Analysis of Report - Research Paper Example

Running Head: Analysis of a Psychological Study Research Article – Analysis of a Psychological Research Study s Introduction In recent years many pieces of research work have been undertaken that consider stress in statutory social work. LaShannon Hunt conducted a research study entitled “Child Protection Workers: Psychological Disorders and Symptoms” in 2005. The research work was published by the Western Kentucky University and is also available online. The research study is based on a cross-sectional survey using a 66-items quantitative survey instrument that was conducted among the child protection workers associated with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Warren County, Kentucky.

The research study is exploratory in nature as it strives to explore and measure the stress level of the child protection workers. The study is based on the rationale of assisting the child protection workers by identifying the psychological stress level among them. The identification of the stress level among the social workers in important because it allows not only to take the measures that can reduce their stress and give them mental peace but at the same time, it can also work for improvement of the performance of the social workers allowing them to meet the challenges of their job in efficient manner.

Dependent and Independent Variables The study is supposed to be an exploratory research study and there are no dependent or independent variables studied in the research study. Though, the gender, service years and age of the survey participants are asked in the survey questionnaire however, all of these factors are not specifically studied to find their link with the psychological stress. The research study does not provide the evidences of any relationship between the age, experience level and gender of the child protection workers with the psychological mental stress.

Research Hypothesis The research study basically aims to explore the extent up to which the child protection workers exhibit the symptoms that indicate the possibilities of psychological stress and disorder among them. Thus, the research study is based on testing the following research hypothesis that “The ppsychological symptoms are exhibited by child protection workers due to stressors of their specific job duties”. Research Results The research study employs a quantitative research approach and in the light of the survey results, the study reveals that the work stress might cause compassion fatigue among the child protection workers.

The personal vulnerabilities of the social workers also determine the level of the psychological stress among the child protection workers. The more the social workers feel satisfied with their jobs, less they will encounter the psychological stress. It becomes clear from the study that the psychological stress directly affects the working and well being of the social workers. The research clarifies that the social workers are directly exposed to the situations where they can encounter by the stress, burnouts and fatigue.

It will affect their efficiency and their capability to deal with different type of people and problems. The psychological stress is identified as a factor that can prevent the social workers to effectively and efficiently face the challenges of their fields. When the social workers face psychological stress, there is also a possibility that they become unable to handle different types of situations as proficiently and effectively as they usually use to do. It is also found that the factors of age, gender and experience level of the social workers have little influence upon the possibilities of psychological stress among the social workers.

The study presents the data collected from the statistical survey in quite clear manner. The data is calculated using SPSS and different charts are also used that allow having quick look at the survey results. The percentages calculation makes the results easy to understand. The study claims to achieve its objectives and presents the discussion to test the research hypotheses as well; however the results of the study cannot be used to have deep insight over the issue. The purpose of the research study could be achieved by employing a qualitative or mixed methodological approach rather than a quantitative method because the topic requires understanding of the behaviors and perceptions of the social workers in different situation that is not allowed by a statistical survey.

A survey deals with figures and numbers whereas the research topic demands opinions and expressions of problems, experiences and feelings. The survey could also serve the research objective in better way, if it covers justifiable number of participants to represent the population accurately. Hence, the research study cannot be viewed as a solid research work conducted around the topic though it very well provides general understanding of the issue and presents the information and data in easy understandable manner References LaShannon Hunt (2005), Child Protection Workers: Psychological Disorders and Symptoms Western Kentucky University, April 17, 2005.

Online available at: http://chfs.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/A838FB85-B000-4FFC-84D8F58DE93E473A/0/2005FSEMPLOYEESHunt_LaShannon.pdf