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Social Work Dissertation Topics (25 Examples) For Research

Mark Jun 20, 2020 Jun 18, 2020 Social Work No Comments

If you are planning to make a career in the field of social work, you need to take a cognitive approach to improve the lives of many people. Your social work dissertation would be an important part of your degree program. You need to choose the right social work dissertation topics considering your area of […]

We offer a list of social work dissertation topics providing suggestions on research topics on social work and project topic on social work. So, if you are stuck in choosing social work dissertation topics and project topics on social work, you can take our help. We not only help in topic selection but also offer writing services.

List of Social work dissertation topics

The role of social workers in the evolution of children raised in violent families.

Studying the impact of social work on the mental health of visually impaired people.

The importance of social work for domestic violence in slum areas.

The role of social workers in rescuing procedures of earthquake victims.

The risks involved in the areas of an epidemic for social work professionals.

Evaluating the legal rights of families of social workers working in susceptible areas – case of the UK.

Investigating the role of social work in the mainstream development of low-income groups.

The significant problems associated with dealing with children related to the victims of kidnapping.

How social workers can help in bringing positive changes and developments in society?

How social workers highlight the problems of society and contribute to developing solutions to reduce problems?

Impact of technology on mass communication and how it reaches the public.

What are the main reasons behind homelessness in the UK?

Are there any connections between race and the occurrence of child abuse in families?

Exploring the relationship between social work and social problems studying systems theory and constructionism.

The relationship between sociology, social work, and social problems.

Analysing the knowledge of social conditions and social problems.

How social work is contributing to solving social problems in underdeveloped countries?

The strategies that can be used by social workers to volunteer for helping elderly people?

Helping stray animals can help in creating a better place to live in – A qualitative analysis.

A literature review on how social work has a positive impact on society and communities.

Can social workers convince people to act responsibly and ethically?

Exploring the future of the newspaper based on qualitative analysis.

Values, dilemmas and political controversies faced by the professional social workers.

Analysing the societal challenges that affect the role of social workers.

Critique the social work profession’s response to social problems.

Discussing the cases of how the donations are used unethically and inappropriately.

Importance of a journalist’s integrity while reporting.

The importance of transparency and accountability in the field of social work.

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185 Social Work Dissertation Topics: Creative List

If you are a student of social work, then there are so many subjects that you can write about in your dissertation topic. Social work, in simple terms, is a set of functions that allow you to improve the lives of others. Social workers help adults and children cope with everyday issues, relationship troubles, personal issues and family issues. Given the scope of work of a social worker, finding the right social work dissertation topics can be challenging as there are so many pressing issues to cover.

In order to write a good paper and choose a topic that interests you, here are a few things that you should consider:

Choose a topic that is close to your heart : If you have chosen social work as your field of study, then there must be some area of work that intrigues you. This could be related to child care, women’s rights or health. To write a good paper, choose a subject that is of interest to you and will help you in your line of work going forward. Make sure your topic is supported by data : Choose topics that have enough data to present strong arguments and discussions. The paper should be thought provoking : Once you have got an approval on your proposed social work dissertation topics, use as much information that is relatable. The readers should take back some ideas from your paper and also have questions about how the system can be improved to fulfill the purpose of social work. This means that you need to find loopholes in the system and address them in your paper effectively.

Now that you know what a good social work dissertation paper entails, here is a list of topics to help you start your journey. However if you have more interesting things to do, remember you have an opportunity to buy dissertation and get the best result.

Social Work Dissertation Ideas

These are good dissertation topics for social work students at all academic levels:

Write an in-depth paper on the perception and attitude of oppression between the community and healthcare professionals.
Write about the inherent perceptions related to social work among different cultures.
A comprehensive review of different approaches to strengthen users of social services.
The role of social workers in end-of-life decisions.
Is evidence based learning an excellent way of learning for social workers?
What are your views on the law of reflection and its role in social work?
What are the challenges faced by social workers with respect to inter-professional practices?
Is tutoring an integral part of social work training? Write your views.
Social work and government policies: Write a detailed review.
How social work interventions can protect vulnerable adults.
The common security issues faced by personal social workers.
Transitioning from employment to social work: Challenges and advantages.
Substance abuse among young adults. The role of social workers in prevention and management.
A review on why women choose to remain in abusive relationships.
The contribution of social services in helping families cope with a member with dementia.
The relationship between social work and communities of faith.
The role of social workers in promoting ethnic minorities.
The best ways in which social workers can improve the life of the elderly.
Does social work impact the quality of life of senior citizens?
Disparities in the society that can be resolved to improve the lives of ethnic minorities.
The importance of being gender sensitive in addressing the issues faced by the LGBTQ community.
Is rehabilitation of young offenders the new way of ensuring restorative justice?
Laws that allow the representation of marginalized societies in the government.
Can prohibition of alcohol preserve law and order in a community?
The role of drug addiction in increasing relationship problems within families.
The primary factors contributing to juvenile delinquency.
Does imposing a curfew on minors lead to increased chances of premarital sex?
The role of the media in determining the electoral process of any country.
Provide great examples of good governance with respect to the recovery of a city or locality after being affected by a natural calamity.
Provide a social work perspective on the growing popularity of political figures and icons.
How does education contribute to the ability of leaders to shape the social and political structure of a country?
Can reactivating the death penalty change the rate of crime in our society?
Do individuals who are in illicit relationships perceive the norms of a marriage differently?
Experiences with healthcare of people who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Culture-based activism and its impact on the lives of Native Americans.

Easy Social Work Research Topics

These social work research topics cover a range of relatable and controversial subjects for you to write about.

How can survivors of domestic violence get better employment opportunities?
A study of women with sexual addiction.
Reintegration of individuals who have survived abuse into the society.
The primary causes and the best ways to prevent juveni;e recidivism.
Examples of great women leaders in our community.
Should immigrants be given health services?
What are the best housing options to support young people?
Medical care for the elderly: The challenges.
A detailed study of the relationships of HIV positive individuals.
Is customer satisfaction the most important goal for a business?
The barriers in social work with respect to climate change.
The experience of a home care worker in a caring relationship.
Are voluntary tourism communities in Chile an example of social development?
Why do we still hesitate to talk about sex?
How does organizational culture contribute to marginalism?
The role of leadership practices in eliminating new forms of marginalism.
Graduate students and the attitude towards couples therapy.
Review the employment services for domestic violence survivors in your region/ country.
Evaluate eviction risks based on social and cultural perceptions.
Write about the experiences of women who are in a relationship with an individual who is sexually addicted.
Provide a qualitative study of resilience and risk associated with young people.
How does health affect the employment of refugee and immigrant women?
Does encouraging traveling among women promote community leadership?
Humanities and the relationship with citizenship.
The perspectives of youth and service providers on the impact of housing options for young adults.
The role of arts in boosting healing processes.
How has dance impacted society?
How to improve medical facilities in rural areas?
The experiences of rural individuals with social workers.
How do the concepts of our society affect the lives of individuals with HIV and AIDs?
Improving care for individuals with HIV and AIDS.
Explore the nature of collaboration between individuals who suffer from poverty and various organizations in regions that are at a high economic and social risk.
The importance of sexual health education for immigrant women.
The social risks of gender identity.
How can the theory of dynamic systems be applied to countries that are in a war situation?

Child Protection Dissertation Ideas

Here are some good dissertation topics for social work students who are interested in childcare services:

The impact of agencies in protecting children: Provide a review of literature based on real practices.
Will children who experience or witness abuse and violence within the family perpetuate the same type of behavior?
Impact of family support and protection in child protection intervention by social workers.
The health problems of adults who have survived child sexual abuse.
The contribution of social workers in carrying out effective interventions for survivors of child sexual abuse.
Factors that contribute to adopted children seeking out their biological parents.
The impact of domestic violence on children and the resulting consequences for a social worker.
Review the educational achievements with respect to childcare in your region.
Review of literature of education and childcare in California and what the world can learn from it.
The effect of gambling on the lives of children.
The common factors that affect the socio-economic requirements of children.
How can social workers aid the emotional growth of children?
The impact of pornography in increasing the rate of crime and violence against chidlren.
The views of sexual abuse victims on pedophilia.
How do the physical changes during puberty affect the psyche of a child?
The risks associated with child welfare decisions.
How can education prevent violence against children?
An analysis of the maternal experiences of victims of child sexual abuse.
The experience of new social workers in child welfare.
Secondary traumatic stress between young counselors and children.
The best ways to protect a child in custody.
Support strategies to prevent child poverty in your country.
A study of resilience in individuals when building a strong future after emerging from a difficult childhood. Provide examples.
Immigrant families and adolescent development.
Is gender neutral upbringing overrated or is it the need of the hour?
How does the environment in the school impact the self esteem of children?
A case study to review the challenges of children with learning disabilities.
The benefits of studying child development in improving the contributions of social services.
The reason for the ignorance of child development for several years in history.
Write a detailed paper on the formation of ego with respect to different stages of development.
The effect of an absent parent on the developing years of a child.
How does domestic violence affect the concept of self in a child?
Child education and the impact of single parenting.
Factors that contribute to the retention of employees in childcare.
The causes and best strategies for the protection of runaway children.
The role of gender differences in shaping the outlook of children.
Why is play an important educational tool?
The best policies to promote the rights of children.
Factors that influence the quality of food in child care centers.
The risk factors and effects of bullying.
The best ways to reduce behavioral issues in children in foster care.
The relationship between disability and the chances of a child ending up in foster care.
The lack of child support and the effects on child care.
How does group therapy help children in foster care?
The impact of constant changes of family in orphaned toddlers.
How does homelessness impact the psyche of a child?
Recurring displacement and the effects on homeless children.
Factors that contribute to an antisocial lifestyle in children in foster care.
The effects of substance abuse on the lives of children.
The trauma of child-parent separation on the lifestyle and health of children.

