increasingly social workers seek public office and hold positions at the local level, and state and federal offices as well.

Common jobs for political social workers

Campaign manager
Elected official

Public welfare

Social workers in public welfare service the myriad organizations that provide services to many populations. Their roles in these settings can range from planning and administration to finance to training and managing staff. Many of these positions are found in city and state agencies where social workers must perform under limited resources and parameters.

Common jobs for public welfare social workers

Human services worker
Licensed social worker
Social services worker

Social work is a highly professionalized, evidence- and research-based field. Research drives social work and ensures the legitimacy of its most important standards, measurements, tools, and practices. For those most comfortable in academic settings, a career in social work research can be a great choice.

Common research-based social work jobs

Research social worker

School social work

School social workers typically work as guidance counselors or therapeutic counselors in a school setting, serving as liaisons for students, teachers, and parents. They ensure that the emotional, developmental, and educational needs of students — including those who need accommodations for physical and learning disabilities — are met. Increasingly, school social workers in crisis management, facilitating responses to events such as school violence and shootings. They also play a key role in the development of compassionate and tolerant school cultures and the prevention of bullying.

Common jobs for school social workers

Education specialist
Guidance counselor
School counselor
School crisis counselor
School therapist

For current and aspiring social workers, NASW’s Specialty Practice Section (SPS) is a resource to help like-minded social workers build community and learn from each other (the NASW membership fee for BSW and MSW students is $57 per year). Post-grads of licensed social work programs are also eligible to pursue professional certifications that, even if not required by your future employer, confer high value to your overall employability.

(Last Updated on February 26, 2024)

Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

About the Author

Ms. Nedda Gilbert is a seasoned clinical social worker, author, and educational consultant with 25 years of experience helping college-bound and graduate students find their ideal schools. She is a prolific author, including The Princeton Review Guide to the Best Business Schools and Essays that Made a Difference. Ms. Gilbert has been a guest writer for Forbes and a sought-after keynote speaker on college admissions. Previously, she played a crucial role at the Princeton Review Test Preparation Company and was Chairman of the Board of Graduate Philadelphia. Ms. Gilbert holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University and is a certified interdisciplinary collaborative family law professional in New Jersey.

About the Editor

Tom Meltzer spent over 20 years writing and teaching for The Princeton Review, where he was lead author of the company's popular guide to colleges, before joining Noodle.

To learn more about our editorial standards, you can click here .

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Wayne State University

School of social work, research focal areas.

The School of Social Work and the Center for Social Work Research strive to conduct and disseminate research and forge community partnerships in six focus areas of practice and research. Select a focus area to view a list of our currently active grants in that area.

Social Work with Older Adults

This focus area explores important perspectives, knowledge, and skills that are necessary when working with older adults and their families in settings including housing, senior centers, hospitals, nursing homes, multiservice agencies, and community-based organizations.

Children and Families

This focus area provides a comprehensive look at working with children and families across the micro-macro continuum including perspectives on intervention for both policy and interpersonal practice.

Community Change, Social Entrepreneurship, and Social Justice

This focal area focuses on how to advance human rights, social, economic, and environmental justice.

Social Work in Criminal Legal Settings

This focal area looks at each intercept of the criminal/legal system (police, courts, jails, prisons, probation/parole). It explores the foundation on criminological theory and current policy responses, and practical tools for assessing the risk and needs of individuals charged and/or sentenced with criminal offences.

Integrated Health, Behavioral Health, and Substance Use

This focal area explores the integration of physical and mental health and substance use. In addition, it offers perspectives on the impact of health disparities, poverty, oppression, and the urban context on physical health, behavioral health, and substance use outcomes and services.

Trauma, Stress, and Violence

This focal area examines the impact of exposure to violence and toxic stress on individuals across the lifespan and across bio-psycho-social-spiritual domains. It also includes interventions that reduce the potential impact of violence and traumatic stressors on human development and functioning as well as resilience and protective factors.

Research Paper Guides
Research Paper Topics
300 Social Work Research Topics & Questions for Papers
Speech Topics
Basics of Essay Writing
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Basics of Research Paper Writing
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Admission Writing Tips
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Understanding Plagiarism
Academic Writing Tips
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300 Social Work Research Topics & Questions for Papers

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Social work research focuses primarily on studying problems experienced in social work field. The research, in this case, talks about challenges that caseworkers go through in their practice. Social work research topics cover various things, including problems in welfare work, and indicate how research can be used to gain a deep understanding of the issues. Have you been wondering how to develop an intriguing social work topic and possible areas to discuss in your research? Don't worry because this article by our online paper writing service covers all your concerns. The blog post will provide some social work research topic ideas that you can consider for your social work research.

What Are Social Work Research Topics?

Social work research topics are areas of study that involve applying research methodology to comprehend sectors that are challenging for social workers. These topic ideas concentrate on addressing some problems that caseworkers go through both in their lives and their field. Research topics for social work may vary. However, like any other research paper, writing social work research topics deals with application of related theories and concepts, as well as understanding the entire casework aspects. The research involves applying cause and effect, analytic, survey, and experimental procedures to find ways to address welfare challenges. The purpose of welfare work study is to understand the efficiency of various interventions used to address challenges people develop due to welfare deprivation.

Characteristics of Good Social Work Topics

As an individual seeking to conduct research in welfare work areas, you need to know some of the features that make social work topics to be of great value. Below are characteristics that will make topics for social work research incredible.

A good topic covers modern trends and incorporates the ideas in the social field.
The topic should break specific stereotypes using reasonable evidence.
It must also be supported by various studies that are peer-reviewed.
Topic chosen must be related to practices in the welfare field.

How to Choose a Social Work Topic?

A plan to decide on excellent social work topics to research starts with a general orientation into social work field. Here are some steps involved when choosing a social work research topic.

Pick a sector with research potential or simply the one you like.
Start with “why” and “what” questions and expand on them.
Read data on faculty’s research interests.
Read a proper research paper that find interesting and focus on literature review and background sections to gain insight into various issues.
Identify and browse journals that relate to your likes.
Lastly, you can look online for research topics that are ready and skim through them to gain new knowledge.

Once you pick a topic, don’t hesitate to contact our proficient research paper writers . Our experts are adept in many fields and can complete a research paper on any topic.

Social Work Research Topics List

Social work research topics cover various concepts and challenges related to caseworkers and their fields of practice. Below are comprehensive research topics in social work that are compelling to explore.

Parenting and how it is affected by drug abuse.
Hardship and benefits of teenage adoption.
Dealing with suicidal thoughts.
Societal view on mental sickness stigma.
Adverse impact of displacement on street kids.
Homelessness and associated psychological effects.
Managing PTSD among veterans.
Adolescents and associated clinical depression.
How group therapy helps to better the lives of foster residents.
Family role in reducing or increasing depression.
Effectiveness of anti-depressants.
Impact of death on wellbeing of a family.
Effects of divorce on lifestyle and health of children.
Ways to address military troops' suicidal tendencies.
Causes of suicidal thoughts in society.
Impact of disability on lives of parents.
Ways to address stigma associated with disability.
Children with autism are socially excluded.
Impacts of bullying on children’s wellbeing.
Complexities around child labor.
Debate for and against abortion.
Maltreatment of children in foster care.
Change in societal reaction to HIV/AIDS in the 1990s and now.
Rape and its psychological impact on the victim.
Ways to reduce human trafficking.

Unique Topics in Social Work

There are scholarly research topics in social work that draw extra attention from readers since they are unique in nature. Such topics often concentrate on issues neglected in society. Below are unique topics for social work research.

Is wellbeing therapy sustainable?
Teenage girls’ menstrual experiences in foster homes for the first time.
Poverty and how it impedes growth in the American Deep South.
Negative impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ society.
Influence of inclusive healthcare system on ensuring good welfare lives of people.
Interracial marriages and their associated problems.
Effects of diversity on children with disabilities.
Effects of physical abuse on spousal intimacy.
Pornography as a primary contributor of incest in families.
Increase in violence against children and women.
Activism role based on culture in Native Americans ’ lives.
Sexual addiction of women to men.
Disparity in health services for immigrants.
Challenges experienced by people diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Living with a spouse with memory problem.
Power issue in divorce mediation.
Issues related to having many partners.
Reintegration of those who survive substance abuse into the society.
Employment initiatives for women.
Dynamic systems applied to nations in war situations.
Transracial adoption and identity issue.
The hidden trauma in young counselors.
Ensuring access to medical services in villages.
Lowering the gender pay gap.
Reducing racism and antisemitism.

Controversial Topics in Social Work

Presently, there are several controversial issues in social work that may give rise to social research topics. Listed below are some controversial social work research topics.

Societal reaction to euthanasia.
Myths on adolescents’ substance abuse.
Societal groups that are most vulnerable to substance abuse.
Ways to deal with drug abuse in orphanages.
Ethical issues associated with human trafficking.
Family support role in reducing recidivism.
How imprisonment affects mental health.
Gender difference when dealing with imprisoned individuals.
Juvenile delinquents and reeducation strategies.
Whose role is it to develop resilience in social work?
What are strategies to build resilience among welfare workers?
Benefits associated with social health education among incarcerated women.
How unreported cases of abuse propagate violence.
Does constructivist therapy offer anything new to social work?
Should caseworkers support hypnosis use?
Who is responsible for misdiagnosis?
How does misdiagnosis affect lives of mentally ill individuals?
Health benefits associated with hypnosis on an individual.
Should parents be involved in preventing dyslexia?
Ways to address panic for both adults and adolescents.
Challenges faced by the LGBTQ community.
Do traffickers suffer psychological consequences of human trafficking?
Welfare workers’ roles in civil wars.
Various strategies to help anti-social students.
Was confinement sanctioning by the court a good move?

Interesting Social Work Research Questions

Before you start your research, it is essential to develop a social work research question that guides the type of information you will gather. Some of the social work research questions examples that talk about various interesting social work topics are listed below.

How can the US solve the rise in obesity cases?
How does taking student loans impact them psychologically?
How can America curb increasing addiction cases?
How do we help adults with learning disabilities?
How can we improve lives of pregnant incarcerated mothers?
What is America’s racial disparity prevalence?
How can PTSD patients receive support?
Does poverty have psychological effects on children?
What are workplace violence indicators?
What are strategies to ensure work-family balance?
What does society believe about divorce and its impact on children?
Do you think substance abuse can be regulated?
What are consequences of living with HIV/AIDS?
Do you feel traumatized living with dyslexia?
What are causes of bipolar disorder?
How does society treat those with bipolar disorders?
Who is more vulnerable to divorce?
Does the US criminal justice system play its role in reducing juvenile delinquency?
What are problems minority kids face at their foster homes?
Does substance misuse lead to alcoholism?
Role of police brutality in increasing transformative change?
What is the appropriate strategy to help patients with bipolar?
How can we avoid re-incarceration?
What does religion say about LGBTQ community?
How does ADHD affect children in foster homes?

>> Read more: Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Hot Topics in Social Work

There are various topics in social work that a researcher can explore to address current hot issues such as COVID-19 pandemic. These topics are important since they help determine current and future solutions to an issue. Here are some social work issues topics that you can consider.

