Integration of Research and Practice: Innovations and Challenges in Social Work Programs

This paper presents results from an exploratory, mixed methods study on the integration of research and practice in the social work curriculum. A web-based survey was used to collect data from 184 social work research instructors. Seventy-eight percent of instructors reported that their programs integrated practice content in research courses, particularly at the BSW level. In contrast, about half of instructors reported that research content was infused in other courses, with less integration reported in MSW programs. Qualitative findings consistent with Siegel\u27s typology for research and practice integration include the use of research activities as clinical interventions, as a way to shape interventions, and as a problem-solving process for practice. The implications for social work education are discussed

Measuring Perceived Well-being After Recreational Drumming: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

Evidence suggests that recreational music-making has been shown to decrease stress and increase feelings of well-being and empowerment among diverse groups; however, evidence to document the effects has been mixed. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine a measure of well-being, empowerment, and connectedness after a group recreational drumming intervention with social workers. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the construct validity of a measure developed for gauging intrapersonal and interpersonal well-being using a sample of 73 participants who engaged in a 2-hour group recreational drumming program. Factor analysis suggested that intrapersonal and interpersonal well-being were present. Implications for use of the measure with recreational drumming are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved