Abstract: Examining Social Workers' Perceived Preparedness to Work with Clients with Chronic Illnesses and/or Disabilities (Society for Social Work and Research 30th Annual Conference Anniversary)

Schedule:

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Liberty BR K, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)

* noted as presenting author

Kelsi Carolan, PhD, LICSW, Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT

Jon Phillips, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT

Doreek Charles, MSW, Doctoral student, University of Connecticut, CT

Laura Moynihan, MSW, Doctoral student; Medical Social Worker, University of Connecticut, CT

Zhenrong Su, MSW, PhD Student, University of Connecticut

Kylie Harrington, LCSW, PhD Student, University of Connecticut, CT

Gio Iacono, PhD, LMSW, RSW, Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT

Background/Purpose: As the leading providers of mental health services in the United States, social workers must be adequately prepared to meet the needs of clients with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities. However, there is limited research exploring social workers' preparedness to work with this population. This study addresses a critical gap, examining: (1) social workers’ perceived preparedness to practice with clients with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities; (2) what factors are associated with social workers’ perceived preparedness level to practice with this client population.

Methods: We recruited social workers with an MSW in the U.S., via direct email (addresses obtained via the Freedom of Information Act), NASW and Societies for Clinical Social Work listservs, and private Facebook groups for social workers. 9,900 respondents from 50 states completed our online survey. The dependent variables in our study were (1) respondents’ perceived preparedness to work with children with chronic illnesses, life-limiting illnesses, and/or disabilities and (2) respondents’ perceived preparedness to work with adults with these conditions. Each construct was measured with an 8-item scale with a 5-point response set, and each scale demonstrated good interitem reliability (α = .89 and .88). The independent variables were race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, years since earning MSW, political orientation, practice setting, licensure status, having a BSW, and MSW completion at a public versus private university. We used t-tests and multilevel modeling to explore our research questions.

Results: Respondents’ scores on the scales measuring perceived preparedness to work with children or adults with chronic illnesses, life-limiting illnesses, and/or disabilities ranged from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). The t-test indicated respondents felt more prepared to work with adults (M = 3.04) (M = 3.04, SD = 0.86) compared to children (M = 2.77, SD = 0.89, t(4810) = 32.10, p < .001). Results of the multilevel model examining preparedness for working with children indicate that respondents who earned their MSW 10 to 20 years ago (b = 0.15, p < .001) or more than 20 years ago (b = 0.37, p < .001) report greater preparedness than those who earned their MSW within the past 10 years, and that respondents working in private practice felt less prepared than those working in outpatient behavioral health agencies (b = -0.11, p < .001), medical facilities (b = -0.43, p < .001), educational settings (b = -0.40, p < .001), or “other” settings (b = -0.18, p < .001). Overall, the results suggest respondents working in medical facilities or “other” settings perceived the highest levels of preparedness. The results were similar in the model examining respondents’ preparedness for working with adults, with a notable exception: Licensed respondents reported lower levels of preparedness than unlicensed respondents (b = -0.07, p = .009).

Conclusions and Implications: This study critically advances understanding of social workers’ perceived preparedness to meet the needs of clients with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities, identifying key factors associated with respondents’ reported preparedness level. Study results have key implications for social work education, practice and further research.