What are effects of Russian-Ukraine war on society?
Impact of COVID-19 on welfare workers’ psychological health.
Issues that arise in households with adopted children.
Social workers’ attitude towards older people.
Importance of religion in reducing stereotypes.
How building emotional intelligence helps caseworkers.
Demands that residents in a foster facility make.
Challenges single parents experience.
Support strategies for single parents.
Strategies to help sexually exploited children.
Factors leading to homelessness in the US.
Forms of abuse elders experience from young people.
Media role in shaping antisemitism stereotypes.
Approaches to working with elderly people who are cognitively impaired.
Parental role in shaping sexual orientation of their children.
When should a child be removed from a setting?
Child neglect and its effects on victim’s academic performance.
Psychological effects of children watching domestic violence.
Grief and its associated symptoms.
Methods for assisting kids who have seen domestic violence.
Ways to encourage domestic violence reporting.
Technology and addiction treatment.
Suicide prevention protocol in different localities.
Risk factors associated with secondary traumatic stress.
Ways to increase cancer screening rates.

Human Services Research Topics

Human services topics are important since they deal with human existence and ways to make it better. Human service topics focus on how social workers help to satisfy individuals’ and communities’ needs. Generally, social workers’ primary aim is to ensure people live in the most comfortable way possible. Some of the human service research topics are indicated below.

Adverse impact of unemployment.
Ways to deal with anxiety and depression among small children.
Reducing number of incarcerated individuals.
Impact of juvenile delinquency in the US.
Relevant ways to breed love in foster care.
Integration of dyslexic people into society.
Government intervention to enhance welfare conditions.
Importance of food banks for the US citizens.
High school bullying prevalence and impacts.
Factors leading to family violence.
Impact of homophobia on LGBTQ+ community.
Drawbacks of the US correctional system.
Effects of mental illness misdiagnosis.
The move to invalidate bullying in high schools.
Causes of panicking in kids.
Interventions to reduce unemployment rates in the US.
Strategies to show concern for individuals from communities with low income.
Challenges of homophobia in the UAE.
Social workers in reducing child abuse cases.
Strategies to enhance resilience among welfare workers.
The need for psychological therapy among welfare workers.
Important household policies that can reduce domestic violence.
Shortcomings of America’s carceral system.
Interventions for children raised in abusive homes.
Ways to improve learning experience for disabled children.

Best Social Work Research Topics Ideas

Social work plays a huge role in our daily lives. Therefore, exploring research topics ideas for social work will help us to understand welfare workers’ role in making our lives better. This section discusses various social work topics for research papers. It is categorized into subsections, starting with research paper topics, thesis topics, and dissertation topics. Here, you will also find social work capstone ideas, topics for discussion, essay, and presentation topics. Details for each subsection are provided below.

Social Work Research Paper Topics

As an individual in social work field, you will write several research papers and essays. Social work paper topics you can cover depend on your interests, trends, or any other factor. Some interesting topics related to social work you can consider include the following.

Social workers' perspectives on elderly.
Causes of people's unwillingness to take advantage of mental health care services.
Problems that foster children face that prevent them from completing their college degrees.
Welfare workers’ role in drug abuse prevention.
The significance of cultural awareness in casework.
Facilitation of prenatal and postpartum care for surrogate moms.
Assessing how PTSD affects psychological wellbeing.
Adoptive families face unique difficulties and concerns.
Benefits of play therapy interventions for school counseling.
Hemodialysis patients' mental health and the methods used to help them.
Importance of leisure pursuits for Alzheimer's patients.
Damages of psychological violence.
Trauma and adolescent transition among LGBTQ+ kids.
Understanding the neglect-syndrome of foster kids.
Understanding trauma for caseworkers.
Foster parenting's advantages.
Role of foster parents in violence prevention.
Domestic violence and its impacts.
Foster homes’ role in creating a safe space.
How diversity helps in social works sector.

Social Work Thesis Topics

There are several thesis topics in social work to research during your master’s program or PhD, which can vary depending on your interest or occupation. Below are some of the social work literature review topics that you can look into.

Effectiveness of group therapy for alcoholics.
Mental health services’ effectiveness for pedophilia survivors.
Inaccessibility of mental health care for members of underrepresented groups due to language barriers.
Prepartum depression and connection to expecting mothers.
Relationship between codependency and emotional unavailability.
Strategies to handle fatigue among welfare workers.
Burnout causes among social workers.
Challenges associated with child birth and labor.
Depression and the perception of welfare mothers.
Prevalence of mental health in the US.
The use of an integrated system in various foster homes within America.
Nurses’ commitment level and how it is associated with health outcomes.
Impact of legalizing abortion in some states.
Comparison between displacement in foster homes and war sites.
Analyzing displacement and associated challenges.
How immigrant families benefit from parenthood?
Issues that visually disabled students face at school.
Essence of welfare work sector diversity.
Learning about depression from the welfare mom's viewpoint.
Ways to improve healthcare system.

Social Work Dissertation Topics

Dissertation is a crucial part of your education life as a social worker. Therefore, dissertation topics in social work have to be properly framed and specific. Here are some of the dissertation topics for social work to consider.

Coping strategies of men during violence at home.
Rape and how it affects victim’s psychological development.
Acceptance rate of addiction by addicts within the US.
Vulnerable groups and government’s role in improving their lives.
Justification of gender pay gap in America.
Addiction to substance abuse and its role in the contemporary world.
Prevalence of homosexuality in the US.
Naturalizing human needs as a way to break down taboo and barriers.
The association between stigma and drug abuse persistence.
Drug abuse and how music increases its prevalence.
Rate at which American citizens care for their forefathers.
Technological role in shaping our sexual preferences.
Reasons why men and women commit suicide.
Existing protection policies for children in New York State.
Investigating US women who have experienced child sexual abuse.
Assessment of healing strategies for drug abuse survivors.
The role of parents in supporting their children’s ambitions.
Volunteering and its impact on self-satisfaction.
Therapies used to treat effective disorder in an American youth.
The need for sexual education among young girls with mental health issues.

Social Work Capstone Project Ideas

As a social worker, you should consider some social work project topics for your capstone project . Capstone project social work research topics are highlighted below.

Impact of domestic violence on marital satisfaction.
How does government support minority groups?
Media role in ensuring public safety.
Causes of child neglect.
How juvenile crime affects the US.
How government ensures food security.
Enhancing public safety in minority communities.
Problems associated with criminal justice system.
Social integration of individuals with Down Syndrome.
Role of school administration in reducing bullying.
Bullying and victims’ academic performance.
Trauma experienced by social workers.
Parenting and its role in children’s sexual orientation.
What causes panic in schools.
How child support is essential in divorced couples.
Child neglect and its causes.
Damages caused by psychological violence.
Trauma of adolescent transitioning in LGBTQ+ children.
Understanding foster kids’ neglect-syndrome.
Causes of increase in reincarceration among youths in America.

Social Work Topics for Discussion

Highlighted below are some social work discussion topics to consider.

Root causes of domectic violence.
Location-specific suicide prevention and crisis protocols.
How does drug dependence influence parenting?
Public policies for and against LGBT community.
Ways of providing support for bipolar patients.
Prenatal depression in expectant mothers.
How to cope with imprisonment stigma.
Ways to improve living standards in foster homes.
What are the best community service strategies for refugees?
How can backyard farming be used to empower women?
Utilizing gender sensitivity to help the LGBT community.
Cultural importance of generation gap.
Secondary traumatic stress: symptoms, risk factors & ways of managing.
How to motivate women to report family violence.
Various ways in which unemployment influences immigrants.
How peer service providers confront reproductive health issues.
The major problems faced by welfare workers.
Detrimental influence of alcohol and drug on adolescents.
Effectiveness of the prohibition of liquor.
Key reasons for heightened crime rates in modern society.

Social Work Essay Topics

Here are some of social work topics for essays that you should consider in your writing.

Global challenges faced by deported women.
Street hawking opportunities for teenagers.
Main factors that lead to incest.
Positive and negative effects of health care reforms.
How environmental welfare work is undertaken.
Care strategies for immigrants.
Impact of corporate social responsibility on community wellbeing.
Does welfare scheme affect worker’s performance?
The impact of sexual violence on adolescent girls.
How does diversity affect various communities?
Effect of play therapy interventions in school counseling.
Influence of poverty on children’s development and education.
How should welfare workers deal with pedophilia victims?
How should caseworkers prevent burnout?
How to establish a high school service-learning program.
Elder abuse: most prevalent forms.
The central issues associated with special education.
Personal perspective on the obstacles faced by vulnerable populations in search medical help.
What is the greatest risk of fetal alcohol exposure?
Ways to enhance caseworkers’ mental health.

Social Work Topics for Presentation

Presentation social work topics for research discuss different aspects of the field of social work. The research topics have to be practical for them to be presented well. Below are some good research topics for social work presentation.

Strategies to ensure equality during job recruitment.
Autism and its risk factors.
Causes of depression in kids.
What are risk factors of PTSD among victims?
Ways to reduce suicide cases in society.
Advantages and disadvantages of rehabilitation centers.
Community initiatives to cater for the elders.
Effects of misdiagnosis of mental illness.
Ethics of abortion.
Importance of early cancer screening.
Strategies to reduce unemployment rate among minority communities.
How foster parents can help in countering youth violence.
Euthanasia and how various religions view it.
Compare societal preparation to COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS.
Contemporary ways to substance abuse.
Eating disorder and its causes.

Research Topics for Social Work Students

College students also apply social work research topics in their study of related subject, which covers various aspects in the field of social work. Here are some of social work research topics for college students.

Resident’s experience in long-term care facilities.
Strategies to handle life when both parents suffer from Alzheimer’s.
Pregnancy experience among immigrants and how they approach it.
How does death affect the collective wellbeing of the family?
Enhancing digital literacy among immigrant students.
How socioeconomic disparity affects the old.
Social and mental effects of loans on students.
Social problems that autistic children face.
Conversion therapy’s negative effects on the LGBTQ+ community.
Impact of science on cancer treatment.

You will find a lot of topics in different fields on our platform. If you are looking for topics in laws or mental health research paper topics , just go to our library and find what you need.

Bottom Line on Social Work Research Topic Ideas

Feel free to choose a topic of your choice from the social work research topics examples recommended above. Apply appropriate topic categories during the process of choosing topics depending on your needs, knowledge in the field, and the type of paper you are writing. Practice using the provided examples will make you perfect.

In case you need a personalized research topic, or require a complete social work research paper, you can buy research paper online from StudyCrumb. Particularly, our writers will help you choose social work research paper topics, write papers for you, and proofread the work to ensure there are no grammatical errors.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

Faculty Research Areas

With a wide range of research interests, our faculty follow their intellectual curiosity and study critical issues with colleagues throughout the university and community.

To learn more about individual faculty members, visit their biography pages .

Aging and Gerontology

5/11/23 Louanne Bakk
5/4/23 Yunju Nam

Behavioral, Physical and Mental Health

8/17/23 Keith A. Alford
9/13/23 D. Michael Applegarth
9/7/23 Amanda Aykanian
5/11/23 Elizabeth Bowen
5/4/23 Clara M. Bradizza
5/4/23 Lisa Butler
5/4/23 Catherine N. Dulmus
7/25/23 Susan Green
5/4/23 Robert Keefe
5/30/23 Isok Kim
5/4/23 Wooksoo Kim
9/11/23 Tonya Myles-Day
9/13/23 Alexander Rubin
8/1/23 Mickey Sperlich
5/4/23 Paul R. Stasiewicz

Child Welfare and Family Services

4/7/23 Annette Semanchin Jones
5/4/23 Jangmin Kim
9/26/23 JoAnn S. Lee
11/16/23 Patricia Logan-Greene
10/25/22 Maria Y. Rodriguez
8/1/23 Todd Sage

Children and Youth

5/4/23 Annahita Ball
5/4/23 Denise Krause
9/5/23 Nadine Shaanta Murshid
8/1/23 Christopher St. Vil

Emerging Technologies and Computational Methods

10/2/23 Michael Lynch
7/24/23 Nancy J. Smyth

Gender, Sexuality and Reproductive Justice

9/5/23 Filomena Critelli
9/11/23 Noelle St. Vil

Global Research and Engagement

5/4/23 Laura A. Lewis

Interventions and Treatment

Program evaluation and implementation science, racialized and ethnic minorities, social policies and poverty.

