Incorporating Demoralization into Social Work Practice

Social Work (2019) DOI/10.1093/sw/swz001

Posted: 6 Feb 2019

See all articles by Lynne Briggs

Lynne Briggs

Griffith University - School of Human Services & Social Work

Patricia Fronek

Griffith University - School of Allied Health and Social Work; and Law Futures

Date Written: January 31, 2019

Abstract

This article explores the relevance of demoralization to social work research and practice. Demoralization connects to the very core of being human. It is present in social work client groups and is an important but neglected concept in social work. Demoralization occurs when life becomes so overwhelming that daily functioning is affected and people lose all hope, agency, and the capacity to overcome their circumstances. Although a demoralized state is not recognized as a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it is often confused with psychiatric disorders and its presence can lead to clinical conditions and suicide. This article discusses demoralization and its place in social work practice, identification, and measurement, and appropriate psychosocial interventions are also explored. The article concludes that demoralization has particular relevance to contemporary social work and should be considered in social work practice and research.

Keywords: Demoralization, Social Work, Mental Health

Suggested Citation

Briggs, Lynne and Fronek, Patricia, Incorporating Demoralization into Social Work Practice (January 31, 2019). Social Work (2019) DOI/10.1093/sw/swz001, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3326833

Lynne Briggs (Contact Author)

Griffith University - School of Human Services & Social Work ( email )

University Drive
Meadowbrook, QLD 4131
Australia

Patricia Fronek

Griffith University - School of Allied Health and Social Work; and Law Futures ( email )

Parklands Drive
Soutport
Gold Coast, QLD 4222
Australia
61 (0) 7 55529345 (Phone)
61 (0) 7 55528562 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.griffith.edu.au/health/school-human-services-social-work/staff/dr-patricia-fronek

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