Social Work Dissertation Topics Mental Health

Mental health contributes to some of the most important dissertation topics for social work students.

Why do individuals with obsessive compulsive disorders struggle to cope with society?
The effects of living with bipolar parents on the health and lifestyle of a child.
Why should we socially interrogate the stigma associated with mental health?
The role of social workers in improving support for individuals with mental health issues.
The occurrence of suicidal tendencies in military units and the best ways to address them.
The impact of death on the collective well-being of any family unit.
The positive impact of sponsors on the lives of recovering addicts.
Provide a clinical study on the current anti-depressants and their effectiveness.
How to stop social elimination of children suffering from Down Syndrome.
The role of a family in exacerbating depression.
The impact of alcoholism on personal lifestyle, family and society.
Provide a detailed analysis of the similarities and differences between ADHD and Dyslexia.
The best ways to improve awareness on degenerative mental health issues like Dementia.
The need for more awareness among educators about learning disabilities.
The most effective learning tools for children who suffer from ADHD, dyslexia and other learning disorders.
A detailed evaluation of socio-sexual education programs for individuals with developmental disorders.
Evaluation on the impact of developmental disabilities in the life events of an individual.
Life with a spouse who has memory loss.
Provide an exploratory study of different aids available to the primary caregivers of children with autism.
The meaning of well-being based on the cultural and ethic backgrounds of individuals.
Building resilience towards traumatic incidents using the mind-body connection of yoga.
Is the stigma against mental health disorders greater for women? Conduct a comparative study.
The perspectives of a woman living with mental illness and receiving assistance from community services.
Investigate how smoking gives individuals with depression a sense of belonging or acceptance.
Are mental health services equally accessible to minorities and other oppressed groups?
Do mental health service providers avoid detention of young males in their psychiatric units?
The relationship between government policies and effective mental health assistance.
Common behavioral issues of children in dysfunctional families.
The impact of foster care on the mental health of teenagers.
The effect of poverty and scarcity on the psyche of young children.

Social Work Masters Dissertation Topics

If you are writing a dissertation paper for your master’s degree, here are some interesting topics for you to choose from:

How is the lifestyle of a metropolitan city failed by the criminal justice system?
What are some sure shot signs of trauma in the workplace?
The effects of racial disparity on our society.
The best ways to control substance abuse and addiction.
How can the facilities at nursing homes for the elderly be improved?
The negative impact of food banks.
Government policies that have improved welfare conditions.
The impact of homophobia on our community.
Primary factors contributing to violence in a family.
The effects of unemployment on society.
Stigma and social issues faced by welfare mothers.
Experiences of women who live in shelter homes.
The inherent challenges of transracial adoption.
How to make wellness therapy more sustainable?
The impact of first-time menstrual experience on teenage girls living in foster homes.

Common Dissertation Topics For Social Work Students

If you wish to get top grades, here are some topics that give you a lot of literature and data to review.

Birth control laws and their negative impact.
The challenges of increasing housing costs on the youth.
Workplace abuse and the relationship with paid labor.
The impact of cultural belief on relationships.
The negative impact of teenage pregnancy.
Low income neighborhoods and the increasing cases of substance abuse.
The hazards of confinement and why they need our attention.
The need for therapy of poorly represented groups.
Misdiagnosis of mental health issues and its impact.
How can empathy improve social services?
The need for qualitative examination of foster homes.
The contributing factors for violence in correctional systems.
Do therapists need therapy?
How trafficking impacts societal well-being.
The reasons for unreported abuse cases.
The hidden trauma of survivors of natural calamities.
Traumatic experiences of children in foster homes. A clinical study with measures to prevent them.
Growing in a war zone and the psychological impact.
Common myths about child services and foster care.
Is there a disability disparity among social workers?

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80 Social Work Research Topics

FacebookXEmailWhatsAppRedditPinterestLinkedInAre you a student searching for captivating research topics in the field of social work? Look no further. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, finding the right research topic is essential for a successful dissertation. Social work is a multidisciplinary field that addresses societal issues and promotes social change, making it an […]

Are you a student searching for captivating research topics in the field of social work? Look no further. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, finding the right research topic is essential for a successful dissertation.

Social work is a multidisciplinary field that addresses societal issues and promotes social change, making it an excellent area to explore for your research. Our comprehensive list of social work research topics covers a wide range of areas, including mental health, child welfare, community development, social justice, and more.

By selecting a topic that aligns with your interests and career goals, you can contribute to the advancement of the field and make a positive impact on individuals and communities. Utilize available resources, such as research articles, case studies, and ethical guidelines, to support your study. With dedication and a passion for social work, your research can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

A List Of Potential Research Topics In Social Work:

What are the long-term effects of social isolation and loneliness on the well-being of older adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?
Addressing the mental health needs of children and adolescents in foster care: Strategies for social work practice.
How has the shift to remote and virtual service delivery impacted the effectiveness of social work interventions?
Assessing the impact of social work interventions on improving outcomes for children in care in the UK.
The role of social work in promoting and supporting mental health among diverse communities in the UK.
The impact of social work research and evidence-based practice on improving service quality and outcomes in the UK.
Exploring the role of social work in promoting inclusive education and supporting students with special educational needs in the UK.
Assessing the effectiveness of social work interventions in supporting individuals with disabilities to live independently in the UK.
The impact of school-based social work programs on student academic success and well-being.
How has the pandemic affected the provision of social services to homeless populations, and what strategies can social workers employ to address homelessness?
How has the pandemic exacerbated existing health disparities and inequities, and what role can social work play in addressing these issues?
Exploring the effectiveness of early intervention programs in reducing child poverty and improving child well-being in the UK.
Assessing the effectiveness of social work interventions in addressing domestic violence and abuse in the UK.
Exploring the role of social workers in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Examining the impact of social work interventions on improving outcomes for children in foster care.
How has the pandemic affected the prevalence and dynamics of domestic violence and child abuse, and how can social workers respond effectively?
The impact of digital technology on social work practice and service delivery in the UK.
Evaluating the effectiveness of mentoring programs for at-risk youth in promoting positive outcomes.
Evaluating the effectiveness of restorative justice practices in reducing recidivism rates among juvenile offenders.
The effectiveness of trauma-informed care in supporting survivors of domestic violence.
Addressing the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on long-term well-being: A social work perspective.
The impact of social work interventions on mental health outcomes in low-income communities.
Assessing the effectiveness of social work interventions in promoting rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders in the UK.
Exploring the role of social workers in supporting individuals with substance use disorders in recovery.
Evaluating the impact of school social work programs on student attendance and engagement.
The role of social workers in supporting older adults in aging-in-place and long-term care decision-making.
The role of social work in addressing poverty and income inequality in the UK.
Evaluating the effectiveness of school-based bullying prevention programs in promoting safe learning environments.
Evaluating the effectiveness of family preservation programs in preventing child removals.
Addressing racial disparities in the child welfare system: Strategies for social work practice.
Exploring the experiences of social workers in rural and underserved areas: Challenges and opportunities.
Exploring the experiences of social workers in crisis and disaster response.
Examining the impact of social work interventions on reducing child abuse and neglect.
The role of social workers in supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.
Exploring the experiences of social workers working in rural communities in the UK and the unique challenges they face.
The impact of social work interventions on reducing substance abuse among adolescents.
Exploring the role of social workers in supporting individuals with disabilities in transition to adulthood.
Exploring the role of social workers in promoting social justice and advocacy for marginalized communities.
What are the impacts of the pandemic on community organizing efforts and collective action for social change?
Examining the experiences of social workers in child protection services: Ethical dilemmas and decision-making.
Exploring the intersection of social work and technology: Opportunities and challenges.
Exploring the experiences of immigrant and refugee populations in accessing social services.
Assessing the effectiveness of restorative justice approaches in the criminal justice system in the UK and the role of social work in facilitating the process.
Evaluating the impact of community organizing efforts on social change and empowerment.
Examining the impact of social work interventions on reducing school dropout rates.
What are the impacts of school closures and remote learning on the well-being and educational outcomes of children and adolescents, and how can social workers support them?
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental health outcomes and access to mental health services among vulnerable populations?
Addressing the mental health needs of frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A social work perspective.
Exploring the experiences of social workers working in child protection and safeguarding in the UK.
Examining the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system and strategies for improving support.
The experiences and challenges faced by social workers in addressing the needs of older adults in the UK.
Exploring the experiences of social workers in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses.
The impact of Brexit on the rights and well-being of migrant populations in the UK and the role of social work in advocating for their rights.
How has the pandemic affected access to healthcare services for marginalized populations, and how can social workers promote equitable healthcare access?
Addressing the mental health needs of veterans: Insights from social work practice.
The impact of austerity measures on social work practice and service delivery in the UK.
Evaluating the effectiveness of community-based mental health services in reducing hospitalization rates.
The effectiveness of group therapy interventions in promoting mental health and well-being.
How has the pandemic affected access to food security and nutrition, and how can social workers address food insecurity in their communities?
How has the pandemic influenced the provision of services for individuals with disabilities, and what strategies can social workers employ to promote inclusivity?
What are the emerging challenges and opportunities for social work practice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic?
How has the pandemic affected social work practice with immigrant and refugee populations, and how can social workers address their unique needs?
Examining the impact of social work interventions on reducing recidivism rates among adult offenders.
Evaluating the effectiveness of community-based programs in reducing elder abuse.
What are the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic for social work practice and preparedness in future crises?
The role of social workers in supporting individuals with disabilities in accessing employment and inclusive workplaces.
Addressing mental health stigma in culturally diverse communities: Strategies for social work practice.
The role of social work in addressing substance abuse and addiction issues in the UK.
Evaluating the impact of community-based interventions on reducing substance abuse and addiction.
What are the best practices for social workers in addressing the mental health needs of healthcare workers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?
What are the emerging ethical considerations for social workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic?
How has the pandemic affected the prevalence and management of substance abuse and addiction, and what interventions are effective in supporting recovery?
Exploring the role of social workers in addressing human trafficking and modern slavery.
What are the unique challenges faced by social workers in providing telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Addressing the mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers: Challenges and best practices.
Exploring the experiences of social workers in engaging with and supporting diverse religious and ethnic communities in the UK.
What are the impacts of the pandemic on child welfare services and foster care systems, and how can social workers ensure the safety and well-being of children?
What are the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of frontline workers, such as social workers and healthcare professionals?
Exploring the experiences of social workers working with LGBTQ+ individuals and communities in the UK.
The role of social work in addressing homelessness and supporting individuals and families in accessing suitable housing in the UK.