5/4/23 Kelly Patterson

Social Services, Organizations and Institutions

6/27/23 Kathryn McClain-Meeder

Trauma and Human Rights

Best Social Work Degrees & Career Options

18 Social Work Specialties and Specializations

Social Work Specialties and Specializations are focus areas for professionals with a specific population or area of practice. No matter the specializations within social work one chooses to enter, it is always to their benefit to earn a master’s degree. Earning this type of credential tends to take about seven years.

People often go to college with hopes of earning a degree they can use to truly make a difference in the lives of those around them. Unfortunately, after spending much money and time, a degree is earned, and little distinction is accomplished. On the upside, however, this doesn’t ring true for those who choose to earn a degree in social work. When it comes to earning this type of degree, it should be noted that there are several specialty fields that one can enter. Let’s dive right in and look closely at common areas where aspiring social workers specialize.

1. Child and Family Social Work

Many people who enter social work intend to become child welfare workers. This line of work is often one that is emotionally demanding as well as one that includes working odd hours. Family and Child welfare social workers are often on-call at all hours of the day.

Child welfare social worker responsibilities include meeting clients, providing mental health services with family counseling, and regularly reporting changes and updates to judges. In addition, the custody arrangements of the cases family social workers handle are generally left in their hands. So, this occupation is one with high levels of responsibility. They also deal with child abuse, neglect, and foster care. The requirements to be a child welfare social worker include a bachelor’s degree in social work and the appropriate type of licensure.

Salaries vary depending on where a person chooses to work. However, the average child welfare social worker’s salary is between $36,000 and $83,000 ( BLS ).

Typical child welfare social worker jobs:

Child Welfare Case Manager
Foster Care Case Manager
Child Protective Investigator

2. Community Social Work

Community social workers build community services, promote program development, and foster community resource development. They work through community-based agencies and with groups from all demographics. Community social workers work with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and citizens to create programs that benefit a community.

Salaries vary depending on where a person works. However, the average community social worker’s salary is between $36,000 and $83,000 ( BLS ).

Typical community social worker jobs:

Community Social Workers
Social and Community Service Managers

3. Developmental Disability Social Work

Disability social workers are advocates. They help parents of children with developmental disabilities understand their rights, protections, and the aid available to their families. The law provides the basis for developmental disabilities social work, dictating the conditions that must be met and the accommodations that must be provided to this protected population.

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 defines a developmental disability as a severe, chronic disability that results in a mental or physical impairment or a combination of psychological and physical impairments. The impairment must manifest before age 22 and continue indefinitely throughout the individual’s life. It must also limit functioning in three or more areas of life activity.

Typical jobs for developmental disability social workers:

School Social Worker
Disability Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

4. Disaster and Crisis Intervention Social Work

Crisis and disaster situations are fluid and often unpredictable. And the victims and survivors of these events need exceptional support. These crisis management social workers intervene before, during, and after a disaster. They have a vital role for individuals affected by these events and ensure that victims receive the support they need. In addition, they create and implement action plans to help individuals cope with trauma from natural disasters and human-driven disasters. They may find housing, food, or mental health services for individuals and families.

Salaries vary depending on the job, experience, and education. However, the average salary of disaster and crisis intervention social workers is between $36,000 and $83,000 ( BLS ).

Typical disaster and crisis intervention social worker jobs:

Disaster Management Social Worker
Crisis Intervention Social Worker
Emergency Management Director

5. Gerontology and Aging Social Work

Gerontology and Aging social workers coordinate the care of older adults. They help clients manage the physical and social challenges that come with aging. These social workers focus on the physical, psychological, social, and economic aspects of daily living for the aged population. In some cases, they may protect elderly individuals from harm and injury. In addition, they provide older individuals with resources and services to help them live independently for as long as possible. Gerontological social workers also work with a family and healthcare team to ensure the client receives appropriate care and services for their needs.

Geriatric social workers find employment in various settings. These include nursing homes, hospice agencies, hospitals, and also assisted living facilities.

The average gerontology social worker salary is between $45,000 and $58,000 ( salary dot com ).

Typical jobs for gerontology social workers:

Geriatric Social Worker
Gerontologist Care Manager
Licensed Geriatric Social Worker
Aging Life Care Manager
Community Health Worker for Geriatric Care

6. Health Care or Medical Social Work

Healthcare is a broad social work category and practice area for many social workers. These professionals help people deal with factors that affect health and wellness. Some healthcare social workers are in direct services, while others work in planning, administration, and policy roles.

Medical Social Workers are part of patient care from admittance to discharge and often through follow-up. They work with patients and their families in direct service roles to understand their illnesses, conduct psychosocial assessments, and offer additional resources. Healthcare social workers also collaborate with medical teams during patient treatment and provide discharge planning. Many work in specialized units like palliative care, neonatal care, transplant, hospice, or the emergency room.

Roles for health care social workers outside direct patient care include employment opportunities in administrative, research, academic, or policy areas of healthcare. These professionals develop programs, research, and oversee social work in other departments.

The average annual salary for medical social workers is between $61,000 and $75,000 ( salary dot com ).

Typical jobs for healthcare social workers:

Medical Social Worker
Outpatient Health Specialist
Patient Advocate
Patient Navigator
Pediatric Social Worker
Policy Analyst
Clinical Social Workers

7. International Social Work

International Social Work is a diverse field. It includes direct services in refugee camps, orphanages, hospitals, schools, and other communities. These professionals also help support the efforts of governments, international health and community organizations, intergovernmental organizations, nonprofit organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance social well-being.

It is a growing area of social work because of the worldwide increase in problems like poverty, war, disease, human trafficking, and natural disasters. International social workers find jobs at global health organizations, refugee camps, schools, hospitals, and orphanages.

The average international social worker salary is between $20,000 and $124,000 ( ZipRecruiter ).

Typical jobs for international social workers:

Equality and Social Justice Social Worker
Immigration Social Worker
International Social Worker

8. Justice and Corrections Social Work

Justice and correctional social work is also known as criminal justice social work. These professionals work in the legal system and with other mental health professionals. They take roles in the courts, police departments, women’s shelters, rape crisis centers, and state and federal correctional facilities. They advocate for those accused of crimes, support the incarcerated, and help family members impacted by imprisonment. Some work in the criminal justice system as victim advocates in sexual assault, domestic violence, and rape cases.

The average justice and corrections social work salary is between $22,000 and $105,000 ( ZipRecruiter ).

Typical jobs in justice and corrections social work:

Prison Social Worker Case Manager
Adult Probation Counselor
Corrections Counselor Social Worker
Probation Social Worker
Criminal Justice Social Worker
Crisis Therapist
Forensic Social Worker
Juvenile Probation Counselor
Victim Advocate

9. Mental Health and Clinical Social Work

A master’s degree is not always required to enter the social work field. However, it can be of the utmost benefit, especially in the mental health sector. When a person desires to perform clinical services, a master’s degree and the appropriate type of licensure are required.

Mental health social workers provide a wide array of mental health services, including therapy, counseling, diagnosing mental health conditions, and treating mental health disorders. They work in mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practice.

The salary for mental health social workers varies by job, location, and education. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker , a person can expect to make upwards of $41,000 a year.

Typical jobs in mental health and clinical social workers:

Family Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Behavioral Health Consultant / Behavioral Health Counselor
Counselor or Therapist
Mental Health Social Worker
Clinical Director
Mental Health Specialists

10. Military Social Work

Military social workers focus on the specific needs of active military members, veterans, and their families. These professionals help this population navigate challenges before, during, and after deployment. Some common challenges include post-traumatic stress disorder, physical injuries, substance abuse, securing employment, finding housing, and transitioning to civilian life. Additionally, these social workers specialize in services for families of deployed service members or to cope with a loss.

Most professionals work for the Public Health Services of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. In addition, the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Department of Homeland Security also employ military social workers.

The average military social worker’s salary is between $20,000 and $125,000 ( ZipRecruiter ).

Typical jobs in military and veteran social work:

Active Military Social Worker
Reserve Military Social Worker
Veterans Social Workers
Special Operations Veterans Outreach Coordinator
Military and Family Life Counselor
Social Worker Bereavement Coordinator

11. Occupational and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Social Work

Social workers in this practice area help employees with a broad range of personal, family, and health problems. They may also support union members and provide counseling. In addition, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) assess employees, refer them to treatment resources, and monitor their care and their return to the workplace.

The average salary of an EAP social worker is between $36,000 and $83,000 ( BLS ).

Typical EAP social worker jobs:

Case Manager EAP
EAP Counselor / Social Worker / Therapist
Managerial Consultant EAP
EAP Licensed Clinical Social Worker

12. Political Social Work

Political Social Workers promote social change in the political arena. Grounded in the values of social work, they address barriers to political, social, and racial justice. They also help develop and implement policies to promote individual and community well-being.

Many work for political action committees, advocacy groups, and lobbying organizations. They also work for political campaigns or local, state, and national elected officials.

Salaries for political social workers are between $30,000 and $100,000 (BLS).

Typical jobs for political social workers:

Campaign Managers
Volunteer Coordinators
Political Directors

13. Public Health Social Work

Public Health Social Workers identify individuals and communities with health issues or specific risk factors. Then, they provide intervention services to help meet their needs. Additionally, they design and implement plans to help prevent public health issues.

The average annual public health social worker salary is between $48,000 and $119,000. ( glassdoor )

Typical public health social worker jobs:

Public Health Social Worker
Director of Social Services
Community Outreach Social Worker

14. Public Welfare Social Work

Public welfare social workers facilitate support for individuals who require assistance. This is often housing, food, and income assistance. They work in various organizations that provide services to different populations. And jobs range from administration roles to staff jobs. Many of these positions are in city and state government agencies.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ) reports the average annual salary for public welfare social workers is between $36,000 and $83,000.

Typical jobs for public welfare social workers:

Case Manager or Caseworker
Human Services Workers
Social Services Workers

15. Research

Social workers in research typically work in academia, and most hold postgraduate degrees. Research drives social work and ensures the legitimacy of its most important standards, measurements, tools, and practices. So, a career in social work research can be an excellent choice for those comfortable in academic settings where they conduct research.

The median annual salary for a research social worker is between $80,000 to $150,000 (more).

Typical research-based social work jobs:

Research Social Worker
Research Analyst

16. Substance Abuse Social Work

Another common area of specialization found in the field of social work is substance abuse. Those who choose to become social workers specializing in substance abuse spend their time helping those addicted to drugs. This is not an easy job, and these mental health professionals are valuable assets to our society.

Professionals in this sub-specialty can find jobs in many settings. Some places with a high need are prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centers. They also work in mental health centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, residential treatment centers, and various non-profit organizations.

How much do mental health and substance abuse social workers make? The average annual mental health and substance abuse social worker salary is between $36,000 and $83,000 ( BLS ).

