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BJSW Advance Access published online on May 6, 2009
British Journal of Social Work, doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcp049
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The British Association of Social Workers. All rights reserved

The Social Work Profession and Subjective Well-Being: The Impact of a Profession on Overall Subjective Well-Being

John R. Graham and Micheal L. Shier

John R. Graham PhD, RSW is the Murray Fraser of Community Economic Development and Professor, Faculty of Social Work University of Calgary. Micheal L. Shier BSW BA, RSW is a graduate student in Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary.

Correspondence to John R. Graham, Ph.D., RSW, Murray Fraser Professor of Community Economic Development, Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4. E-mail: jrgraham{at}ucalgary.ca


  Abstract

This research analyses social work practitioners' workplace experiences of their subjective well-being (SWB), the social scientific concept of happiness. From an initial survey of 700 Canadian social workers, thirteen respondents with the highest SWB scores were interviewed. Respondents reported that their high SWB scores were partially a result of available practice opportunities associated with the profession, their ability to recognise professional boundaries and limitations, the role of specific practices that are associated with the profession of social work, social work principles and respondents' perception of their professional self. The conclusion considers implications for workplace practices, social work education and further research.

Keywords: Subjective well-being, social workers, workplace, professional affiliation, education


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