The Effect of Gender and Stigma on the Self-Reported Likelihood of Seeking Social Workers’ Help by Social Workers versus Non Social Workers

Abstract

Abstract The current study examines the likelihood of seeking social workers’ help by social workers compared with non-social workers, taking into consideration their gender and the prevalence of stigma attached to seeking social workers' help. Data collection utilised structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 802 participants, of whom 355 were social workers and 447 non-social workers. The findings indicate that social workers, regardless of their gender, reported a higher likelihood than non-social workers of seeking help from social workers. Female social workers reported a higher likelihood of seeking social workers’ help than male social workers. High levels of stigma were associated with a lower likelihood of seeking social worker help regardless of the respondents’ gender or professional status. The current study highlights the importance of social workers’ professional socialisation with regard to seeking social workers’ help, with a special emphasis on raising male social workers’ awareness of the importance of seeking help. In addition, the study emphasises that the general public is less likely than social workers to seek social workers' help, regardless of gender, and that stigma is a barrier to seeking help. Implications for the practice of social workers are discussed.