Typical substance abuse social worker jobs:

Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Clinical Assessor

17. School Social Work

Another common specialization found in social work is that of school social worker. They work as a mediator between students, teachers, and students’ families to ensure everyone is on the same page. They work in public and private schools. Many are in charge of particular programs, including:

– Crisis intervention – Behavioral intervention programs – Health education – Truancy prevention – Sexual education

Salary levels in this line of work vary by job and location. However, the average annual salary for school social workers is between $36,000 and $83,000. ( BLS )

Typical school social worker job opportunities:

School Social Workers
Exceptional Children’s Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Mental Health School Social Workers
Guidance Counselor

18. Social Work Administration and Management

Social work administration involves policy development, financial planning and budgeting, and program design and implementation. Administrators must be able to manage an organization and know the social policy, services, and delivery processes. These professionals know the basics of business administration and management. Additionally, they must understand human behavior and social problems and have excellent leadership and decision-making skills.

Social work administration jobs are typically at hospital facilities, family social service agencies, employee assistance programs, health care organizations, and also public welfare agencies.

The median annual salary for social work administrators is between $87,000 to $112,000 ( salary dot com ).

Typical social work administration job opportunities:

Social Services Director
Administrative Social Workers
Social Work Manager

Social Work Specialties and Specializations

Why Pursue a Social Work Specialization?

Pursuing a social work specialty gives professionals more experience and knowledge in their field of interest. In addition, these focus areas offer an opportunity to develop expertise in a specific population or topic.

This expertise helps individuals serve their clients better. Furthermore, a specialization may help individuals qualify for particular jobs, career advancement in their current position, or a higher salary.

Typical Social Work Educational Track
Highest Paying Jobs in Social Work

2024 Theses Doctoral

In search of the missing piece: advancing social rights through administrative law reform

Mamberti, Maria Emilia

This dissertation discusses ways to advance social rights, considering the significant gap between their ambitious normative recognition and their poor implementation in practice. It presents some of the challenges that social rights typically face and explores ways to overcome them, noting the role that courts can play in triggering solutions. The project zooms into the connection between social rights and administrative institutions to argue that, while often under-discussed, social rights’ fulfillment is largely dependent on administrative law and administrative action. The dissertation further claims that “canonical” administrative law, however, is unfit to facilitate the fulfillment of social rights and discusses possible ways to rethink discrete administrative institutions. While the dissertation focuses on Latin America, its arguments are of relevance for other parts of the world. The project is structured around two case studies of social rights litigation in Argentina (Chapter 2) and Colombia (Chapter 3), which triggered relevant innovations that can help respond to frequent challenges around social rights. Both cases involve similar circumstances of historical unfulfillment of human rights, particularly the rights to a healthy environment, health, and housing. They also illustrate similar capacity constraints in relevant administrative institutions (such as norms and staff volatility and bureaucratic fragmentation). Both cases represent what has been often called “structural litigation ” and were decided in similar legal backgrounds. The case studies are as detailed as possible, in an effort to supplement long standing theoretical debates on social rights with a nuanced analysis of the results of cases on the ground (as even though recent research has focused on empirical assessments, most relevant scholarship uses normative and doctrinal approaches ). The research conducted for this project therefore involved reviewing judicial records, legislation, press coverage and other secondary sources; and for the Argentine case, talking to public officials, judicial employees, non-governmental organizations, and other key actors, visiting the river basin and courts’ offices, and filing freedom of information requests. My research perspective is also informed by my previous work with different non-governmental organizations devoted to advancing social rights. I therefore came to this project with practical knowledge of how relevant institutions, mainly in Argentina, function in practice, with the consequent subjectivity of a practitioner from the Global South. The dissertation connects to existing literature on social rights and on the reform of administrative law. It also speaks, more indirectly, to ongoing conversations on effective government, State capacity, the growth of the administrative state, and structural litigation. Throughout the dissertation, I use a common analytical framework: experimentalism. I describe this framework in detail in the Introduction to this dissertation. When confronted with existing scholarship, the dissertation shows that many concerns around social rights in general, and social rights’ litigation in particular, do not necessarily play out in practice as traditional literature would anticipate. For example, the case studies prove that litigation does not necessarily exclude more confrontational alternatives for rights-claiming, and that middle class plaintiffs are not always prioritized in courts’ work. Both cases essentially show a decision-making model that is court-led but places responsibilities for policy making on local administrations. Under this model, courts set goals that administrations then need to pursue by themselves, with strong court oversight. As such, the model moves beyond the dichotomy between judicial abdication and judicial usurpation that traditional literature routinely describes. Traditional models of social rights adjudication also suggest a stark division between approaches based on the substance of rights and other based on procedures that the dissertation proves to be more nuanced, as in the case studies courts define some substance of rights, but also set strong procedures directed precisely at further defining rights’ substance. Importantly, this alternative model shows how courts intervention can lead to improved institutional capacities (directed mainly at increasing transparency and coordination) in responsible administrative entities. The cases finally show the barriers that traditional administrative law can create for the innovations needed to advance social rights. The last Chapter of the dissertation consequently explores ways to reimagine administrative law, to promote principles and institutions which are more aligned with the demands of social rights, such as recognizing informal administrative action and promoting administrative coordination.

Geographic Areas

Social rights
Administrative law

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Zambia visit shows SSW’s global impact

A UNC School of Social Work delegation saw how their research helped a nonprofit create jobs in rural areas.

Collage image of two women in Zambia. One is on her phone in a yellow cab speaking to people just outside the cab. One is crocheting a yellow and pink colored piece of clothing.

A small delegation from the UNC School of Social Work visited the growing rural town of Solwezi (population 90,000) in the North-Western Province of Zambia in March. They came to learn about the impact of local women’s savings and credit groups and their financial literacy training.

The trip was coordinated by Gina Chowa and Rain Masa from the school’s center for  Global Social Development Innovations in partnership with longtime collaborator Mathias Zimba, executive director of  Rising Fountains Development Program in Zambia.

“As partners, we work together to identify ideas and practices that will change lives for the better,” Masa said. “Researchers and graduate students at the school can help build the evidence needed to demonstrate to policymakers, officials and the business community what is needed to  improve the lives of rural Zambians .”

Improving lives in six countries

Woman in black and whtie striped shirt posing next to fabrics.

Masa is an associate professor who also serves as GSDI’s research director. He has worked collaboratively on both economic security and HIV treatment projects with Rising Fountains, a Zambian nonprofit dedicated to improving the livelihoods of women and children in rural areas.

Masa emphasized how community involvement localizes these economic programs and increases their chance of success and relevance.

“Economic security is the focal point of our work,” said Masa. “We provide funding and, maybe more importantly, we are available to Mathias and his team for ongoing capacity support as well.”

Paving career paths

During the visit to her native Zambia, Chowa was visibly moved at the end of a day spent at a teen center and a church. The delegation heard from over a dozen enthusiastic groups of about 20 women each and the men who had joined in support of them.

“These people. This is why I do the work I do,” Chowa said.

Man in baseball cap standing next to man in flannel.

Following the presentations, the delegation went to see the small business owners in action. These included a man who bought spare parts for just one bicycle and now runs a repair shop with several assistants, craftswomen who purchased a sewing machine and yarn to create and sell clothing, and a woman who uses a mobile phone and SIM cards to help townspeople make financial transactions.

“This is not about politics,” said one Solwezi community leader. “I stand in the middle in support of our people helping better their lives and those of their families.”

At the end of the visit, local residents piled baskets full of sweet melons, gourds and pineapples at the front of a small church as parting gifts.

“The bounty and generosity of spirit of the nearly 150 people of Solwezi whom we visited with earlier this month made a lasting impression,” said Alice Washington, a longtime member of the school’s advisory board.

Read more about the Zambia trip and support the UNC School of Social Work’s global partnerships by making a gift to the  Global Social Development Innovations Fund .

In a campus email, Lee H. Roberts wrote it's a privilege to interact with students and inspiring to learn about the diverse range of interests they're working on.

Seven-photo collage of students at a networking event called Career Treks. One of the seven photos is a posed group photo of students. The other six are of individual students)

Career Treks event highlights public professions

School of Education students networked in Raleigh with representatives from 11 state agencies.

Global studies scholar aspires to diplomacy

After earning a master’s degree, Kat Goodpaster became assistant director of Carolina’s Russian Flagship Program.

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Public Service Awards go to 7 people, 2 groups

The Carolina Center for Public Service honored work on health disparities, refugee aid and more.

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UNC-Chapel Hill graduate programs ranked among best in nation

U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 “Best Graduate Schools” list named multiple Carolina graduate degree programs in the top 10, including UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy at No. 1.

Woman in foreground looking into camera with a look of concern, while man behind her plays a video game.

Broadway writer brings new comedy to PlayMakers

Fresh off the debut of her musical adaptation of “The Notebook,” Bekah Brunstetter ’04 will debut “The Game” in Chapel Hill.

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EFC steers NC breweries to sustainability

Improving water usage in the craft beer industry is the focus of a UNC Environmental Finance Center project.

Healthcare Sparks inspires interest in STEM

Medical resident Danae Smart created a program to encourage minority students to pursue health careers.

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Christina Reppas-Rindlisbacher 1 , 2 ,
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8466-1193 Shail Rawal 1 , 2
1 Department of Medicine , Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
2 Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics , University Health Network and Sinai Health System , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
Correspondence to Dr Shail Rawal, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; shail.rawal{at}uhn.ca

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2023-016873

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Communication
Health policy
Quality improvement
Social sciences
Performance measures

When patients and clinicians do not speak the same language, the quality and safety concerns that can arise seem evident. However, the literature on the association between language and a host of health outcomes is vast and varied. In this issue of BMJQS , Chu et al share the results of their well-conducted systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between a patient’s spoken language and hospital readmissions and emergency department (ED) revisits. 1 They report that adult inpatients who prefer a non-dominant language are more likely to experience an unplanned hospital readmission or ED revisit after discharge. Moreover, they found that children whose parents spoke a non-dominant language had more ED revisits. The authors’ work is a thoughtful synthesis of a somewhat disparate literature and offers a starting point to consider key challenges in the broader area of research on linguistic inequities in healthcare.

Language as a variable

There are several challenges that arise when language is used as a quantitative variable in research. The first challenge is one of definition. Chu et al describe the heterogeneous approach to the measurement of language in the studies they reviewed as a limitation of their results. Some studies used dominant language proficiency, while others used preferred language, and yet others used primary language. Each measure assesses a different construct. And so, it becomes difficult to aggregate outcomes across studies when fundamentally different concepts are measured and compared.

Importantly, spoken language typically involves both speakers and listeners. However, the current literature almost exclusively examines patients’ language use and rarely reports or assesses that of clinicians. This makes the patient the focus of study rather than the clinician. 2 Future research must consider how to measure the languages used by clinicians and their concordance with a patient’s preferred language, especially given the ample evidence that language concordant care is associated with improved patient outcomes. 3–6

The role of dominant language speakers and institutions

Interactions between patients and clinicians occur within institutions that are embedded in a wider healthcare system and social context. A focus on the patient’s language use as the primary subject of study obscures the role of dominant language speakers, institutions and the health system in shaping linguistic equity. For example, do institutions offer meaningful access to interpretation services? Do they have policies that govern the use of interpretation? Do their hiring practices reflect the linguistic diversity of the communities they serve? What is the institutional culture as it relates to health equity? Understanding linguistic inequities requires that we move beyond measuring the patient’s language to assessing the degree to which institutions provide multilingual care.