In conclusion, we have presented a diverse range of social work research topics tailored for students at various degree levels who are searching for captivating ideas for their dissertation research. Social work plays a critical role in addressing societal challenges, promoting well-being, and advocating for social justice. Whether you are an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral student, our comprehensive list of topics offers a wide array of research opportunities to explore current issues, examine interventions, and contribute to the advancement of the field.

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206 Interesting Social Work Research Topics You Should Consider

Many students struggle to find suitable social work research topics. This field has many subjects that learners can explore in their dissertations. The simplest social work definition describes it as a set of functions that enable you to improve other people’s lives. A social worker helps children and adults cope with daily issues, personal issues, family issues, and relationship troubles.

Considering the scope of this field, selecting an ideal social work research topic can be challenging. Learners have many pressing issues that they can cover in their papers. Nevertheless, choosing an interesting topic is essential in writing a winning dissertation.

Social Work Research Paper Outline

Once you’ve chosen a topic for your social work dissertation or research paper, the next step is to outline it. Your outline should highlight the components of your work, incorporating the argument. Also, identify your stance on an issue, tying up the other parts of the paper because it will enable you to create a thesis statement. Here are the key sections to highlight in your outline.

Introduction: The intro should present your study’s background while providing relevant details of the problem. Use a strong opening phrase to grab your readers’ attention and engage them so they can read the rest of the paper. The introduction should present your study’s context, formulate its primary goal, and end with an effective thesis statement. Main body: This section should feature the main arguments. It highly depends on your research type and the methods you use. It may include a literature review analyzing other scholars’ findings and identifying gaps in previous studies. Also, this section explains the methods you use in your research, results, and discussions. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the findings and wrap up the dissertation. You can restate your thesis statement to remind readers about your position on the issue and your goal. The best approach is to reward the thesis statement persuasively while encouraging readers to think about the problem. Also, you can recommend further research explaining why the topic is worth exploring.

After drafting an outline, you can proceed to research and write your social work paper. Edit and proofread the work or seek professional assistance to ensure its quality.

General Social Work Research Topics Ideas

Maybe you want to write a thesis on general topics in this study field. In that case, here are ideas you can explore in your paper.

How substance abuse influence parenting
Teenager adoption- Happiness and hardships that come with it
How to address the inclination to commit suicide
Should society question the stigma surrounding mental sickness?
Foster homes and group therapy- Is it effective?
How does the lack of child support affect childcare
Investigating autistic children and social displacement
How does clinical depression affect adolescent children
How does continuous mobility influence orphan toddlers
Analyzing the stigma surrounding depression
How to manage intrinsic PTSD for medical veterans
Exploring the stigma surrounding disability
How homelessness influences a person’s psychology
How does displacement influence aggressiveness among street children
How the works of several agencies affect child protection
Exploring perceptions and attitudes of oppression between the community and health professionals
Addressing cultural perspectives- Transiting to social work
The social worker’s role in deciding to end life
Lifelong learning model- Exploring evidence-based practices
The reflection law- a learning model or self-indulgence in social work

These are general ideas worth exploring in your social work dissertation. Nevertheless, please select any of these titles when confident you will be comfortable working on them.

Common Social Worker Research Topics

Maybe you’re searching for something your readers can quickly identify with when reading your paper. If so, this section lists some of the best ideas to investigate in your social work thesis.

How to create dyslexia patients’ awareness
Analyzing similarities and differences between ADHD and dyslexia
How alcoholism affects personal, family, and social lifestyle
How a family can exacerbate depression
Why academic and social integration matter for kids suffering from down syndrome
Investigating the social exclusion of kids with down syndrome
The effectiveness of anti-depressants- A clinical study
How alcoholism affects a person’s psyche
The positive impact of sponsors on recovering addicts’ lives
Investigating family support and its effects on alcohol recovery
Why group therapy matters for foster home children
How clinical depression affects teenage girls
How the lack of support affects child care in America
How ADHD affects foster home children
How mental illness misdiagnosis affects people
How to address suicidal tendencies in military units
Why social interrogation matters when dealing with stigma surrounding mental illness
How parents’ bipolar affects their children’s lives and parenting
Is childhood displacement the cause of antisocial lifestyle among foster children?
The joys and struggles of teenagers’ adoption
Investigating the undisclosed rape violence cases among military women- How it affects their service and lives
How substance abuse affects parenting
Child-parent separation- Investigating the stigma it brings
Positive impacts of divorce on children’s lifestyle and health
Addressing substance abuse issues among teenagers
How death affects a family’s well-being
Family support study- Is it a viable option for alcohol recovery?

Most people will identify with these topics because they touch on issues with which they are familiar. However, investigate the matter you select carefully to develop a winning dissertation.

Exciting Social Work Research Questions

Maybe you want to answer a question in your thesis paper. If so, consider any of these questions as a topic for your essay.

How can you support an adult living with a disability?
What are the social and psychological impacts of student loans?
What are the psychological, physical, and emotional effects of incarceration of pregnant mothers?
What challenges do minority children face in foster homes?
Transformative change- Can police brutality enhance it?
How can society deal with the rising obesity in America?
How can we support bipolar patients?
What are the effects of incarcerated individuals’ entry into the community?
What is the percentage of incarcerated adults among minority groups?
Does substance misuse increase alcoholism cases?
How does community violence affect LGBT lives?
What is the difference between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2?
Can trauma inform children’s education in foster homes?
Can protesting police brutality promote transformative change?
Does divorce affect all children’s psyches negatively?
Does foster homes’ trauma cause kids’ disappearance from the facility?
Can implementing learning curriculums with a positive impact on dyslexic students enhance academics?
Does trauma-informed learning reflect parenting?
Do food and house security affect foster children throughout their lives?
Has the criminal justice system failed social lifestyle in America?
What are the primary workplace trauma signs?
How can society address workplace violence?
How do scarcity and poverty affect young children’s psychology?
How can you identify depression in a teenager?
Has the American healthcare system failed minority groups?
What are the risks of kids-parent separation?
What are the impacts of living with dyslexia?
Is depression a mental disorder?
What are the effects of racial disparity?

Any of these questions can be an excellent title for your dissertation. Nevertheless, consult various information sources to write a high-quality paper.

Human Services Research Paper Topics

Human services is a part of the social work field dealing with issues related to human services, factors affecting them, and how to address the challenges. Here are ideas to consider in this category.

How to address panic, anxiety, and depression in young children
The psychological impact of human trafficking on victims
Psychological effects of child trafficking
Similarities between adult incarceration and juvenile delinquency
How unemployment affects people
Factors that increase depression cases among the youth
Police system- Defunded, reformed, or abolished?
How the carceral system in America affects minority and low-income homes
Social integration of dyslexic and down syndrome patients
Effective ways to enhance welfare conditions
Food banks and their adverse psychological effects
The benefits of food banks on American lives
The impact of home violence on children
The result of high school bullying
Why welfare workers need support groups and therapy
How to enhance love in foster homes
Resilience practice among social workers
Juvenile delinquency impacts in America
The shortcomings of America’s carceral system
How to address the homophobia issue in the U.S
How homophobia affects LGBT+ adults
What causes family violence?
How to address spousal violence
How family cruelty affects lives
Undiagnosed bipolar cases and their effects
Impacts of misdiagnosed mental illnesses
How to enhance LGBTQ+ kids’ support systems
The result of home insecurity on the homeless
How to bridge the gap between community members and formerly incarcerated individuals
Incarceration- Abolished or reformed?

