An interpretive phenomenological analysis of resilience: Implications for social work practice during contemporary social issues

ABSTRACT

Resilience is generally defined as one's ability to adapt, surpass, or rebound from the experience or threat of substantial adversity. The study of resilience is an essential and complex component of social work practice, yet research suggests that many social workers struggle with proficient knowledge as well as the mindful application of the critical construct of resilience theory. As a result, a social worker's theoretical approach may lack the focus on the constructs, aims, tenets, and assumptions of resilience theory when applied to work with diverse, marginalized, vulnerable, and disenfranchised populations. This holds especially true in challenging times such as civil unrest and global crises (i.e., the COVID-19 pandemic) when social workers are bombarded with the needs of their consumers, their community, and their own interpersonal needs. This study sought to understand how constructs of resiliency theory can be instrumental in understanding how social workers make meaning of resilience as they respond to the intersectional adversity experienced during contemporary social issues. The responses from the social workers' interviews suggested three major themes Resilience is Active Rather Than Passive, Prior Experiences Shape Resilience Understanding, and Resilience Perspectives Impacts Social Work Practice. The findings of this qualitative research project will generate opportunities to integrate resiliency theory into a unified framework for reflective and culturally responsive social work practice in these challenging times. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)