Measuring the impact of interpretation services

Chu et al’s work underscores the challenges of understanding how interpretation services influence health outcomes such as readmission rates. In a stratified analysis by ‘access to or use of interpretation services’, the authors found higher odds of readmission from studies that did not describe interpretation services and no difference in readmission rates from studies that did describe interpretation services. Thus, the authors conclude that ‘interpretation access’ could be a mitigating factor in the association between language discordance and hospital readmissions. This finding should be interpreted with some caution due to the small sample size of the two studies analysed and the imprecise definition of interpretation access and use. One of the two studies verified patient-level interpretation and described the clinician who used the service but not the form of interpretation used (in-person, video, telephone). 7 While the other study described the form of interpretation used (telephone) but was unable to match an interpreted encounter to a specific patient or describe the clinical context of the interaction. 8

Thus, although the benefits of interpretation services are well established, 9 a significant barrier to better characterising the relationship between interpretation and health system outcomes, such as hospital readmission, remains the absence of patient-level data on whether interpretation was received by a patient, what form it took (telephone, in-person, video), and what type of communication it was used for (medication reconciliation, discharge counselling, etc). Institutions must create policies to collect such data at the level of the individual patient while also taking steps to protect personal health information. This would allow for a more nuanced understanding of the causative factors underlying the association between interpretation and health outcomes of interest. It would also allow institutions to identify areas for quality improvement and move from simply providing access to interpretation services to setting benchmarks for interpretation use.

The need for theory to inform the claims we make

Chu et al’s work offers an opportunity to reconsider how we account for the relationship between a patient’s spoken language and a given health outcome. Typically, poor communication between language-discordant patients and clinicians is theorised to be the primary mediator of poor patient outcomes. Professional interpretation is known to improve clinical care. 9 Thus, increasing the use of interpretation services is seen as the principal method for improving outcomes and remedying inequities for patients who speak non-dominant languages. However, the outcomes experienced by patients from language minority communities are likely shaped by more than poor communication alone, requiring an understanding of language as a social process.

Chu et al note that an important challenge in the analysis of research on linguistic inequities is the ‘complex relationship between language, race/ethnicity, migration status and socioeconomic status’. Language intersects with these characteristics in ways that are not well examined in conventional healthcare research. For example, it is unclear what proportion of the studies reviewed by the authors collected sociodemographic data from participants. Other studies that have explored these factors have found that patients who do not speak English in English-dominant countries are more likely to be racialised and live in poverty. 10 11 Thus, when considering Chu et al’s findings, non-dominant language speakers may have less access to home care and other social services that support a transition from hospital to home. Using a sociolinguistic lens, we might also consider how perceptions of a person’s language use are linked to racism or xenophobia. For example, a white French speaker in an English-dominant institution may be cared for in a different manner from a French speaker who is not white. 2 Similarly, language hierarchies position European languages above others, 12 and discourses related to migration, assimilation, and visible markers of cultural or religious difference may also shape the care of speakers who are deemed to be inadequately proficient in the dominant language.

Moving forward

At a time when global migration is reshaping population demographics, Chu et al’s study provides an opportunity to reflect on the status of research on linguistic inequities in healthcare. First, it brings to light the need for a standardised approach to defining language use in order to better synthesise findings across studies. This requires greater coordination among researchers and the development of a consensus view on how best to report the complex dimensions of language. Health systems must also be mandated to collect such data. Self-reported language preference is a useful starting point, 13 but we must develop the theory and methods needed to move beyond a binary understanding of language to one that considers the reality that patients and clinicians may speak multiple languages with varying proficiency and preference.

Second, the study reminds us to characterise the context in which communication occurs, so that the role of both speakers and listeners are examined. This requires that data on clinician language be included in health and administrative records so that language concordant care can be studied. It also underwscores the need for sociodemographic data be collected so that the scope of analysis can be expanded to include consideration of the effects of racism, xenophobia, religious discrimination and classism on health outcomes in non-dominant language speakers. Finally, the study highlights the need to develop measures and quality standards to assess how well institutions provide multilingual care. Such efforts must be grounded in the views of patients who speak non-dominant languages, and begin with collecting patient-level interpretation data.

Remedying linguistic inequities requires us to move from understanding language as a technical problem of poor communication, 14 to one that accounts for social context. It requires us to enrich our view of language and its intersections with race, migration status, religion and socioeconomic position, and to recognise that interventions to address linguistic inequities should occur in concert with broader efforts to improve health equity. Only then can we better understand the associations between the variables we seek to describe and move towards substantive action to address the inequities experienced by language minority communities.

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Institute of Medicine (US) Subcommittee on Standardized Collection of Race/Ethnicity Data for Healthcare Quality Improvement
McElhinny B

Contributors CR-R and SR contributed to the conception, drafting and critical review of this article.

Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Competing interests CR-R reported receiving the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Award, the Eliot Phillipson Clinician-Scientist Training Program Award and the PSI Foundation Resident Research Grant outside the present manuscript. SR is supported by an award from the Mak Pak Chiu and Mak-Soo Lai Hing Chair in General Internal Medicine, University of Toronto.

Provenance and peer review Commissioned; internally peer reviewed.

Linked Articles

Systematic review Association between language discordance and unplanned hospital readmissions or emergency department revisits: a systematic review and meta-analysis Janet N Chu Jeanette Wong Naomi S Bardach Isabel Elaine Allen Jill Barr-Walker Maribel Sierra Urmimala Sarkar Elaine C Khoong BMJ Quality & Safety 2023; - Published Online First: 30 Dec 2023. doi: 10.1136/bmjqs-2023-016295

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

This article is part of the research topic.

Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems in Times of Crises

State school catering in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study Provisionally Accepted

1 Research Institute on Sustainable Economic Growth, National Research Council, Italy

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

The complex value of school meals for children and families is well documented. In Italy, school cafeterias have been an instrument of social policy since the end of the Second World War. Thereafter, school cafeterias have acquired several functions in the areas of children's health and well-being, education, social inclusion, support to local and quality agriculture, and environmental sustainability. In particular, the goal of a nutritious and balanced diet has been emphasized in recent decades, since malnutrition and food insecurity have been increasing in Italian society. During the pandemic, Italy was the first European country to implement a nationwide lockdown and one of the high-income countries where schools closed for the longest period. In this work, we use in-depth interviews with representatives of the school food catering service, both from the major catering companies and the biggest municipalities, to analyze what happened in the management of the Italian school catering service during the pandemic crisis. In addition, a review of public recommendations issued during the pandemic has made it possible to analyze their compliance with the state guidelines for school catering and food education. The results highlight how the system reacted extremely slowly to the crisis and how the measures taken led to a deterioration of the value that has always been attributed to state school cafeterias, especially in terms of children's food security and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: School cafeterias, service management, COVID-19 pandemic, School closures, Food security, Italy

Received: 16 Feb 2024; Accepted: 15 Apr 2024.

Copyright: © 2024 Pagliarino. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Dr. Elena Pagliarino, Research Institute on Sustainable Economic Growth, National Research Council, Turin, Italy

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Published on 17.4.2024 in Vol 26 (2024)

This is a member publication of University College London (Jisc)

Twitter Analysis of Health Care Workers’ Sentiment and Discourse Regarding Post–COVID-19 Condition in Children and Young People: Mixed Methods Study

Authors of this article:

Original Paper

Macarena Chepo 1 * , RN, BSN, MPH, PhD ;
Sam Martin 2, 3 * , MSc, PhD ;
Noémie Déom 2 , MSc ;
Ahmad Firas Khalid 4 , MD, PhD ;
Cecilia Vindrola-Padros 2 , BA, MA, PhD

1 School of Nursing, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile

2 Department of Targeted Intervention, University College London, London, United Kingdom

3 Oxford Vaccine Group, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom

4 Canadian Institutes of Health Research Health System Impact Fellowship, Centre for Implementation Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Otawa, ON, Canada

*these authors contributed equally

Corresponding Author:

Sam Martin, MSc, PhD

Department of Targeted Intervention

University College London

Charles Bell House 43-45

Foley Street

London, W1W 7TY

United Kingdom

Phone: 44 (0)20 3108 3232

Email: [email protected]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant global impact, with millions of cases and deaths. Research highlights the persistence of symptoms over time (post–COVID-19 condition), a situation of particular concern in children and young people with symptoms. Social media such as Twitter (subsequently rebranded as X) could provide valuable information on the impact of the post–COVID-19 condition on this demographic.

Objective: With a social media analysis of the discourse surrounding the prevalence of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people, we aimed to explore the perceptions of health care workers (HCWs) concerning post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people in the United Kingdom between January 2021 and January 2022. This will allow us to contribute to the emerging knowledge on post–COVID-19 condition and identify critical areas and future directions for researchers and policy makers.

Methods: From a pragmatic paradigm, we used a mixed methods approach. Through discourse, keyword, sentiment, and image analyses, using Pulsar and InfraNodus, we analyzed the discourse about the experience of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people in the United Kingdom shared on Twitter between January 1, 2021, and January 31, 2022, from a sample of HCWs with Twitter accounts whose biography identifies them as HCWs.

Results: We obtained 300,000 tweets, out of which (after filtering for relevant tweets) we performed an in-depth qualitative sample analysis of 2588 tweets. The HCWs were responsive to announcements issued by the authorities regarding the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. The most frequent sentiment expressed was negative. The main themes were uncertainty about the future, policies and regulations, managing and addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people, vaccination, using Twitter to share scientific literature and management strategies, and clinical and personal experiences.

Conclusions: The perceptions described on Twitter by HCWs concerning the presence of the post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people appear to be a relevant and timely issue and responsive to the declarations and guidelines issued by health authorities over time. We recommend further support and training strategies for health workers and school staff regarding the manifestations and treatment of children and young people with post–COVID-19 condition.

Introduction

More than 3 years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 1 ], the social, political, and economic impact of this phenomenon has been more than significant, considering >700 million worldwide cases and nearly 7 million people’s deaths [ 2 ]. Given the scale of the phenomenon, it is imperative for all countries to thoroughly examine the lessons gleaned from the pandemic, particularly regarding a matter that has raised significant concern among the populace: the long-term effects experienced by individuals who have had COVID-19, spanning weeks, months, or even years after their initial infection [ 3 ]. This phenomenon, referred to as post–COVID-19 condition (or more commonly “long COVID”), warrants careful consideration and analysis [ 4 ].

There is increasing information regarding the clinical manifestation of this condition, particularly in the adult population. The worldwide prevalence has been estimated at approximately 50% to 70% in individuals hospitalized during acute COVID-19 infection and 10% to 12% in vaccinated cases [ 5 ]. While children and young people have a low likelihood of severe COVID-19 infection [ 6 ], the information available to date indicates that the presence of post–COVID-19 condition in this group may be as disabling as in adults, reaching a prevalence rate of 23.4% (range 3.7%-66.5%) [ 7 ].

An agreed definition by the World Health Organization indicates that post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people is a condition that occurs “in individuals with a history of confirmed or probable SARS-CoV-2 infection when experiencing symptoms lasting at least two months which initially occurred within three months of acute COVID-19” [ 8 ]. Post–COVID-19 condition strongly impacts daily functioning and can develop or continue after COVID-19 infection and may fluctuate or relapse over time [ 4 , 8 , 9 ].

Among the symptoms most frequently attributable to post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people are fatigue, altered smell or anosmia, and anxiety [ 8 ]. However, other symptoms have also been reported, such as sleep disturbances, difficulty in concentrating, abdominal pain, myalgia or arthralgia, earache or ringing in ears, mood swings, persistent chest pain, stomach pain, light sensitivity, diarrhea, heart palpitations, and skin lesions [ 8 , 10 ]. One of England’s most significant studies is the Children and Young People With Long COVID study by Stephenson et al [ 11 ]. This national research matched longitudinal and cohort studies in adolescent individuals aged 11 to 17 years and found the presence of symptoms in 35.4% of the adolescent individuals who tested positive at baseline and 8.3% who of the adolescent individuals who tested negative at baseline. A total of 3 months after testing, 66.5% of those who tested positive and 53.3% of those who tested negative had any symptoms [ 11 ]. However, Stephenson et al [ 12 ] recently indicated that in a 6-month follow-up, the prevalence of specific symptoms reported at the time of the polymerase chain reaction testing decreased over time, where, for example, the prevalence of chills, fever, myalgia, cough, and sore throat among those who tested positive decreased from 10% to 25% to <3%.

