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Submission information
Submission Number: 98
Submission ID: 892
Submission UUID: 9f46aa74-13ce-4396-b5d6-f0a3128eb0f0
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Wed, 04/30/2025 - 06:55
Completed: Wed, 04/30/2025 - 07:02
Changed: Wed, 05/07/2025 - 14:19
Remote IP address: 196.254.104.181
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
| Title | Prof. |
|---|---|
| Lastname | Roestenburg |
| Firstname | Wim |
| Wim.Roestenburg@nwu.ac.za | |
| Mobile | 0836758054 |
| Institution | North west university |
| Biosketch | Prof. Wim Roestenburg is a Full Professor of Social Work at North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), South Africa. He holds an MA in Clinical Social Work, a D Litt et Phil in Social Work, and an MBA. An NRF C3-rated researcher, his work focuses on ecometrics, scale development, and social indicators, with a particular interest in applying measurement tools to assess change in social work practice. He has developed validated instruments such as the ZETA scale and contributes to curriculum development and professional ethics in the field. Prof. Roestenburg has served in leadership roles, including with the SACSSP and NWU’s Health Sciences Ethics Committee, and regularly consults on evidence-based practice and organizational change |
| Is there a Second Presenter? | Yes |
| Title | Prof. |
| Lastname | Ulene |
| Firstname | Schiller |
| uschiller@ufh.ac.za | |
| Mobile | 0828558913 |
| Institution | University of Fort Hare |
| Biosketch | Prof. Ulene Schiller is an Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Development at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. With extensive experience in child protection and forensic social work, her research focuses on child protection services, social work education, and the integration of indigenous practices within social work. She has contributed to numerous publications and is actively involved in projects aimed at enhancing social work practices and education. |
| Is there a Third Presenter? | No |
| Title of Presentatation | Exploring the Well-Being of Social Work Students in five South African Higher Education Institutions |
| Theme Selection | THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development |
| Subtheme FOUR Selection | SUB 4.1 Preparing future social workers for roles in in nontraditional social work environments. |
| Select your Presentation Type | Oral Presentation |
| Abstract | Social work students around the world face complex challenges that compromise their mental and emotional well-being, including financial stress, academic pressure, and secondary trauma exposure. In South Africa, these challenges are intensified by deep-rooted socio-economic inequalities, making targeted support essential for student wellness. This study investigates the well-being of social work students at five South African higher education institutions (HEIs), guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (EST), which emphasizes the dynamic interaction between individual and environmental factors. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 236 students via the General Well-Being Schedule (GWBS). The research focused on six academic protective factors: access to IT and software, financial aid, accommodation arrangements, and both campus- and community-based support systems. The findings revealed high levels of distress, particularly among younger and middle-aged students. Notably, strong off-campus support networks significantly reduced symptoms of depression, while perceptions of institutional support were linked to better emotional regulation and overall wellness. These insights highlight the urgent need for age-sensitive and contextually appropriate interventions to strengthen student support structures. Improved access to reliable technology, financial resources, and both on- and off-campus psychosocial support services can enhance students’ resilience and well-being. For future social workers—who are expected to navigate complex social issues and provide care to vulnerable populations—strengthening these protective factors during their studies is not only beneficial but necessary. Tailored strategies that address the intersecting personal and systemic challenges students face can contribute meaningfully to their academic success and professional readiness. |
| Title | Dr |
| Firstname | Thabisa |
| Lastname | Matsea |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Empirical Research |
| Status | Accepted |
| Title | |
| Firstname | |
| Lastname | |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | |
| Status | Pending Review |