15 | P a g e
Name of Systematic Narrative
Review
The effectiveness of structured
learning in the development of
emotional intelligence in social
work education
Abstract
Context
The aim of this of this systematic narrative review was to determine the
effectiveness of the current learning and teaching interventions within the
social work degree in developing the emotional intelligence skills of social
work students. The initial goal was to understand the components of
emotional intelligence, recognise their benefits within social work practice
and then ascertain if they could be taught. The results support the
development of an emotional curriculum.
Methods employed in the review
A defined search strategy was formulated focusing on the concepts of
'social work' AND 'education OR students' AND 'resilience OR empathy
OR stress OR reflection' AND 'emotional intelligence'. The databases
selected to identify the relevant empirical research literature were
PsycINFO, Social Care Online and SCOPUS. Data was extracted using
clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This is a relatively new and
under-researched topic which produced a limited amount of quality data.
The selected research articles included 6 'survey', 4 (quasi-) experimental,
3 mixed methods and 1 comparative study.
Findings
The importance of social workers having highly developed emotional
intelligence was recognised in terms of quality professional practice, as
well as building resilience and psychological well-being. The findings also
indicate that emotional intelligence (and its main components) can be
enhanced by using a number of short or longer term structured
interventions within the social work degree course.
Conclusions
The need for practitioners to be resilient and emotionally competent, as a
means of enabling them to practice in the highly stressful arena of social
work, has been documented. This review has identified a number of
effective interventions which enhance the development of emotional
intelligence for social work students. The results can be used to inform the
development of an emotional curriculum for future programs.
This review has also recognised a gap in local research knowledge
concerning structured programs to develop the emotional intelligence of
social work students in our Universities.