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Religion and spirituality as a source of resilience among social workers

A strength-based perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID9972263
AuthorsTumelo Sekgobela (0009-0002-6579-1045, University of Venda, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume69
Issue2
Pages173-186
Publication date2025-11-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Social Work (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0020-8728 • E-ISSN: 1461-7234
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00208728251383138
OpenAlexW4416195720
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited31

This article explores religion and spirituality as sources of resilience among social workers in South Africa. Social work remains a demanding, emotionally straining, and stressful profession. Although social workers are exposed to adversity, they are expected to be resilient. While some experience structural difficulties and remain passive and vulnerable, others are resilient. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. It presents coping mechanisms for social workers to be resilient and deal with adversity. The study reveals the cultural, traditional, and spiritual as sources of resilience and provides recommendations to bridge the resilience gap guided by a strength-based approach

Bridge (graph theory · Coping (psychology · Perspective (graphical · Psychological resilience · Qualitative research · Spirituality · Religion, Society, and Development · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Resilience and Mental Health · Social Work

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    Open Access•Arthee Budhoo, Raisuyah Bhagwan•Journal of Religion & Spirituality…•2026

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    Robert Kudakwashe Chigangaidze•Journal of Religion & Spirituality…•2026

  • Theme development in qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis

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    Open Access•Charlene Singh, Raisuyah Bhagwan•Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk•2020

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    Open Access•Chioma Ogochukwu Ohajunwa, Chioma Ohajunwa et al.•Journal of Religion and Health•2018

  • Religion/spirituality, therapeutic landscape and immigrant mental well-being amongst African immigrants to Canada

    Boadi Agyekum, K Bruce Newbold et al.•Mental Health Religion & Culture•2016

  • Namaste Theory

    Open Access•Holly Oxhandler•Religions•2017

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    John R Belcher, Marcela Sarmiento Mellinger•Journal of Religion & Spirituality…•2016

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    Stephen David Edwards•Journal of Psychology in Africa•2013

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  • The Relevance of Religion and Spirituality to Mental Health

    Open Access•Holly Oxhandler, Holly K Oxhandler et al.•Social Work•2021

  • The Integration of Clients' Religion and Spirituality in Social Work Practice

    Holly Oxhandler, H K Oxhandler et al.•Social Work•2015

  • Making sense of African thought in social work practice in Zimbabwe

    Open Access•Vincent Mabvurira•International Social Work•2018

  • We Pray at the Church in the Day and Visit the Sangomas at Night”

    Brian King•Annals of the Association of…•2012

  • Integrating Religion and Spirituality into Mental Health Care, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

    Open Access•René Hefti•Religions•2011

  • Evaluating Qualitative Research for Social Work Practitioners

    Open Access•Cynthia A Lietz, Luis E Zayas•Advances in Social Work•2010

Unique citing works2
Citations per year2
Citation span2026 - 2026 (1)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 1
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