A visual investigation of resilience from the perspective of social work students in the UK

Abstract

Using a digitalized visual method—photo-elicitation—alongside an online qualitative survey, this study examines how social work students interpret the concept of resilience. The research focus was borne from the increased reference to resilience in social work practice and education, along with the aim for social work education to best prepare students for practice. Emergent themes from the qualitative survey included: resilience in transitions and the weight of resilience. The findings suggest that the social work curriculum should unpack the meaning of resilience when supporting students entering the profession, to succeed as ‘resilient individuals’, and subsequently, to become ‘resilient practitioners’. It recommends that further research is needed to establish the value of creative pedagogies for teaching and learning, as well as for the wellbeing of students. In this study, use of visual methodology to explore resilience allowed participants to understand and reflect on their experiences and potential in an engaging way.