Identification with the SocialWork Profession: The Impact of Education

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine how education affects students' identification with the social work profession. In particular, we examine the impact of students' experiences of their interactions with teachers, peers and supervisors at placement. A longitudinal design is applied. Data were collected from students during their first and third (final) year in social work education from seven universities and university colleges in Norway, representing a sample (panel) of 390 students. To evaluate the degree of students' identification with the profession, comparisons with student nurses are conducted. The analyses indicate (i) that students' dedication to and identification with the social work profession are largely established at a very early stage of education and (ii) that education has a positive impact on students' identification with the social work profession. At the end of their social work education, students who experience support and feedback from teachers and have confidence in their supervisors' competence express a higher degree of identification with the social work profession.