The consequences of psychosocial stress factors of social workers: a mixed-method research in Türkiye

Abstract

This study explores the impact of workplace bullying on burnout and life satisfaction among social workers in T & uuml;rkiye using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Quantitative data (N = 340) reveal that workplace bullying significantly diminishes life satisfaction, with cognitive impairment and mental distance serving as critical mediating burnout dimensions. Notably, these effects are found to be consistent across all socio-demographic groups, demonstrating a universal impact regardless of age, gender, or professional field. The subsequent qualitative phase (N = 10) provides a deeper contextual understanding, highlighting that administrative pressures, excessive workloads, and ethical violations act as the primary structural drivers of professional burnout. By integrating these findings, the study underscores that qualitative insights effectively explain the underlying mechanisms behind the quantitative data. The results emphasize the urgent need for organizational reforms, standardized caseload protocols, and legal safeguards to protect the psychosocial well-being and professional autonomy of social work practitioners in T & uuml;rkiye.This study reveals that workplace bullying undermines social workers' life satisfaction primarily through cognitive impairment and mental distance, regardless of age or gender. While quantitative results show a universal impact across demographics, qualitative findings highlight that administrative pressures and ethical violations are the primary structural drivers of professional burnout in T & uuml;rkiye. These insights provide a critical evidence-based framework for enhancing professional support mechanisms and protecting the well-being of social work practitioners.