| Abstract: | Correspondence to Dr Martin Smith, Emergency Duty Team, Katherine Knapp House, Stretton Close, Tylers Green, Bucks, HP10 8EW, UK. E-mail: msmith{at}buckscc.gov.uk Summary This paper argues that the impact of fear on social workersand social work practice is a relatively neglected topic thatdeserves attention. With this in mind a sample of 60 employeesof social services departments comprising home carers, rehabilitationofficers, receptionists, residential workers in children's homes,special hospital social workers and social workers working inNorthern Ireland were asked to talk of a time in their workwhen they had experienced fear. Eighty-two fears were reported.These comprised fear of being assaulted, fear of being killed,fear of losing control/being overwhelmed, and fear of disapprovaland rejection by seniors and managers. The social workers interviewedappreciated talking openly about their fears in a manner andcontext that was acceptable to them. It is recommended thatfurther work be undertaken to build upon this research so thatfear in the professional context becomes acknowledged as a realityand the need to share the experience becomes an accepted partof practice. |