As research on the symptoms, prevalence, and treatment of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people continues, it is essential to add to the literature by developing studies that determine the condition’s impact on this group, considering that they are experiencing a range of unwanted symptoms that disrupt their quality of life and that of their families.

Considering that listening to the voices of families and health workers could be helpful to broaden the knowledge achieved in post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people, a powerful tool could be social media, such as Twitter (subsequently rebranded as X). With >3729 million daily active users, Twitter has become one of the most important social platforms in the world [ 13 ]. People used Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic for different purposes, such as world leaders communicating with citizens [ 14 , 15 ], organizations monitoring movement [ 16 ], scientists studying public discourse around the pandemic [ 17 , 18 ], and researchers performing sentiment analysis [ 19 - 21 ]. In the case of physicians and health care workers (HCWs), Twitter has been used to share and evaluate scientific evidence, guidelines, and technical advice [ 22 - 24 ] and track the course and burden of disease [ 25 ].

Using the social media monitoring platform Pulsar [ 26 ], we aimed to explore HCWs’ perceptions concerning post–COVID condition in children and young people in the United Kingdom between January 2021 and January 2022. We aimed to contribute to the emerging knowledge on post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people and identify critical areas and future directions for researchers and policy makers.

We considered a mixed methods approach to be a pragmatic research paradigm. We analyzed data by conducting a Collaborative and Digital Analysis of Big Qualitative Data in Time Sensitive Contexts (LISTEN) [ 27 ]. This mixed methods analysis consisted of iterative cycles intercalating team discussion and using digital text and discourse analytics tools to analyze related social media data [ 27 ]. We used the LISTEN method to perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of Twitter posts, extracted through the Pulsar platform [ 26 ], related to the experience of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people in the United Kingdom (eg, phrases, words, hashtags, videos, and images), published between January 1, 2021, and January 31, 2022. We created an advanced Boolean search for keywords mentioning “long COVID” and corelated words, hashtags, and symptoms; furthermore, we filtered for user accounts who identified as HCWs in their Twitter biography description ( Multimedia Appendix 1 ).

Quantitative analysis of all tweets included the following: (1) engagement analysis, where we specifically measured reactions to posts, for example, a retweet, a share, or a comment or quote made toward a tweet; (2) sentiment and emotion analysis, where we measured the positive or negative sentiment in the words and tone of each post within the context of post–COVID-19 condition and HCW’s roles ( Multimedia Appendix 2 ); (3) emotion analysis, where we measured the emotions expressed in the tweets, classified as sadness, anger, disgust, fear, and joy; (4) frequency analysis, where we observed the frequency of keywords and themes in the data set; (5) segmentation analysis, where we measured the key connections or relationships between keywords and their frequent use in the same context; (6) demographic analysis, where we measured the occupation, gender (man or woman or nonbinary or unknown), and city of origin related to the users posting tweets; and (7) analyses, where we evaluated the most influential accounts and the most mentioned websites.

Big qualitative analysis was carried out through thematic discourse analysis of the data sample, using InfraNodus [ 28 ], specifically analyzing the key themes and topics of concern expressed throughout the data set. A codebook was constructed based on the mapping of themes agreed upon by 3 researchers (ND, SM, and MC; Multimedia Appendix 3 ).

The principal investigators (ND, AFK, SM, and MC) interpreted and analyzed the data collected, following the recommendations for rigorous research provided by Creswell and Poth [ 29 ]. Using the LISTEN method [ 27 ], we aimed to show that the integration of qualitative insights through thematic analysis with the quantitative backing of topic modeling can offer a comprehensive view of the discourse. This mixed methods approach allows us to capture the richness of qualitative data while leveraging the objectivity of quantitative measures. Our initial data harvest of the larger corpus data from the Pulsar platform captured 300,000 tweets; this data harvest helped to underpin the software’s sentiment analysis modeling of this specific data set, providing a robust quantitative foundation. The addition of further qualitative data analyses from a smaller qualitative sample allowed for an in-depth understanding of nuanced conversations, particularly when exploring new or complex phenomena such as post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people, with the provision of insights into the context, subtext, and sentiment behind the tweets offering valuable snapshots of public perception and discourse. We used an iterative mixed methods approach, iterating between team discussions and using digital analytics tools to discern relevant themes from the Twitter data corpus. Specifically, we used InfraNodus for thematic analysis, which incorporates a topic modeling script for analyzing and identifying key topics of concern with a data set and provides a structured and objective interpretation of the data. The coding process involved 3 independent researchers (MC, SM, and ND), each with expertise in health care, social network analysis, and digital global health. When initial coding disagreements arose, we meticulously tagged any queries and discussed the posts in question. These instances led to 3 structured meetings wherein the research team deliberated collaboratively to resolve conflicting interpretations. This approach resulted in an 81.99% (2122/2588) initial intercoder agreement rate for the tweets analyzed. For the remaining instances where consensus was not initially reached, the majority rule was applied to finalize theme codings. To quantify the reliability of our coding procedure, with 81.99% (2122/2588) of the tweets coded identically, we used the Cohen κ score, which provides a measure of interrater agreement adjusted for chance. Including the calculation of all variations, this score was calculated to be approximately κ=0.70, indicating good agreement among the coders.

Ethical Considerations

The study only collected data from publicly accessible social networks that have been anonymized by various means, particularly by replacing all usernames and links with anonymous text and summaries of tweets that have been edited, retaining the original message, avoiding direct quotations being identifiable, and ensuring that no information is provided on the identity of the individuals who posted the content studied on the platform.

Internet research requires researchers to carefully consider guidelines to determine whether ethics approval and informed consent are needed [ 30 ]. On the basis of the terms set out by the Research Ethics Committee at the University College London [ 31 ], the study was considered exempt from formal ethics approval for the following reasons: (1) study involving information freely available in the public domain, such as published biographies, newspaper accounts of an individual’s activities, and published minutes of a meeting, that although is considered personal under the Data Protection Act, would not require ethics review; and (2) study involving anonymized records and data sets in the public domain, such as data sets available through the Office for National Statistics or the UK Data Archive where appropriate permissions have already been obtained and it is not possible to identify individuals from the information provided.

Therefore, we anonymized all records and data sets collected during the study to make identification impossible. We removed social media usernames from the data samples. No direct or easily traceable quotes have been included. These measures align with best practices [ 32 - 35 ]. While this study was beyond the scope of the human ethics committee, we adhered to the principles of ethics: beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice [ 36 ]. We collected and analyzed data through secure encrypted servers via the Meltwater and InfraNodus platforms.

Audience Analysis

During the period from January 2021 to January 2022, we obtained 300,000 tweets from 936 accounts. After filtering for relevant posts (refer to inclusion and exclusion criteria in Multimedia Appendix 1 ), we analyzed a sample of 2588 tweets using mixed methods analysis. In terms of gender (man, woman, nonbinary, or unknown), 32.88% (851/2588) were female individuals, 23.49% (608/2588) were male individuals, and 43.59% (1128/2588) were unknown. According to the description given in the user’s biography, the most frequently self-reported terms were “NHS” (582/2588, 22.49%), “health” (230/2588, 8.89%), “medical” (168/2588, 6.49%), “nurse” (166/2588, 6.41%), “clinical” (160/2588, 6.18%), “mum” (158/2588, 6.11%), “doctor” (145/2588, 5.6%), and “GP” (145/2588, 5.6%). In terms of city, tweets came mainly from London (958/2588, 37.02%), Newcastle upon Tyne (326/2588, 12.6%), Redcar (160/2588, 6.18%), Manchester (140/2588, 5.41%), and Bradford (111/2588, 4.29%).

Regarding profession described in the user’s biography, the most frequently mentioned roles were nurses (176/2588, 6.8%); medical roles, for example, paramedic and nursing assistant (173/2588, 6.68%); clinical roles, for example, surgeon, physiotherapist, and anesthesiologist (160/2588, 6.18%); general practitioners (GPs), for example, hospital GP or local surgery GP (142/2588, 5.49%); and physician (140/2588, 5.41%). The most frequent organization affiliated with was the National Health Service (587/2588, 22.68%).

Most Influential Accounts

One of the accounts that generated the highest number of mentions and, therefore, some of the most influence, as they were the ones that talked the most about post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people, was the account for @longcovidkids (593/2588, 22.91% tweets), related to the most shared website longcovidkids.org [ 37 ] , an international UK-based charity for families and children living with post–COVID-19 condition. Although the account was created in October 2020, it was first mentioned in our data collection timeline on January 1, 2021. It offers web support services, funding, and research participation and represents children and young people living with post–COVID-19 condition in expert forums, research panels, health organizations, and parliamentary groups. The other most shared web pages were theguardian.com (the United Kingdom) [ 38 ], bbc.co.uk (the United Kingdom) [ 39 ], peoplewith.com (the United States) [ 40 ], and ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (the United States) [ 41 ]. This shows that in the United Kingdom, there was a mixed influence of UK and US link resources linked to HCW Twitter users in the United Kingdom.

Keyword Analysis

The volume of social media engagement in the discussion about the post–COVID-19 condition experience in children and young people in the United Kingdom reached 1400 posts, 1550 engagements, and 1.9 million impressions. Overall, comments were very responsive to government decisions regarding the vaccination program and school closures ( Multimedia Appendix 4 ). During the first peak of comments in January 2021, the amount of discourse expanded leading up to March 2021, when there were different announcements of school closures, and the guidelines were delivered regarding the priority groups of the vaccination program (frontline HCW and people aged >80 years first). The highest engagement was between June and July 2021, which coincides with the government announcement regarding the availability of vaccines for people aged >18 years. The third peak of comments occurred in September 2021, the same month the authorities announced the extension of the vaccination program to children aged 12 to 15 years.

Top Keywords Analysis

The top words in posts associated with children and young people’s experience of post–COVID-19 condition in the United Kingdom were “Children” (352/2588, 13.6%), “kids” (160/2588, 6.18%), “people” (158/2588, 6.11%), “Young” (148/2588, 5.72%), and “schools” (83/2588, 3.21%). The top hashtags were #longcovid (1387/2588, 53.59%), #longcovidkids (448/2588, 17.31%), #covid19 (370/2588, 14.3%), and #covid (176/2588, 6.8%).

Sentiment and Emotions Analysis

According to sentiment analysis, 99.38% (2572/2588) of the posts reflected negative sentiments and 0.62% (16/2588) reflected positive sentiments. Negative sentiments were mainly associated with comments on hospitalization figures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, criticism of pandemic mitigation policies, and vaccination of children and young people. Furthermore, positive sentiments mainly concerned acknowledgments around decreasing numbers of community support groups.

The primary emotions identified were as follows:

Sadness (1752/2588, 67.7%), such as in the following tweet:

@[Username] Really upset, after my tough on-call last night. Hospitalisations are still going up, and Gov announcement minismises the effect of long-COVID in adults and children. It’s so hard to keep spirits up today. But we’ll try and continue doing our best in the NHS.

Joy (367/2588, 14.18%), such as in the following tweet:

@[Username] It’s been an amazing day! [...] I’ve been able to share the experience I’ve gained treating children and adolescents with Long COVID over the last year.