These human services topics are worth investigating in a research paper. However, take the time to research your chosen title to write an exciting piece.

Controversial Topics In Social Work

Some social work essay topics are controversial. Some people find these titles controversial because they provoke public interest. Here are some of them.

Flood and hurricane survivors and their hidden trauma
How hurricanes affect low-income neighborhoods
Trafficking- How it affects a society’s social well-being
Unreported abuse cases in homes and how they promote violence
Social, health, and psychological implications of the abortion ban for rape victims
Why the community should enhance awareness of AIDS stigmatization
Therapy continuous cycle- Why a therapist requires therapy
The unnoticed and hidden trauma among therapists and counselors
How court-sanctioned confinement promotes mental illness instead of facilitating correlation
How to address violence- Is it a social problem in the correctional system?
Sexual health education- Is it vital for incarcerated women?
How social media affects a person’s mental health and well-being
The effectiveness of different types of therapy for treating mental health disorders.
The prevalence of Eating Disorders in developed countries.
The role of family dynamics in the development and treatment of Eating Disorders.
How do different cultures view mental health and mental illness?
Is there a link between creativity and mental illness?
Does psychiatric medication use lead to higher recovery rates from mental illness?
What are the most effective interventions for helping people with substance abuse problems?
How to deal with grief and loss?
How can we better support people with chronic physical health conditions?
Drug abuse- Is it increasing in low-income neighborhoods?
The negative impacts of incarceration on the imprisoned people’s psychological well-being
Reasons to investigate confinement and its dangers
Ways to help addicts facing high drug vulnerability
How cognitive-behavioral therapy enhances the relationship between social workers and their situations or environments
The health benefits of hypnosis on individuals
Why treatment is essential for less represented groups
Distinguishing undiagnosed depression and clinical depression
A qualitative investigation of dyslexia among adolescents
How empathy can enhance the social work sector
Why qualitative examination of foster homes for peace and child safety matters

These are controversial topics to consider in this academic field. Prepare to take a stance and defend it if you pick any of these social work project ideas.

Social Work Topics For Presentation

Maybe you want to include a presentation in your paper. That’s because social work is a practical field requiring some displays. Consider the following titles for your essay if you want to include a presentation.

What are Stockholm syndrome and its effects?
How to understand syndrome victims better
How incest affects homes
Investigating sexually violated kids
Why free healthcare matters in foster homes and low-income neighborhoods
How adult incarceration and juvenile delinquency affect society
Juvenile delinquency and trauma
LGBTQ+ children trauma and adolescent transitioning
Foster kids and neglect-syndrome
Why diversity matters in the social work sector
Social workers- Understanding their trauma
Foster parenting- What are the positive impacts?
Do foster homes create a safe space?
Foster parents and their roles in preventing violence
Social workers and their role in preventing drug abuse
The effects of domestic violence
Psychological violence and its damages
How spirituality affects techniques in social works
Social works and their historical development
Social work and its importance in schools
Why teenagers’ therapy matters
Exploring the challenges facing social workers in the forensics sector
Investigating the struggles facing the minority groups
Studying abuse and violence in middle-class homes
Why finance matters in social works sustenance
The impact of compassion fatigue
Modern social workers and their challenges
Drug abuse and its effects on children
Why inclusivity matters in social works
Same-sex relationships- Why they matter to a social worker
Why high schools need drug sensitization
Investigating depression stereotypes

Pick any of these ideas and use them to draft a paper that includes a presentation. Nevertheless, research your topic extensively to prepare a winning dissertation.

Interesting Social Work Topics

Some issues in social work draw more attention than others because they are unique. Here are such topics.

The impacts of pregnancy on teenage mothers
The increasing pressure and effects of social media on teenagers’ lives
How welfare systems relate to low-income neighborhoods
Why are rehabilitation centers are essential in America than carceral systems
How cultural beliefs and gender roles affect marriages
Low labor and its role in workplace abuse
How the increasing housing cost affects young millennials
The part of abortion bans on psychological issues
How birth control roles affect society negatively
How are teenagers, the general community, and school related?
Analyzing first-time menstrual experiences and their impact on teenage girls within foster homes
Wellness therapy and its sustainability
Investigating poverty prevalence in the American Deep South- How it prevents the growth
The implications of relationships on social workers’ interactions
The negative impact of conversion therapy on the LGBTQ+ community
How an inclusive and functional healthcare system enhances social growth
Shelter homes women- Investigating their life experiences
The prevalent racial disparity in food bank systems in America
Understanding social relegations and stigma of welfare mothers
Client-therapist relationship- Investigating psychiatric therapists and their work

These topics address relevant issues that society often neglects. Pick any idea in this category and explore it further through research and analysis.

Social Work Thesis Topics

Educators will ask you to write different papers when pursuing social work studies. A sociology thesis is among the documents you might write when pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. studies. Here are topics to consider for these papers.

Investigating expecting mothers’ postpartum depression
How interdependency differs from codependency among youth adults
Emotional unavailability in homes- Does it enhance codependency?
Codependency- Is it a displacement feature?
Foster kids and future attachment methods
Social work and disability disparity
Disability challenges facing the healthcare system
Compassion integration in social works
ADHD- What are the most common myths about it?
How emotionally immature parents affect their adult children psychologically
Drug addiction and treatment plans
Addressing challenges facing visually impaired students
Investigating foster homes and child abuse
The emotional impact of a transition into a nursing home
Exploring immigrant families and parenthood
The intricacies of child labor

These are exciting topics to consider for your social work thesis. Nevertheless, prepare adequate time and resources to investigate any of these titles to develop a paper that will earn you the best grade.

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The Social Work Dissertation: Using Small-Scale Qualitative Methodology

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Julie Fish, The Social Work Dissertation: Using Small-Scale Qualitative Methodology, The British Journal of Social Work , Volume 43, Issue 8, December 2013, Pages 1667–1668, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bct201

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Social work gained recognition by the Economic and Social Research Council, the Government funded research council, as a research discipline in 2006. Disciplinary recognition, and subsequent designation as a priority research area, was achieved because social work research makes a distinctive contribution to knowledge about the effective design and delivery of social care services or interventions to promote well being. Achieving a vibrant and heterogeneous research discipline requires solid foundations: qualifying social workers need to be both active consumers and producers of research. Carey makes this argument early in this second edition of his book: social work students are uniquely placed among social science undergraduates and postgraduates to apply their research in practice. Social work researchers are able to build upon their practice experience of working alongside service users to bring about positive outcomes in their lives.

Competing demands on the qualifying curriculum following the Munro Review may lead some universities to question the need for an extended piece of work, such as a dissertation; Carey argues, in the first chapter, that conducting a dissertation enables students to understand social ‘problems’ in context and, at the same time, develop core social work skills. The text does much to demystify research from social work students' own disciplinary base. In chapter 2, Carey takes the reader through the stages of undertaking a dissertation: through choosing a topic to writing up and disseminating the findings. Choosing a topic is illustrated by practice examples, stimulating students' interest in core social work issues, including the assessment skills of care managers, safeguarding work with children and the needs of residents with learning disabilities in supported living. Students can thus visualise that the dissertation enables them to develop understanding and expertise about a key area of social work practice: to further investigate a problem they have encountered on placement, develop their understanding of people's experiences of service provision or pursue a topic about which they are passionate.

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233 Social Work Research Topics: Helpful List For Students

Social work research topics deal with many things. They look into some of the problem generating areas within the social works field and the use of research methodology to understand these problems. They also try to sort these problems out and address some of the challenges encountered both in the lives of social workers and their primary field of practice.

Like every other research writing, writing a social work research topic requires the carrying out of in-depth research finding on the subject which requires the application of theories, the use of concepts, understanding the basic and advanced principles of social works, observing the intricacies within the field of study, finding ways to address these social issues through the use of experimental, survey, analytic, cause and effect researching procedure.

To craft an intriguing and compelling essay topic on social works, all of the aforementioned will need to be present as they help you not just in the topic formulation process but also in the research writing. Every research writing follows a particular style and writing on social works partakes in this process. Here are some social work-related research topics to put into consideration.

Social Work Research Topics

Social work as a field of work and field of study deals primarily with practicality. Even though the understanding of some of its underlying principles requires first the use and application of theories, social workers deal with practical applications daily. Writing a research topic on this field, therefore, requires that each topic will have undertones of practicality woven within it.

This is necessary as the primary goal of both social work research writing and the field itself is in carrying out investigations and the understanding of various issues that impact the lives of individuals and how they could be addressed. Research social worker research topics on it can look like.

