The relationship between perceived social support, on-line social network usage and reflective practice in forensic social work

Abstract

Online social networking usage has increased amongst social workers who utilise it for many reasons, including reflecting on work and private life and for support purposes. This study investigated the relationship between online social networking usage, perceived social support and reflective practice and how it relates to the forensic social worker. With the findings of this study, the researcher hopes to contribute towards an embracing of social media as a tool for social workers and towards a better understanding of the potential risks and benefits of using social media for supportive and reflective purposes. As forensic social workers in South Africa at present receive little to no supervision on their forensic work, this study contributes towards finding support-alternatives for them as it considers the potential for online support structures for forensic social workers. An electronic survey was conducted with social workers by using a Question Pro questionnaire. Three standardised measuring instruments, namely the Inventory for Social Supportive Behaviour (ISSB), Media and Technology Usage and Attitude Scale (MTUAS) and the Self-reflection and Insight Scale (SRIS) were incorporated into the survey instrument. The survey was completed by 51 social workers. The findings of the survey were analysed by using various statistical methods. The study found that there was a correlation between the constructs of social support and social networking usage, as well as between self-reflection and social media usage but not between self-reflection and social support.