Summary of Research

The research aims to critically reflect on what it means to be a social worker, the motivations that lead individuals into the field, and the factors that sustain their commitment over time. By capturing these narratives, this study seeks to deepen the understanding of the profession and the transformative impact it has on those who choose this path. This study will be undertaken utilizing a qualitative design to explore the comprehensive insights into the personal impact of social work practitioners, learning about their life experiences such as their joy at work, what keeps them going back to work even when there might be moral and ethical challenges. Through the stories of the participants, I will also try to extract valuable recommendations from the participants to find support programs or interventions to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of social work practice in New Zealand. 

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Kia Ora, my name is Divya Susan Mathew, and I am a PhD candidate in Social Work at Massey University, Albany Campus, New Zealand. I am reaching out to invite you to participate in my research exploring the transformative journeys of social work practitioners like you.

As a social worker originally from India, my professional background includes work in livelihoods, disability inclusion, and mental health. My passion for understanding the personal and professional growth of social workers has brought me to this study, which aims to shed light on the unique experiences of mid-career social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand. I am privileged to have the guidance of Associate Professor Ksenija Napan and Professor Kieran O'Donoghue from Massey University’s School of Social Work as my academic supervisors.

What is the purpose of this study?

This research seeks to understand the personal impact, joys, challenges, and support systems experienced by mid-career social workers in New Zealand. Through your stories, I aim to explore:

• What brought you into social work,
• What sustains you in the profession, and
• What could further support your practice and development.

By participating, you will contribute valuable insights that may help shape future professional development programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and support initiatives for social workers in New Zealand.

Who can participate?

I am looking for registered social workers in their mid-career stage, with five or more years of professional experience. I aim to connect with up to 25 social workers from diverse backgrounds to capture a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

What will participation involve?

If you choose to participate, I will invite you to a 60-to-90-minute interview at a location and time that works for you. You can also choose to meet over Zoom if that is more convenient.

During the interview, we will discuss your experiences in social work, what inspired you to join the profession, what has shaped your journey, and what has kept you going. The conversation will be recorded (with your consent) to ensure I accurately capture your story, but you can request the recorder to be turned off or decline to answer any question at any time. You will have the opportunity to review your transcript before it is included in the study.

Your rights as a participant

Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you have the right to:

• Decline to answer any question,
• Withdraw from the study up to one week after receiving your transcripts
• Request that the recording be turned off at any time, and if the recorder is turned off at any point, any conversation that takes place during that time will not be recorded or used in the study.
• Ask questions about the study at any stage of participation.

All information you provide will remain strictly confidential. Pseudonyms will be used to protect your identity in the thesis and any related publications or presentations.

Once the study is completed, you will receive a summary of the findings as a token of my gratitude for your participation.

How will participants be selected?

Participants will be recruited using professional networks, advertisements through social work organizations, and online platforms. A stratified purposive sampling approach will be used to ensure diversity in ethnicity, gender, and professional background, allowing for a rich and varied understanding of mid-career social work experiences. (This means participants will be selected based on specific criteria to reflect diverse perspectives.)

Support resources

If discussing your professional journey brings up any concerns or distress, you are encouraged to access professional support. Below are some available resources:

• New Zealand Helpline Services (1737 – Need to Talk?) – Call or text 1737 for free, 24/7 support
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Services – Check with your employer for available support

Ethic committee notification

This project has been reviewed and approved by the Massey University Human Ethics Ohu Matatika 3, Application OM3 25/01. If you have any concerns about the conduct of this research, please contact the Chairperson, Massey University Human Ethics Ohu Matatika 3, email humanethics3@massey.ac.nz.

Contact information

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please feel free to contact me:

Divya Susan Mathew
PhD Candidate, School of Social Work
Massey University, Albany Campus
Email: 24004890@massey.ac.nz

You can also reach out to my supervisors:

• Associate Professor Ksenija Napan
  Email: k.napan@massey.ac.nz
• Professor Kieran O'Donoghue
  Email: K.B.ODonoghue@massey.ac.nz

Ngā mihi nui,
Divya