The importance of group therapy for children in foster homes
Impacts of clinical depression on teenage girls
Lack of child support and its impact on child care in America
A look into depression and the stigma associated with it.
ADHD within foster homes and its impacts on children
The impacts of constant mobility in the lives of orphaned toddlers
Addressing the inherent PTSD in the lives of medical veterans
The social relegation of Autism children
Addressing the stigma surrounding disability
Disability and how it affects the lives of middle-aged parents
The recurring case of displacement and its violent effects on street children
How homelessness impacts people psyche
Misdiagnosed mental illness and its negative impacts on people
Suicidal tendencies within military units and possible ways to address them.
The need for the social interrogation of mental illness stigma
Parents living with Bipolar and how it impacts their parenting and children’s lives
How early childhood displacement amounts to antisocial lifestyle in foster children
Adoption of teenagers: the struggles and joys associated within
A look into the undisclosed cases of rape violence amongst women in the military and how it impacts their lives and service
Substance abuse and how it affects parenting
Understanding the trauma associated with child-parent separation
How divorce positively impacts the health and lifestyle of children
A close analysis of the myths associated with Welfare mothers
Addressing the issue of substance abuse amongst teenagers
Death and how it impacts the collective well-being of the family
A study into family support as a viable way for alcohol recovery
Alcoholism and its impacts on a person’s psyche
How sponsors positively impact the lives of recovering addicts
A clinical study of anti-depressants and their current effectiveness
The breeding of social exclusion of children with Down syndrome
Why social and academic integration is important for children with Down syndrome
Depression and how family exacerbates it
Alcoholism: it impacts on social, family, and personal lifestyle
An analysis of the difference and similarities between Dyslexia and ADHD
Creating awareness for Dyslexic patients

Social Work Research Questions

Social works as a field of study fall within the social sciences, as a result of this the field of study deals with the use of questioning as an approach to arrive at a conclusive and reflective answer (empirical evidence). This is why research in this field deals with data collection, data analysis, experimentations, investigation, etc. The research questions asked when researching within social works are important as it’s through it that informative research is carried out and meanings derived through it. Here are some social work research questions.

How does trauma inform the education of children in foster homes?
The protest of police brutality, does it have the potential of promoting transformative change?
Why does society insist that divorce impacts the psyche of all children negatively
Is informed trauma in foster homes the primary cause of children disappearing from foster homes?
Does the implementation of learning curriculums that positively impacts Dyslexic students improve their academics?
Is trauma-informed learning reflective of parenting?
Do house and food insecurity impact the lives of foster children for life?
How does community violence have effects on the lives LGBT+ community?
What are the ways the criminal justice system is failing America’s social lifestyle?
What are the signs of identifying workplace trauma
Workplace violence: how can it be addressed?
How do poverty and scarcity affect the psychology of young children?
What are the ways through which the American healthcare system is failing minority groups
What are the ways the misuse of substances breeds addictive behaviors?
How to point out the early signs of depression in teenagers?
Who is at greater risk of child-parent separation?
What are the consequences of living with Dyslexia?
Why is depression diagnosed as a mental disorder?
What are the defining differences between Bipolar I and Bipolar II?
How can bipolar patients receive support?
What percentage of incarcerated adults is from minority groups?
What are the results of racial disparity in America?
How does America’s racial disparity manifest in the healthcare system?
What are the challenges experienced by minority kids in foster homes?
How can the American government support welfare parents more?
How can addiction be controlled?
How does alcohol abuse affect college students’ academic performance?
What are the ways community reentry proves challenging for formerly incarcerated people?
What are the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of pregnant incarcerated mothers?
How can cases within addiction be curbed in America?
What are the ways to approach America’s carceral system?
What are the ways nursing homes can be better equipped for old folks?
What are the social and psychological impacts of student loans?
How can assistance be extended to adults with learning disabilities?
How can America’s rise in obesity be addressed?

Human Services Research Paper Topics

Human services research papers also fall within the social work research topics ideas to look into. This area of social works essay topics deal with issues which are primarily related to human service, how it’s being impacted, and ways to understand and address some of its challenges. Human services research paper topics that fall within it include.

How America’s carceral system affects low-income and minority homes majorly.
Social integration of Down syndrome and Dyslexic people
How the government can improve welfare conditions
The negative psychological impacts of food banks
How food banks benefit the lives of many Americans.
How home violence affects children
Understanding the effects of high school bullying
Welfare workers and why they need therapy and support groups
How to build love in foster care
The practice of resilience amongst social workers
The effects of juvenile delinquency in America
Understanding America’s carceral shortcomings
Minority groups at the expense of America’s carceral system
Addressing the issue of homophobia in America
Homophobia and how it impacts LGBTQ+ adults
Factors contributing to family violence
Spousal violence and how to address it
Family cruelty and how it impacts lives
Undiagnosed cases of Bipolar and its effects
Misdiagnosed mental illness and its effects
Improving support systems for LGBTQ+ kids
Home insecurity and how it impacts the homeless
Bridging the disparity of formerly incarcerated people
Understanding gender inequality when dealing with incarcerated people
The failure of America’s correctional system
Incarceration: Reformed or abolished?
Police system: Reformed, defunded, or abolished?
Factors contributing to increase in youth depression
Unemployment and its effects on people
Similarities between juvenile delinquency and adult incarceration
Psychological impacts of child trafficking
Human trafficking and its psychological effects on victims
Addressing depression, anxiety, and panic in little children

Interesting Social Work Topics

Within the field of social works, there are some topics and issues that draw extra attention due to their uniqueness. These topics often make for interesting research topics as they often draw on several relevant but often neglected issues or topics that are not paid due attention to. There are so many interesting social work topics that talk within this category and some of them include.

Understanding the experiences of women living within shelter homes
The racial disparity prevalent in America’s food bank system
A study and understanding of the stigma and social relegations welfare mothers are subjected to.
The challenges of living with both parents suffering from Alzheimer’s
A sociological and environmental outlook into the academic transition from high school to college and how it manifests in the lives of students.
An analysis of the client-therapist relationship of psychiatric therapists
An evaluation of the sociological impact of including sex education in the high school curriculum
An in-depth analysis of the emotional and psychological effects of induced child labor
Psychological, emotional, and physical effects of abusive parenting
Verbal and physical abuse in families and how it manifests in the lives of children
How emotional and psychological abuse encourages low self-esteem
A study of children raised in abusive homes
How physical abuse affects spousal intimacy
A critical study of the learning challenges of disabled children
How inclusivity in the social system will impact disabled children
Why there’s the need to encourage more flexible social structures for disabled people
A case study of the inherent challenges of interracial marriages
A case of study of how a functional and inclusive healthcare system improve social growth
How conversion therapy negatively impacts the LGBTQ+ community
How religion impacts social workers interaction with social issues
A study of the prevalence of poverty in the American Deep South and the ways it impedes growth
Sustainability of wellness therapy
An in-depth analysis of how first-time menstrual experiences impacts teenage girls in foster homes
The relationship between teenagers, school, and the general society
The negative impacts of birth control laws
How abortion bans are leading to more psychological issues
How the increases in the cost of housing in America is affecting young millennials
How low paid labor propagates workplace abuse
The impacts of gender roles and cultural beliefs in marriages
Why America needs more rehabilitation centers than carceral systems
The relationship between welfare systems and low-income neighborhoods
How teenage pregnancy impacts teenage mothers
The growing effect and pressure of social media in the lives of teenage children

Controversial Topics in Social Work

Social worker’s research topics also look into areas within the field of study that are often regarded as controversial. These topics are referred to as so due to their nature of occurrence which usually has provoked significant public interest. When writing on controversial topics in social work in this field, here are some of the topics that fall well within this category.

Rising cases of drug abuse in low-income neighborhoods
How incarceration negatively impacts the psychological well-being of incarcerated people
The dangers of confinement and why it should be looked into
Drug vulnerability and how to help addicts
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and how it enables social workers to relate more to their environment and situations
Hypnosis and its health benefits on an individual
Therapy for the less represented groups and why it’s important
A clear distinction between clinical depression and undiagnosed depression
Misdiagnosis: how it’s affecting the lives of mentally challenged people
Understanding ADHD and the stigmas associated with it
An investigative study into the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy to improve the livelihood of incarcerated people
Understanding adolescents development about kids in foster cares
The social effects of living within an immigrant home in America
Social workers remuneration and how it impacts their dedication and diligence to their work
The negative impact of child-parent legally signed separation and ways through which it can be contained
A qualitative study of dealing with Dyslexia as an adolescent
Catering safe spaces for minority groups and the impacts of community on their mental health.
Child poverty, food insecurity, house insecurity: how they impact the academic abilities of children
Examining the use of empathy to facilitate the improvement of the social work sector
Why there needs to be more qualitative examining of foster homes for child safety and peace
The positive impacts within the foster home system and why it should be championed
Understanding sexual health education for incarcerated women
Addressing violence as a social problem within the correctional system
Court sanctioned confinement, how it promotes mental illness rather than facilitate correction
The hidden and unnoticed trauma prevalent in counselors and therapists
The continuous cycle of therapy: why therapists need therapy
The need to facilitate awareness on the stigma associated with AIDS
The social and health implication of abortion ban on women in low-income neighborhoods
The psychological, health, and social implications of abortion ban on rape survivors
The unreported cases of abuse in homes and how it propagates violence
Trafficking: the impacts of it on the social well-being of a society
Exploring the challenges of the hurricanes in low-income neighborhoods
The hidden trauma of hurricane and flood survivors

Social Work Thesis Topics

As a field of study on its own, social work will require you to write series of papers, research assignments and essays on a select topic of your choice. This is also compulsory if you are doing your master’s program or your Ph.D. You’ll be required to carry out evaluative or qualitative research on your area of interest. Some interesting social work essay topics to consider include the following ones.