Fear (233/2588, 9%), as seen in the following tweet:

@[Username] It’s really urgent that young people get the message that they need to get vaccinated. Long COVID is ruining many people’s lives! It’s not a lie or hypochondria, there are real, physiological changes, please understand!

Segmentation Analysis

This analysis revealed the critical clusters of conversation around the main topics of concern within the discourse network around post–COVID-19 condition. Comments were distributed in 4 key conversation segments as follows:

People, schools, and prevention (1734/2588, 67%): Most of the comments related to measures taken in terms of COVID-19 prevention in schools, concern about the risk of exposure, and sharing experiences of infection in schools.
Health, adults, and impact (401/2588, 15.49%): Comments mainly reflected concerns and uncertainty about the long-term effect of post–COVID-19 condition on both children and young people and adults.
Cases, virus, and risk (326/2588, 12.6%): Comments reflected worries about the associated risks and long-term consequences attributable to post–COVID-19 condition (in both adults and children and young people) and the constant mutation of the virus, which will create a permanent risk in the population.
Months, distress, and symptoms (106/2588, 4.1%): Some HCWs used Twitter to share how children and young people experience post–COVID-19 condition and the extent of these symptoms. Some HCWs exemplified certain typical manifestations, such as fatigue.

Discourse Analysis by Theme

To better understand the topics discussed from the segmentation analysis, we performed a discourse analysis of the key co-occurring themes and topics of concern shared within discussions regarding post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people. The following themes emerged ( Textbox 1 ): concern or uncertainty for the future, school attendance, mask protection from COVID-19, vaccine uptake, infection rates, policy (support or skepticism), understanding and visualizing symptoms, child mental health, access to care, community support, and research ( Figures 1 and 2 ).

Concern for the future or uncertainty (615/2588, 23.76% tweets): Most comments showed a concern for the future, focusing on shared statistics regarding the rate and spread of infection in children and young people and how this would affect future health outcomes. Furthermore, this group expressed concern regarding political decisions; the presence of illness in loved ones; the eventual overload and response capacity of the health system in the face of an increase in post–COVID-19 condition cases; and the need for training of health care workers (HCWs) to deal with comorbid, potentially long-term symptoms ( Figure 1 A).
Schools (460/2588, 17.77% tweets): Comments aimed to promote vaccination policies for schoolchildren and flexible measures regarding teachers’ work and attendance, considering cases of people with prolonged symptoms. In addition, several tweets expressed dissatisfaction with school risk mitigation measures, such as the use of face masks and air filters ( Figure 1 B).
Vaccine (386/2588, 14.9% tweets): Most tweets from this group showed their disapproval of the constant changes in the government’s decisions regarding schools and priority groups for vaccination. Between March and June 2021, the first set of tweets criticized the lack of priority in the vaccination program for schoolchildren and other at-risk groups (such as teachers). Once the authorities announced a vaccination program for schoolchildren aged 12 to 15 years ( Multimedia Appendix 4 ), most comments promoted vaccination for this group. A few comments (78/2588, 3.01%) shared concerns about the vaccine’s efficacy for children, based on the experiences of COVID-19 reinfection in adults despite having received the recommended initial doses. However, to a lesser extent (26/2588, 1%), there was a refusal to vaccinate children, citing fear of possible adverse effects. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the community frequently refuted such comments ( Figure 1 C).
Share statistics (334/2588, 12.91% tweets): Frequently, HCWs shared statistical data, such as the number of affected children and young people, the number of post–COVID-19 condition cases, and hospital admissions and deaths. Some of these data were used to validate the existence of the post–COVID-19 phenomenon or to express concern about it ( Figure 1 D).
Policy (316/2588, 12.21% tweets): The comments were responsive to the policies emanating from the authorities over time ( Multimedia Appendix 4 ). There were 5 main criticisms, including changes in school closure or opening policies; HCWs question why the authorities ignore the evidence of post–COVID-19 cases in children and young people, leading them to question whether decision makers have sufficient training to control the pandemic adequately; the failure to include teachers and school workers in the COVID-19 vaccination program as well as the younger population; the lack of mitigation measures in schools, such as improvements in ventilation systems and mandatory use of masks; and the herd immunity as a plan in the government’s hidden agenda , that is, to promote work and activate the economy ( Figure 1 E).
“Proof” (280/2588, 10.82% tweets): Most tweets in this group argued regarding the existence of children and young people with post–COVID-19 condition through pictures; statistics; scientific papers; and personal, family, and professional experiences ( Figure 1 F).
Signs and symptoms (189/2588, 7.3% tweets): Among the symptoms described, chronic fatigue and exhaustion were the most frequent symptoms, which prevent normal activities. Other symptoms were respiratory: dyspnea, chronic cough, and shortness of breath; gastrointestinal: acute or intense abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, gastroparesis, and change in smell or taste; muscular: severe joint pain, “painful foot” and difficulty with physical activity; mental health: anxiety and low mood; topical: rash, skin rashes, and redness and pain in the eyes; and nonspecific symptoms, such as chest pain, heart palpitations, constant high body temperature, precocious puberty, hormonal changes, and erectile dysfunction ( Figure 2 A).
Face masks (119/2588, 4.6% tweets): Face masks were widely promoted, especially in schools, because HCWs considered them as a practical and straightforward strategy to control the pandemic ( Figure 2 B).
Skepticism (101/2588, 3.9% tweets): Comments showed reticence toward post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people. Some of the arguments focused on a perceived lack of clarity in the clinical manifestations and stressed the need to better differentiate the post–COVID-19 condition from other related symptomatologies, such as mood disorders (eg, depression and anxiety due to confinement). In contrast, several arguments agreed on the need for more scientific evidence, arguing that post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people are isolated. Other users claimed not to know of such cases instead of calling post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people SMS text message an exaggeration. In addition, several arguments favored releasing restrictions for children and young people, particularly arguments related to the use of masks, because of possible associated risks, for example, hypoxia ( Figure 2 C).
Mental health (54/2588, 2.09% tweets): Symptoms attributable to mental health problems in children and young people were also a concern. For instance, HCWs mentioned sadness, fear of infecting their family, anxiety regarding sick parents, stress, night terrors, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, users discussed a perceived lack of specific support for children and young people and their families in situations such as hospitalization; prolonged COVID-19 condition; admission to intensive care; and death of a family member, schoolmate, or teacher, all situations that triggered permanent stress in these groups ( Figure 2 D).
Community support or asking for advice (93/2588, 3.59% tweets): Some HCWs used Twitter to ask for guidance on a specific issue or share experiences of having post–COVID-19 condition or caring for children and young people or family members. Furthermore, they shared informative infographics provided by experts regarding post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people ( Figure 2 E).
Access to health care or treatment (72/2588, 2.78% tweets): Some HCWs mentioned the lack of specialist (cardiology) support, concerns regarding prolonged National Health Service burnout, and criticisms regarding how follow-up was carried out concerning the relative symptomatology of children and young people with post–COVID-19 condition. At the same time, opening new centers for children and young people with post–COVID-19 condition generated different reactions. On the one hand, some HCWs recognized it as a substantial development, but on the other hand, some HCWs recognized it as proof of the existence of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people, which raised concerns for the future ( Figure 2 F).
Research (52/2588, 2% tweets): Under this theme, tweets largely promoted study on post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people or highlighted the need for further study on the subject ( Figure 2 G).
Images (57/2588, 2.2% tweets): Images shared were primarily from scientific studies, including infographics (from organizations such as National Health Service or @LongCovidKids) and visualization of children and young people’s symptoms, such as rashes, COVID-19 toe, and joint pain. Most infographics shared by organizations (and not individuals), such as the organization LongCovidKids, were related to statistics, such as the number of children and young people with post–COVID-19 condition or the quantification of the type of symptoms experienced. Shared photographs tended to show the more “visually recognizable” symptoms of post–COVID-19 condition, such as skin lesions, rashes, or inflammation. The less visible symptoms, such as chronic fatigue and neurological issues, were represented with photographs of children and young people lying, sleeping under blankets, or duvets or on hospital beds ( Figure 2 H).

Principal Findings

Our primary objective was to explore HCWs’ perceptions concerning post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people in the United Kingdom between January 2021 and January 2022. Our findings indicated that comments made by HCWs on Twitter were responsive to announcements issued by authorities regarding the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom and associated regulations on the operation of schools. The most frequent feelings and emotions were negative, mainly sadness. In turn, we identified relevant themes for HCWs, such as uncertainty or concern about the future; policies; and regulations for the prevention, management, and addressing both COVID-19 and post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people; vaccination; and the use of Twitter as a strategy to share scientific literature, management strategies, and clinical and personal experiences.

Concern from HCWs regarding the policies for addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in the children and young people in the United Kingdom (including vaccination and schools) was a recurring theme in our findings. Furthermore, concern regarding the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine and how the vaccine might interact with preexisting physiological symptoms of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people was a topic of discussion. Similarly, the constant change in policy making in the United Kingdom, as public health bodies and governments have tried to understand and adapt to the emergence of post–COVID-19 condition, have added to the strength of this ongoing debate [ 42 ]. The lack of up-to-date evidence on post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people prompted HCWs to rely on Twitter during the pandemic to communicate relevant information. Twitter has a broad audience reach; is used as a communication tool by politicians, health bodies, and other key influences; and facilitates real-time updates [ 43 ]. During the pandemic, HCWs, primarily those in frontline roles and local response coordination, have often been challenged to become credible spokespersons for pandemic information [ 44 ]. Such credibility directly influences public confidence and decision-making, ultimately determining the success or failure of a public health intervention [ 43 ].

Furthermore, failures in risk communication could explain the presence of uncertainty and negative feelings associated with school regulations. When people are upset, distressed, or fearful, they often do not trust the authority, decrease the perceived validity of the communication received, and find information processing difficult [ 45 ]. In this regard, Fotheringham et al [ 46 ] indicated that during 2020, school leaders in the United Kingdom faced pressures and challenges related to translating and enacting school policies, particularly with the perceived lack of agency shared by the government concerning being able to translate centrally issued guidelines. In turn, Tomson et al [ 47 ] reported that the pandemic has negatively impacted the well-being of leaders in all types of schools and across all demographic groups, affecting their ability to think clearly and solve work-related problems. Given that the protection and care of children and young people health during the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately rests with school leaders, the search for support strategies that focus on the needs of these groups becomes an urgent necessity.

Findings in Relation to Other Studies

Using Twitter’s information, this is one of the first studies to capture health professionals’ perceptions of prolonged COVID-19 in the children and young people in the United Kingdom. However, other studies have addressed post–COVID-19 condition on this social network. Callard and Peregov [ 48 ] reviewed how, through social platforms such as Twitter, patients made the persistence and heterogeneity of COVID-19 symptoms visible, thus catapulting the inclusion of post–COVID-19 condition as a relevant phenomenon in clinical and policy debates. In contrast, other authors in the last 2 years have explored on various platforms (including Twitter) the persistence of symptoms and emotional impact after months of suspected and confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 [ 49 - 55 ], including the period of vaccination. Furthermore, others have explored web discussions regarding this phenomenon [ 56 ]. Several of these authors agree on a perceived lack of support and specific resources from governmental bodies, a lack of information or clarity in the instructions given, and the absence of formal mechanisms to allow the voices of patients and the community to be heard. The above point is critical as it highlights the gap between the needs of the population and the response provided by policy makers, which not only translates into a gap in access to health services but also limits citizen participation in decision-making on the issues that affect their own health and increases distrust toward regulations and instructions issued by the government.

