Abstract
Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, particularly for those who are in the caring profession such as social work where daily exposure to emotionally demanding situations can increase vulnerability to work-related stress. This study investigated the impact of work-related stress on the mental health of social workers in Pretoria, South Africa with a focus on depression and anxiety.
Aim and Objectives
This study aimed to examine the factors associated with work-related stress and the impact that it had on the mental well-being of social workers. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety, describe risk factors including work stress as well as to assess factors associated with these two mental health conditions.
Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used with 93 participants from eight social work settings completing the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21) self-report tool. Data were analysed using the IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 30). Descriptive statistics summarised categorical variables through frequencies and percentages and means, standard deviations and ranges for continuous variables. Inferential analyses included Pearson chi-square test of independence or the Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression.
Results: Most participants were female 95,7% (n = 89) and key findings indicate a notable proportion of social workers who reported moderate to extremely severe depression 49,4% (n = 46) and anxiety symptoms 59,2% (n = 55) respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between the variable ability to complete tasks with both depression (p = 0,005) and anxiety (p = 0,040). In the adjusted model, participants who had received counselling or treatment for anxiety were more likely to report having anxiety symptoms than those who had not (OR = 2,99, 95% CI: 1,09-8,21, p = 0,033). Additionally, years of experience was significantly associated with anxiety among social workers in Pretoria (OR = 2,95, 95% CI: 1,15-7,58, p = 0,025).
Conclusion: The study concludes that addressing risk factors - such as difficulties in completing everyday tasks and providing targeted support for individuals already experiencing anxiety are essential for fostering a safe, health-promoting working environment for social workers in Pretoria, South Africa.