The psychological impacts of adult children of emotionally immature parents
The treatment plan for diagnosed drug addiction
Navigating the challenges of visually impaired learners in the academia
Evaluating child abuse in foster care
The emotional effect of transitioning into nursing homes
A study of parenthood in immigrant families
The psychological weight of child abuse
Understanding child labor and its intricacies
Encouraging cognitive-behavioral therapy for foster parents
Trauma: Understanding the challenges of the foster kid
Abortion illegality as the increasing cause of teenage pregnancy
Understanding displacement and its nuances
The distinction between the displacement of children in war areas and children in foster homes
The psychological impacts of growing within a war zone
The barrier to working faced by formerly incarcerated people
Juvenile delinquency: how it harms rather than benefits children
Examining the American rehabilitation system
Examining the gender disparity in correctional facilities
The use of empathy: social workers in the discharge of duty
How to address compassion fatigue amongst counselors and social workers
The effects of structural racism on the welfare systems
Understanding depression from the welfare mom’s perspective
Myths associated with ADHD
Integrating compassion in social works
Building an inclusive system for foster kids
The disability challenges in the healthcare system
Disability disparity in the social works department
Future attachment styles in foster kids
Codependency: a feature of displacement
Home emotional unavailability as the rising cause for codependency
Understanding interdependency for the codependent
Distinctions between codependency and interdependency in youth adults
Prepatrum depression in expecting mothers

Social Work Topics for Presentation

One of the social work project ideas to look into while writing your paper is the possibility of including a presentation. As a practical field, social works research requires some level of presentation included. Here are some social work topics for presentation.

The historical development of social works
Importance of social works in school
Importance of therapy for teenagers
An exploration of challenges faced in forensic social works
Understanding the struggles of minority groups
A study of abuse in middle-class homes
Importance of finance in sustaining social works
The overall effect of compassion fatigue
Challenges of modern-day social works
Psychological impacts of child drug abuse
Importance of inclusivity in social works
Understanding same-sex relationships for the social worker
Importance of drug sensitization in high school
The abuse of drugs in low-income neighborhoods as an economic factor
Depression stereotypes
Effects and impacts of spirituality as a social works technique
Damages of psychological violence
Domestic violence and its impacts
Role of social workers in the prevention of drug abuse
Role or foster parents in the prevention of violence
Role of foster homes in creating a safe space
Positive impacts of foster parenting
Understanding trauma for the social worker
Importance of diversity in the social works sector
Understanding the neglect-syndrome of foster kids
Adolescent transitioning and trauma of LGBTQ+ children
Trauma and juvenile delinquency
Juvenile delinquency and adult incarceration
Importance of free healthcare for foster children and children in low-income neighborhoods
A study of sexually violated children
Understanding the impacts of incest in homes
The victim syndrome and how to better understand it
Understanding Stockholm syndrome

We have provided above a list of interesting social work topics that social science students, whether they are college students or master’s students, can choose from. But if you are hoping to meet up with your college or university essay deadlines, there are professional ENL US writers, including some of the best professors for hire online. They can assist you with fast and top-notch essays that will get you high grades all at a cheap rate. You will be provided with custom, amazing assignments that will attain you high grades.

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The dissertation is the hallmark of all doctoral-level study and represents the achievement of a high level of professional performance as a practitioner/researcher. You will be required to complete an independent scholarly research project and examine a topic relevant to clinical social work. By completing the dissertation, you will demonstrate your capacity to contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge for the profession.

Required Research Courses

To prepare for your dissertation you will take a series of required research courses that provide the foundation of knowledge required both to assess prior research and to design and implement one’s own research. Our faculty teach core research methods, including advanced statistics, in depth.

Dissertation Seminar

During your final summer you will complete a dissertation seminar to support you in developing your dissertation proposal. If you are well along in preparation of your proposal you may opt to take the dissertation seminar during your second summer. We will assign you a research supervisor to assist in identifying and refining an area of study for your dissertation.

Dissertation Committee

You are responsible for identifying and recruiting a dissertation committee to assist in the development of your dissertation proposal and in the completion, reporting and defense of the project. The program’s director will assist you in the process. They will also approve the committee, which must include a chair and at least two more members.

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The Smith College Institutional Review Board is responsible for oversight of projects involving human participants.

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35 Best Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

Published by Carmen Troy at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

A dissertation or a thesis paper is the fundamental prerequisite to the degree programme, irrespective of your academic discipline. The field of social psychology is not different.

When working on the dissertation, the students must demonstrate what they wish to accomplish with their study. They must be authentic with their ideas and solutions to achieve the highest possible academic grade.

A dissertation in social psychology should examine the influence others have on people’s behaviour. This is because the interaction of people in different groups is the main focus of the discipline. Social connections in person are the main focus of social psychology and therefore your chosen social psychology topic should be based on a real-life social experience or phenomenon.

Also read: Sociology dissertation topics

We have compiled a list of the top social psychology dissertation topics to help you get started.

List of Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

What impact do priming’s automatic effects have on complex behaviour in everyday life?
The social intuitionist model examines the role that emotion and reason play in moral decision-making.
Examine the lasting effects of cognitive dissonance.
What psychological consequences does spanking have on kids?
Describe the consequences and root causes of childhood attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Explain the causes of antisocial behaviour in young people.
Discuss infants’ early warning symptoms of mental disease.
List the main factors that young adults most commonly experience; increased stress and depression.
Describe several forms of torture in detail, emphasising how they affect children’s minds and adult lives.
Describe the impact of violent video games and music on a child’s development.
Talk about how the family influences early non-verbal communication in infants.
Examine the scope and persistence of the variables influencing the impact of automatic priming on social behaviour.
What does this mean for upholding one’s integrity and comprehending interpersonal relationships?
Examine the connection between loneliness and enduring health issues.
Identify several approaches to measuring older people’s social networks.
Compare and contrast the types of social networks, housing, and elderly people’s health across time.
The primary causes of young people’s moral decline are social influences. Discuss.
Discuss what has improved our understanding of social psychology using examples from social psychology theories.
What are the socio-psychological reasons and consequences of drinking alcohol?
What makes some persons more attractive in social situations?
Discuss how culture affects a society’s ability to be cohesive and united.
Discuss how a person’s career affects their social standing in society.
What psychological effects might long-term caregiving have?
How ddoesa leader’s relationship and followers change under charismatic leadership?
Discuss the tactics that support and thwart interpersonal harmony using the group identity theory as your foundation.
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of intimate cross-cultural relationships.
Examine and clarify the socio-psychological components of cults using examples.
Discuss how sociocultural perceptions have an impact on socio-psychology.
How has technology affected communication and interpersonal relationships?
What part does religion play in bringing people together?
Describe the socio-psychological impacts of dense population and crowded living.
What are the effects of a child’s introverted personality on others?
Explain how carelessness on the part of parents and childhood obesity are related.
Study the psychological, moral, and legal ramifications of adoption.
What are the corrective and preventative steps that can stop child abuse?

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Social Work BSc: IHRSOW399 Research Dissertation

IHRSOW108 Preparation for Social Work Practice
IHRSOW109 Psychological Approaches to Human Behaviour and Lifespan Development
IHRSOW111 Values, Ethics and Dilemmas in Social Work Practice
IHRSOW110 Social Change and Social Justice in Social Work
IHRSOW204 Introduction to Research in Social Work
IHRSOW205 Assessed Practice Learning
IHRSOW212 Effective Communication in Social Work Practice
IHRSOW216 Social Work Research
Social Work with Children and Families: Law, Policy and Practice
IHRSOW302 Current Practice, Policy and Legislation
IHRSOW301 Assessed Practice Learning
IHRSOW399 Research Dissertation
Mental Health and Social Justice for Children and Adults
IHRIPL302 The Professional in the Team
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Critiquing the presence and absence of children and young people's participation in policies for looked after children in scotland , interrogating the ethics of telecare services: a conceptual framework for dementia home care professionals , forever home the complexity of adoption breakdown in scotland , exploring experiences of children who migrate to delhi: understanding gender and space , looking after grandchildren: the motivation, pattern, and the impact of intergenerational engagements on grandparents in rural china , topping up the tank: enhancing the emotional resilience of social workers in local authority adult services , intergenerational transmission of the effects of maternal childhood adversities via poor infant outcomes , contributing to the development of social pedagogy in the uk: a case study at 'santiago 1' residential care home in spain , helping the 'problem child' become loveable again a discourse analysis on childhood adhd in switzerland and implications for social work , health needs and services for refugee women and children in uganda’s settlements: articulating a role for social work , unpicking social work practice skills: an interactional analysis of engagement and identity in a groupwork programme addressing sexual offending , turkish fathering today: an enquiry and discussion arising from the views of turkish fathers and turkish young people , twenty first century contact: young people in care and their use of mobile communication devices and the internet for contact , quickening steps: an ethnography of pre-birth child protection , low income employment in dhaka: women’s lives, agency and identity , partnership, power and policy: a case study of the scottish partnership on domestic abuse , feedback systems, interaction analysis, and counselling models in professional programmes , the participation of looked after children in permanency planning , everyday social work practice: listening to the voices of practitioners , quality of life experiences of parents of children with autism in scotland .

