Die toepassing van die ondersteuningsfunksie in supervisie aan maatskaplike werkers in 'n geestesgesondheidsopset

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This study attempts to investigate the sources of stress and burnout inthe social work profession and specifically in mental health settings. Inorder to achieve this, a literature study is undertaken which identified thesources of stress and burnout as external and internal stresses. Externalstresses can be identified as the administrative function of supervision,the educational function of supervision, and the relationship between thesupervisor, the social worker and the client, aspects in the social workprofession and the organisation. The personality and gender of the socialworker are discussed as internal sources of stress. Social workers'experiences of stress and burnout are explored against the background ofthe socio-economic and political changes after the first democraticelection in 1994 in South Africa.The literature review also indicated that there are peculiar stresses inmental health settings due to the clients' mental conditions.An exploratory study was undertaken in which 17 social workers in thePeninsula, working in mental health settings, participated. Information onthe research topic was obtained by means of anonymous questionnaires. Agroup interview was arranged to ensure that all the questionnaires werereceived.It was found that since the 1994 democratic election, social workersworked under more stressful circumstances due to limited resources,restructuring, decreased manpower, a higher caseload, deinstitutionalisationof mental patients and an increased amount of uncertainty with regard to job security. Aspects in the social workprofession that caused the most stress were identified as insufficientsalaries and limited opportunities for promotion. The participants revealeduncertainty with regard to their future in the social work profession.Social workers acknowledge the importance of the supportive function ofsupervision but are also of the opinion that individuals should takeresponsibility to address burnout. Strategies that can be used by thesocial worker, the organisation and the supervisor to address burnout, arediscussed.On the basis of the results and conclusion of the study, recommendationsare made to supervisors, as well as further research.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University