Personal History and Professional Impairment

Abstract

This paper examines the personal histories of social workers and investigates how these variables were related to diminished professional functioning (i.e., professional impairment). One thousand practicing NASW members were anonymously surveyed as part of the study “Work and Well-Being: A Study of North Carolina Social Workers.” Social workers responded to 11 personal history questions, and an analysis found statistically significant differences in professional impairment scores for all but three of these variables. Regression analysis found that five personal history variables explained the most variance in professional impairment scores. This study's findings have important implications for organizations that employ social workers. Managers, supervisors, and administrators can create organizational conditions that make it safe for social workers to seek help for their problems. Professional impairment and concomitant personal history issues should be explored in social workers' formal education and subsequent training to prevent harm to clients and create a healthier workplace.

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