California State University, San Bernardino

Home > College of Social and Behavioral Sciences > Social Work > Social Work Theses

Social Work Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Theses/projects/dissertations from 2024 2024.

WHAT IS THE READINESS OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS TO WORK WITH AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS? , Ignacio Aguilar Pelaez

THE DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACTS OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT DIFFERENTIATE THE AMOUNT OF MENTAL HEALTH REFERRALS OF SCHOOL A COMPARED TO SCHOOL B , Jesus Barrientos

Caregivers of Dialysis Patients , Alyssa Bousquet and Amelia Murillo

BARRIERS TO AND FACILITATORS OF CARE: EXPLORING HOW LOW-INCOME WOMEN ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE IN A RURAL COMMUNITY , Sydney Taylor Casey

ACCESSIBILITY OF SERVICES FOR TRANSGENDER ADOLESCENTS FROM A CHILD WELFARE PERSPECTIVE , Eduardo Cedeno

WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO SEEKING PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES ACROSS DIFFERENT RACIAL AND ETHNIC GROUPS? , Deysee Chavez and Elisa Rodarte

SOCIAL WORKERS’ PREPAREDNESS FOR PRACTICE WITH PATIENTS EXPERIENCING PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS , Paula Crespin

PROGRESSION OF BLACK WOMEN IN TENURE RANKED POSITIONS , Unique Givens

Assessing and Meeting the Needs of Homeless Populations , Mitchell Greenwald

THE OBSTACLES FACING HOMELESS VETERANS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS WHEN OBTAINING HOUSING , Melissa Miro

MAJOR FACTORS OF SUSTAINING RECOVERY AFTER RELAPSE FROM A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER , Amanda Tei Sandhurst

UNDERSTANDING THE PERSPECTIVES AND ATTITUDES OF 12-STEP PARTICIPANTS TOWARDS MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT , Christopher Scott

THE UTILIZATION OF MUSIC AND AUTONOMOUS SENSORY MERIDIAN RESPONSE IN REDUCING STRESS , Robert Scott

Theses/Projects/Dissertations from 2023 2023

PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO CONGREGATE CARE AND FOSTER YOUTH OUTCOMES , Tiffany Acklin

YOU CALL US TREATMENT RESISTANT: THE EFFECTS OF BIASES ON WOMEN WITH BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER , Cassidy Acosta

EXAMINING SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH OF FORMERLY INCARCERATED CALIFORNIA STUDENTS WHO GRADUATED FROM PROJECT REBOUND , Ashley C. Adams

ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO POLICE INTERVENTIONS WHEN RESPONDING TO MENTAL HEALTH CRISES INCIDENTS , Karen Rivera Apolinar

Understanding Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work Practice , Arielle Arambula

IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROFESSORIAL-STUDENT RACIAL MATCH AND ACADEMIC SATISFACTION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Ashlei Armstead

NON-SPANISH SPEAKING LATINOS' EXPERIENCES OF INTRAGROUP MARGINALIZATION AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR ETHNIC IDENTITY , Marissa Ayala

SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THE MIXTEC COMMUNITY AND THE BARRIERS TO THOSE SERVICES , Currie Bailey Carmon

IMPACT OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE ON THE SELF-ESTEEM, SELF-CONFIDENCE, AND COMFORT LEVEL OF BLACK AND BROWN GIRLS , Nathan Benham

THE ROLE UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT RESOURCE CENTERS PLAY IN SUPPORTING UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION , Cynthia Boyzo

Program Evaluation of Teen Parent Support Group , Brianne Yvonne Irene Brophy

THE IMPACT THE JOB STRESS OF A CHILD WELFARE SOCIAL WORKER HAS ON THE QUALITY OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR INTIMATE PARTNER , Nadine Cazares

Adverse Effects for Siblings Who Witness Child Abuse , Leslie Chaires

ASIAN DISCRIMINATION: IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL WORK , Sunghay Cho

PERCEIVED FINANCIAL STRAIN AND ITS EFFECTS ON COLLEGE STUDENTS’ WELFARE , Monica Contreras and Clarissa Adrianna Martinez

The Media and Eating Disorders , Diane Corey

INCREASING TEACHER AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH IN CHILDREN , Sarah Alexis Cortes

The Investigation of Knowledge and Practice of Child Welfare Workers Providing Case Management to Children with Disabilities , Giselle Cruz

Examining The Relationship Between Technological Skills and Success In Higher Education Among Formerly Incarcerated Individuals , Ebony Cubias

SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL WORKERS TREATING ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSERS , Monica DeLucia and Kethura Solano

MINORITIZED GROUPS AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND RECOVERY CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT IN MUTUAL AID FELLOWSHIPS , Kaelyn Doyle and Benjamin Wahl

EXAMINING EDUCATORS’ PERCEPTIONS AND PREPAREDNESS ON THE NEEDS OF UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS , Imelda Duran Herrera

RESILENCY AND FATHERLESS HOUSEHOLDS , Joshua Ellis-Kennedy and Crystal Angelica Orellana

THE INCREASE OF SUICIDE RISKS AMONGST INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC , Joanna Flores

Staff Turnover in Child Welfare , Maleena Flores

SOCIAL WORK STUDENT'S PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE, AND PREPAREDNESS IN SERVING UNACCOMPANIED MIGRANT CHILDREN , Miriam Flores Portillo and Estela Flores-Portillo

PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACT OF PARENTAL MENTAL HEALTH ON ADULT CHILDREN , Samantha Ann Gallo-Vargas and Queray McMihelk Jr.

HOW ARE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS EQUIPPED WITH ADEQUATE TRAINING TO DETECT AND REPORT ELDER ABUSE IN HOSPICE , Crystal Garcia and Katherine Barba

How Stigma Impacts the Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Young Adults' Within Three Different Ethnic Minority Communities , Ivette Garcia and Melissa E. Gomez

THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATION OUTCOMES , Kelly Gasso

INTERVENTIONS AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH OPPOSITIONAL DIFIANT DISORDER: A SCOPING REVIEW , Megan George and Jacqueline Laitano

HOW DOES HAVING A PET DURING THE CORONAVIRUS-19 PANDEMIC AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AFFECT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION , Sugey Gonzalez-Escobedo and Jessica Morales Sanchez

SCHOOL FACULTY’S KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS , Bianca Gonzalez Vargas and Cristal Cortes-Vazquez

HOW LATINO PARENTS COPED WITH FINANCIAL CHALLENGES DURING COVID-19 , Melissa Gradilla and Valerie Malagon

ASSESSING RURAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FOSTER PARENT RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES , Ava M. Hagwood

SOCIAL WORK’S ROLE IN ADDRESSING POLICE OPPRESSION: SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVES , Jess Husband

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE , Adelola Ige

EXAMINING THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE , Aida Justiz Skipper and Ericka Ross

PROMOTING RESILIENCE FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE , Brenda Lara

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS AND THE SEXUAL HEALTH OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE OF COLOR IN THE INLAND EMPIRE , Irad Leon

HOW HAS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACTED CLIENTS OF THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT CENTER , Daniella Loera

FACTORS THAT INCREASE SOCIAL WORKER LONGEVITY IN CHILD WELFARE SERVICES , Heather Lovejoy

SAFETY ORGANIZED PRACTICE TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTATION IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA , Alison Lucado

Indigenous Women and Traditional Paths to Healing , Lisa Mariano-Grise

SERVICES FOR AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKA NATIVES FOSTER YOUTH VICTIMS OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION: THE SOCIAL WORKER’S PERSPECTIVE , Maria Marquez

RESIDENTIAL CARE STAFF VIEWS ON THE TRAINING THAT THEY RECEIVE AND THEIR PERCEPTIONS ON PREPAREDNESS IN REGARD TO WORKING WITH RESIDENTS , Deziray Sorieya Marroquin

EFFECTS OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ON PARENTS , David Martinez and Linda Saleh Borghol

THE CHALLENGES HOMELESS MEN WITH HIV/AIDS FACE WHEN SEEKING HOUSING , Rosey Yvette Martinez

EXAMINING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FAMILY COHESION AND THE RISK OF SUBSTANCE USE IN OFFSPRING , Angelica Mendoza

MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND ATTITUDES TOWARD MENTAL HEALTH HELP-SEEKING AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS OF NON-MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS , Hannah Metz

EFFECTIVE RESOURCES FOR ONLINE LEARNING A STUDY ON ELEMENTARY AGED CHILDREN , Marlene Mora-Lopez

FOSTER PARENT TRAINING, RETENTION, AND SATISFACTION: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY , Dennisse Moreno Romo and Dulcinea Catota

AGED OUT YOUTH'S PERCEPTION ON THE NEEDS OF EMANCIPATED FOSTER YOUTH , Linda Murillo

Attitudes of Social Work Students on the Use of Psychedelics as a Mental Health Treatment in Clinical Settings , Amanda Nickles

CHRONIC SORROW AND THE IMPACT ON PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES , Rhianna Mayra Nordlund

BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES THAT LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS FACE WHEN ACQUIRING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES. , Stephanie Nunez-Rivera

Examining the Obstacles in Rehoming the Homeless with Substance Use Addiction , Denise Ortuno

Access to Gender-Affirming Care and Mental Health of Transgender Individuals , Paola Osuna Berumen

