Abstract
Background/Objectives: Despite the widespread introduction of online social work services in China during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still in its infancy. This study aimed to determine how social work students perceive the use of online methods for social work counselling and service delivery.
Methodology/Statistical Analysis: This qualitative study explored the attitudes of social work students toward online services in May 2022 using the Q method. Social work students in Shanghai, China were asked to respond to 73 Q statements regarding the advantages and disadvantages of providing social work services online using the simple HTMLQ platform. The participants ranked the online quasi-normal distribution grid's statements from strongly agree (6) to strongly disagree (-6).
Results: In this study, a total of 39 social work students (76.92% women, mean [SD] age: 22.14 (0.48)) participated. Three distinct characteristics were identified. The first group was classified as "supporters" because they advocate for the use of online social work services and believe that the new technology can help more individuals gain access to social work services. The second group was classified as "opponents" because they believe that social workers and clients may both encounter problems, such as distractions and a lack of sufficient knowledge and skills. In addition, this group of students believes it may be difficult to implement online social work services in rural China due to the digital divide. The third group was classified as "neutral," as they recognize the benefits of using online social work services, such as time and cost savings, but are also concerned about issues related to online services, such as privacy and ethical concerns.
Discussion: The findings of this qualitative study indicate that students have varying perspectives on online social work services. More trainings and educations may help students feel more confident about delivering online social work services and promote online social work services so that more individuals have convenient access to social work services.
Methodology/Statistical Analysis: This qualitative study explored the attitudes of social work students toward online services in May 2022 using the Q method. Social work students in Shanghai, China were asked to respond to 73 Q statements regarding the advantages and disadvantages of providing social work services online using the simple HTMLQ platform. The participants ranked the online quasi-normal distribution grid's statements from strongly agree (6) to strongly disagree (-6).
Results: In this study, a total of 39 social work students (76.92% women, mean [SD] age: 22.14 (0.48)) participated. Three distinct characteristics were identified. The first group was classified as "supporters" because they advocate for the use of online social work services and believe that the new technology can help more individuals gain access to social work services. The second group was classified as "opponents" because they believe that social workers and clients may both encounter problems, such as distractions and a lack of sufficient knowledge and skills. In addition, this group of students believes it may be difficult to implement online social work services in rural China due to the digital divide. The third group was classified as "neutral," as they recognize the benefits of using online social work services, such as time and cost savings, but are also concerned about issues related to online services, such as privacy and ethical concerns.
Discussion: The findings of this qualitative study indicate that students have varying perspectives on online social work services. More trainings and educations may help students feel more confident about delivering online social work services and promote online social work services so that more individuals have convenient access to social work services.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 14 Sept 2023 |
| Event | The 19th East Asian Social Policy International Conference: Sustainable Development and Social Policy in East Asia - Sydney, Australia Duration: 14 Sept 2023 → 15 Sept 2023 |
Conference
| Conference | The 19th East Asian Social Policy International Conference: Sustainable Development and Social Policy in East Asia |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | EASP |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Sydney |
| Period | 14/09/23 → 15/09/23 |