Implications for Policy and Practice

Several policy recommendations and implications are targeted at various stakeholders to consider while implementing future policy guidelines to address post–COVID-19 health care delivery. First, policy makers should consider investing appropriate resources to collect data regarding post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people, specifically on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and young people. This implies working closely with researchers to streamline data collection and reporting on post–COVID-19 condition. Second, policy makers should consider providing a basic level of psychosocial support with access to quality mental health and psychosocial support services for HCWs, school staff, parents, and children and young people experiencing post–COVID-19 condition. This implies strengthening health systems, community-based programming, and mobilization. Policies must include documenting the impact of mental health and psychosocial support interventions and innovative approaches to be more widely disseminated and scaled up across different contexts and target population groups. Third, to address the criticism around frequent changes in school closure and opening policies, decision makers should develop clear, easy-to-understand school mitigation plans informed by the best available evidence. The plans should incorporate teachers, school workers, and parents to ensure all voices are included in the policy plan. Fourth, policy makers should adopt a shared decision-making approach incorporating HCWs in the decision-making process for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, government decision makers should set post–COVID-19 pandemic recovery policies informed from a health equity perspective and how this affects children and young people living with post–COVID-19 condition, factoring in childhood, family income, housing, domestic violence, access to health care, and racism.

In terms of the needed clearer road map for recommendations to support training strategies for HCWs and school staff regarding post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people, we have outlined the following 10 steps.

Step 1: Data Collection and Analysis

Our study underlines the critical need for comprehensive data on post–COVID-19 condition’s impact on the mental health of children and young people. As a first step, it is recommended that policy makers should allocate resources for the systematic collection and analysis of data on post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people, particularly focusing on mental health outcomes. These data should be used to identify the most prevalent symptoms and the most effective treatment strategies. In this context, it is recommended that experts emphasize the importance of early detection and medical consultation for mental health issues in children and young people diagnosed with post–COVID-19 condition, including mood changes, irritability, social withdrawal, memory problems, difficulty in concentrating, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, school absenteeism, and suicidal ideation [ 57 , 58 ]. This entails working closely with researchers to streamline data collection and reporting on post–COVID-19 condition.

Step 2: Psychosocial Support Framework

It has been noted that globally, programs for managing post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people are heterogeneous, ranging from the use of physiotherapy, pediatric occupational therapy, and psychological support to interventions aimed at lifestyle modifications [ 59 ]. This diversity could impact differential outcomes in the treatment, recovery, and timely and effective rehabilitation of children and young people with post–COVID-19 condition. Upon analyzing the wider literature and the social media data in this study, it is recommended that a basic level of psychosocial support should be established. This would involve ensuring access to quality mental health services for HCWs, school staff, parents, and children and young people with post–COVID-19 condition. This framework should be integrated into the health system and community-based programming, emphasizing the mobilization of resources and strengthening of support networks. It is suggested that the psychosocial support framework should facilitate access to quality mental health services and support networks that are robust and responsive. Community engagement gleaned from further Twitter discourse analysis should be a helpful guide in the development of these services to ensure they meet the real and expressed needs of children and young people with post–COVID-19 condition. Practical examples of basic psychosocial support include using web support services; individual or group therapy sessions; school-based emotional support programs; and counseling sessions aimed at parents, family members, or school staff.

Step 3: Educational Mitigation Plans

The frequent policy changes around school closures highlight the necessity for stable and clear educational mitigation plans. It is recommended that these plans should be directly informed by the evidence collected and further analysis of sentiments and emotions surrounding post–COVID-19 condition in schools. Incorporating the viewpoints of teachers, parents, and school staff, as identified in our thematic analysis, will ensure that the mitigation strategies are comprehensive, feasible, and sensitive to the psychosocial impact on children and young people. School staff and policy makers should collaborate to develop clear, evidence-informed educational mitigation plans. These plans should be straightforward and involve teachers, school workers, and parents in their creation, ensuring a unified approach that considers the voices of all stakeholders.

Step 4: Shared Decision-Making in Health Care

In health care settings, the adoption of a shared decision-making model is crucial, enabling HCWs to actively contribute to the formulation of COVID-19 and post–COVID-19 policies. This inclusive approach ensures that frontline workers can provide valuable insights toward policy development. To facilitate this, the establishment of advisory committees composed of representatives from HCWs is recommended. This committee can convene regularly to deliberate on key decisions pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic management, including prevention measures, resource distribution, and vaccination strategies. Such collaborative groups have demonstrated effectiveness in identifying priority needs within the context of a pandemic [ 60 ].

Step 5: Health Equity in Policy Setting

Post–COVID-19 recovery policies should be set with a health equity lens. This means considering factors such as family income, housing, domestic violence, access to health care, and racism and how these factors affect children and young people living with post–COVID-19 condition. Our findings emphasize the importance of framing post–COVID-19 recovery policies through a lens of health equity. The concerns raised by HCWs regarding the socioeconomic impacts, such as family income and access to health care, underline the need for policies that address not just the medical aspects of post–COVID-19 condition but also the social determinants of health. An equitable approach will ensure that children and young people from diverse backgrounds receive appropriate support.

Step 6: Documenting and Disseminating Interventions

It is vital to document the impact of mental health and psychosocial support interventions. In this context, it is crucial to implement innovative strategies to disseminate unbiased information about post–COVID-19 condition among health care professionals and educators working with children and young people, ensuring it reaches different contexts and populations. These strategies may include creating interactive multimedia resources, such as videos and mobile apps; organizing webinars; actively using social media; and forming web support groups. These groups will provide a space where patients, health care professionals, and educators can share their experiences and knowledge regarding post–COVID-19 condition. These actions will not only help reduce isolation and social stigma but also strengthen support for these groups considered vulnerable [ 61 ].

Step 7: Developing a Clear Communication Strategy

Policy makers must develop a clear communication strategy to address frequent policy changes and mitigate confusion. This strategy should be informed by the data collected and analysis conducted in Step 1. The data reveal a palpable sense of uncertainty and frustration due to frequent policy shifts, underscoring the need for a clear and consistent communication strategy. This strategy should be grounded in the evidence gathered from the health care community’s discourse and aim to minimize confusion by providing timely, transparent, and reliable information regarding post–COVID-19 policies and support services.

Step 8: Training and Support Strategies

On the basis of the findings of the comprehensive data analysis, specific training and support strategies should be developed for HCWs and school staff. These strategies should be focused on the practical aspects of identifying and managing post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people. For instance, training sessions could include practical workshops on recognizing post–COVID-19 symptoms in children and adolescents, conducting diagnostic assessments, and implementing appropriate treatment and support interventions.

Step 9: Continuous Feedback and Policy Adaptation

The continuous evolution of the post–COVID-19 phenomenon demands an iterative approach to policy making. On the basis of our study, we recommend establishing feedback mechanisms with HCWs and school staff to monitor the reception and effectiveness of implemented policies. This feedback, coupled with ongoing research, should inform policy adaptations to ensure they remain aligned with the evolving landscape of post–COVID-19 condition and its impact on children and young people.

Step 10: Evaluation and Research

Finally, there should be a commitment to ongoing evaluation and research. This will involve not only monitoring the implementation of the abovementioned steps but also supporting new research to fill any remaining gaps in understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19 on children and young people.

This sequence of steps is designed to be iterative and responsive, ensuring that the recommendations from the study are translated into concrete actions that adapt to emerging data and research findings.

Strengths and Limitations

A key strength of this study is that our social media analysis of post–COVID-19 condition contributes toward an emerging understanding of reported experiential, emotional, and practical dimensions of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people specifically and questions of vaccine hesitancy in children and young people with post–COVID-19 condition. This is one of the few studies to collect HCWs’ perceptions regarding post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people in the United Kingdom using information from Twitter. We identify key areas that need considering attention and focus, such as the provision of psychosocial support with access to quality mental health resources to alleviate the impact of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people and the development of clear post–COVID-19 pandemic recovery guidelines that are informed by health equity perspective, and how this affects children and young people living with post–COVID-19 condition.

One of the limitations this study acknowledges is the definition of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people. When data were collected, the lack of consensus on the definition of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people forced us to formulate a definition of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people based on the available literature. Furthermore, this study is limited to the perceptions of people who used descriptors in their web biography attributable to HCWs; therefore, our results only represent some HCWs in the United Kingdom and those in other countries. In turn, this research collected data from Twitter only; therefore, further inquiry into HCWs’ perceptions of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people required expanding to other data sources or social networks and including languages other than English. We acknowledge that demographic factors, geographic location, and individual daily activities of social media users can significantly influence language use and word choice, introducing potential biases in tweet-based data. Such biases are inherent in any analysis of social media content and can affect the generalizability of findings. For instance, our study relies on Twitter data, which do not encompass the full spectrum of global or the UK public opinion on post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people. While Twitter serves as a valuable platform for capturing real-time sentiments and experiences, it is not fully representative of all demographics and geographic regions. Our results may reflect the perspectives of more vocal or active social media users, which may not correspond to the silent majority or those without access to social media. In addition, the absence of geotagged information for many users limits our ability to conduct a more nuanced spatial analysis of the sentiments expressed.

Furthermore, our study is built upon the recognition that social media data may overrepresent certain demographic groups while underrepresenting others, such as the older population or those without reliable internet access. This skew can influence the apparent prevalence of certain views or experiences of post–COVID-19 condition. Moreover, individuals’ patterns of daily life, reflected in their social media use and content, contribute additional layers of complexity and potential bias to the discourse analyzed.

Consistent with scholarly precedents on the subject [ 62 , 63 ], our study acknowledges these biases as intrinsic limitations of social media–based research. Although our analysis did not control for these factors, we recognize their potential impact on our results. Future studies would benefit from incorporating a broader array of data sources, including interviews or focus groups, to provide a more representative and comprehensive understanding of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people. This approach would complement our Twitter-based findings and help mitigate the biases inherent in social media data.

Conclusions

More than a year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the perceptions described on Twitter by HCWs concerning the presence of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people appear to be a relevant and timely issue as well as very responsive to the declarations and guidelines issued by the health authorities over time. The most prominent group within the discourse studied was the activist or lobbying organization @LongCovidKids, which shared the most tweets and images over the period studied. We recommend that future research focus on how web health activism is organized and carried out for children and young people with post–COVID-19 condition. Such a strategy would allow for a better understanding of the scope and impact of this phenomenon and how it can influence decision-making. Furthermore, we suggest different mitigation strategies, support, and training of HCWs and school staff regarding manifestations and treatment of post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people across all demographic areas.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Rapid Research Evaluation and Assessment Lab, Department of Targeted Intervention, University College London, London, United Kingdom, whose support has been essential for developing this project.

Conflicts of Interest

None declared.

Filters used for the search strategy on Twitter.

Sentiment analysis framework: attitudes toward post–COVID-19 condition in children and young people.

Theme codebook: examples of tweets that fit into main themes tagged for mention of children and young people with post–COVID-19 condition.

Timeline of national governmental policies and guidelines regarding children and young people.

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Abbreviations

Edited by A Mavragani; submitted 20.06.23; peer-reviewed by R Gore, A Wahbeh; comments to author 02.11.23; revised version received 14.02.24; accepted 08.03.24; published 17.04.24.

©Macarena Chepo, Sam Martin, Noémie Déom, Ahmad Firas Khalid, Cecilia Vindrola-Padros. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 17.04.2024.

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, is properly cited. The complete bibliographic information, a link to the original publication on https://www.jmir.org/, as well as this copyright and license information must be included.

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