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Emotional preparedness: A nuanced approach to disaster readiness among social workers

Kranke DA, Mudoh YE, Weiss EL, Gin J, Hovsepian S, Dobalian A, Der-Martirosian C. Emotional preparedness: A nuanced approach to disaster readiness among social workers. Journal of social work education. 2021 Mar 21; https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2021.1900099.

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Abstract:

Social work providers are at risk of experiencing lower morale during disasters because of added emotional stressors, yet, dissemination of factors that impact a social worker's ability to manage emotions during disasters is scant. In the disaster literature, no single term adequately encompasses the myriad components of addressing a provider's own emotional needs before disaster strikes. The authors propose how 'emotional preparedness' is different from other disaster-related terms and is a consideration for social work education because not accounting for a provider's emotional concerns that could arise during disasters may lead to higher burnout or increased turnover. This qualitative study addresses a gap by conceptualizing emotional preparedness. Our study sample consisted of (N = 10) US Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) social work leaders, and inpatient social workers across regions of the United States who experienced damaging hurricanes in 2017. Thematic analysis suggests emotional preparedness encompasses: 1) emotional anticipation; 2) being emotionally present on the job; 3) self-efficacy to withstand the disaster; and 4) worries about having to provide additional services outside one's scope of competence. Future research should be conducted to confirm findings.




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