Abstract

Social work students and social workers are being encouraged to become more resistant to stress. Sense of coherence, challenge appraisals, self-efficacy and sense of control are important psychological concepts that are of significance in helping social workers and social work students become more resilient in their approach. Sense of coherence is focused on health and strengths. Challenge appraisals involve perceiving ‘difficult’ situations in more positive ways. Self-efficacy relates to beliefs and confidence in one's abilities to undertake tasks. Sense of control involves the exercise of personal and professional agency and one's capacity to influence and change situations. These psychological concepts are explored and their implications for social workers and social work students are considered.

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