EXAMINING SUPPORT SEEKING BEHAVIORS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS , Ashley Padilla

THE BARRIERS DIRECT SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS FACE WHEN WORKING WITH INCARCERATED YOUTH , Elizabeth Padilla and Valerie Mercado

UNDERSTANDING VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING: IDENTIFYING MACRO AND MICRO-LEVEL MENTAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS , Abbigail Pereyra

COVID-INDUCED STRESS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS , Quenea Popoca and Christina Ngo

STUDENTS' EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR HYBRID MSW PROGRAM , Carolina Profeta

Preserving Placement for Children with Behavioral Issues: A Qualitative Study of Child Welfare Social Workers in the United States , Jessica Katelyn Quin and Tara Belle Beam

Does the use of Social Media Have an Impact on Young Adults Body Identification? , Glycell Robledo Felix and Ashley Olmedo

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND STRESS DURING COVID-19: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LATINO DREAMERS IN COLLEGE , Vanessa Robles and Janelly Molina

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL WORK INVOLVEMENT IN HOSPICE CARE TRANSITIONS FOR ILL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES , Natalie Rodas and Guillermina Morales

SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF DISPROPORTIONALITY AND DISPARITY IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM , Nelyda Rodriguez

EXAMINING HOMELESSNESS AND ITS EFFECTS ON FUNCTIONING AMONG FOSTER CARE ALUMNI , Silvia Romero

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON SOCIAL ISOLATION AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG YOUNG ADULTS , MARIANA ROMO

Incarceration Effects on Children and Families , Sharon Rose

IMPACTS OF POVERTY ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT HOW LOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS STUDENTS ARE AT AN ACADEMIC DISADVANTAGE , Farbod Samari

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF THE PLACEMENT DISCONTINUITY IN FOSTER CARE , Michelle Sepulveda and Angela Williams

HOW LANGUAGE, HEALTHCARE INSURANCE STATUS, STIGMA, AGE, AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT INFLUENCED THE UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AMONG THE LATINO MALE POPULATION , Esmeralda Solis and Annika Coe

THE BENEFITS OF SUPPORT GROUPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO EXPERIENCE AUDITORY AND VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS , Joseph Stewart

Social Justice Theatre and the Impact on Theatre Artists , Stevie Taken

School-based Suicide Prevention Program for LGBTQ Students , Ching Lok Tse

Exploring Permanency Rates Within the Southern California Counties of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego , Karrene Turner

Placement instability and its effects on the mental health of foster youth , Tyra Turner and Shalynn Burton

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND GANG MEMBERSHIP , Johanna Ulloa

SOCIAL WORKERS PERSPECTIVE ON BARRIERS TO FAMILY REUNIFICATION , Laura Velasquez and Annamarie C. Merrill

FIRST-GENERATION SOCIAL WORK LATINAS BALANCING LIFE AND CAREER , Angelica Venegas

FORMER FOSTER YOUTH AND THE UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION , Jacqueline Viadas and Liliana Lua

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience in Social Work , Margeaux Wilkins and Jazmine Salazar

PARENT-CHILD ATTACHMENT WHEN PARENTING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY , Giulianna Zocchetti

Theses/Projects/Dissertations from 2022 2022

SOCIAL WORKER STUDENT’S ANXIETY, AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC , David Adler

Measuring Competency in Social Work: LGBTQIA Populations , Desirae Nicole Aguirre and Samantha Raquel Stephens

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Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019

So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is , you’ve chosen your topic and hopefully you’ve received approval for your research proposal . Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.

To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure . In this post, we’ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We’ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis .

Dissertation structure and layout - the basics

The Caveat

In this post, we’ll be discussing a traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).

So, always check with your university if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we’ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you’ll still get value from this post as we’ll explain the core contents of each section.

Overview: S tructuring a dissertation or thesis

Acknowledgements page
Abstract (or executive summary)
Table of contents , list of figures and tables
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature review
Chapter 3: Methodology
Chapter 4: Results
Chapter 5: Discussion
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Reference list

As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional “personal reflection chapter”, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process , which we discussed here – i.e.:

The introduction chapter presents the core research question and aims .
The literature review chapter assesses what the current research says about this question.
The methodology, results and discussion chapters go about undertaking new research about this question.
The conclusion chapter (attempts to) answer the core research question .

In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.

A dissertation's structure reflect the research process

To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process . This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you “get” this concept. If you’re not familiar with the research process, read this post before going further.

Right. Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation/thesis template here to help speed things up.

The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:

Succinct (not overly lengthy or verbose)
Specific (not vague or ambiguous)
Representative of the research you’re undertaking (clearly linked to your research questions)

Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:

The broader area of the research (i.e. the overarching topic)
The specific focus of your research (i.e. your specific context)
Indication of research design (e.g. quantitative , qualitative , or mixed methods ).

For example:

A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context/area of focus].

Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it’s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there’s no mention in the brief or study material).

Acknowledgements

This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it’s optional (and won’t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.

So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there’s no prescribed requirements, but it’s common to mention the following people:

Your dissertation supervisor or committee.
Any professors, lecturers or academics that helped you understand the topic or methodologies.
Any tutors, mentors or advisors.
Your family and friends, especially spouse (for adult learners studying part-time).

There’s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you’re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) – be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.

Abstract or executive summary

The dissertation abstract (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report – in other words, it should be able to stand alone .

For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):

Your research questions and aims – what key question(s) did your research aim to answer?
Your methodology – how did you go about investigating the topic and finding answers to your research question(s)?
Your findings – following your own research, what did do you discover?
Your conclusions – based on your findings, what conclusions did you draw? What answers did you find to your research question(s)?

So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.

In practical terms, it’s a good idea to write this section up last , once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post .

Need a helping hand?

This section is straightforward. You’ll typically present your table of contents (TOC) first, followed by the two lists – figures and tables. I recommend that you use Microsoft Word’s automatic table of contents generator to generate your TOC. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, the video below explains it simply:

If you find that your table of contents is overly lengthy, consider removing one level of depth. Oftentimes, this can be done without detracting from the usefulness of the TOC.

Right, now that the “admin” sections are out of the way, its time to move on to your core chapters. These chapters are the heart of your dissertation and are where you’ll earn the marks. The first chapter is the introduction chapter – as you would expect, this is the time to introduce your research…

It’s important to understand that even though you’ve provided an overview of your research in your abstract, your introduction needs to be written as if the reader has not read that (remember, the abstract is essentially a standalone document). So, your introduction chapter needs to start from the very beginning, and should address the following questions:

What will you be investigating (in plain-language, big picture-level)?
Why is that worth investigating? How is it important to academia or business? How is it sufficiently original?
What are your research aims and research question(s)? Note that the research questions can sometimes be presented at the end of the literature review (next chapter).
What is the scope of your study? In other words, what will and won’t you cover ?
How will you approach your research? In other words, what methodology will you adopt?
How will you structure your dissertation? What are the core chapters and what will you do in each of them?

These are just the bare basic requirements for your intro chapter. Some universities will want additional bells and whistles in the intro chapter, so be sure to carefully read your brief or consult your research supervisor.

If done right, your introduction chapter will set a clear direction for the rest of your dissertation. Specifically, it will make it clear to the reader (and marker) exactly what you’ll be investigating, why that’s important, and how you’ll be going about the investigation. Conversely, if your introduction chapter leaves a first-time reader wondering what exactly you’ll be researching, you’ve still got some work to do.

Now that you’ve set a clear direction with your introduction chapter, the next step is the literature review . In this section, you will analyse the existing research (typically academic journal articles and high-quality industry publications), with a view to understanding the following questions:

What does the literature currently say about the topic you’re investigating?
Is the literature lacking or well established? Is it divided or in disagreement?
How does your research fit into the bigger picture?
How does your research contribute something original?
How does the methodology of previous studies help you develop your own?

Depending on the nature of your study, you may also present a conceptual framework towards the end of your literature review, which you will then test in your actual research.

Again, some universities will want you to focus on some of these areas more than others, some will have additional or fewer requirements, and so on. Therefore, as always, its important to review your brief and/or discuss with your supervisor, so that you know exactly what’s expected of your literature review chapter.

Now that you’ve investigated the current state of knowledge in your literature review chapter and are familiar with the existing key theories, models and frameworks, its time to design your own research. Enter the methodology chapter – the most “science-ey” of the chapters…

In this chapter, you need to address two critical questions:

Exactly HOW will you carry out your research (i.e. what is your intended research design)?
Exactly WHY have you chosen to do things this way (i.e. how do you justify your design)?

Remember, the dissertation part of your degree is first and foremost about developing and demonstrating research skills . Therefore, the markers want to see that you know which methods to use, can clearly articulate why you’ve chosen then, and know how to deploy them effectively.

Importantly, this chapter requires detail – don’t hold back on the specifics. State exactly what you’ll be doing, with who, when, for how long, etc. Moreover, for every design choice you make, make sure you justify it.

In practice, you will likely end up coming back to this chapter once you’ve undertaken all your data collection and analysis, and revise it based on changes you made during the analysis phase. This is perfectly fine. Its natural for you to add an additional analysis technique, scrap an old one, etc based on where your data lead you. Of course, I’m talking about small changes here – not a fundamental switch from qualitative to quantitative, which will likely send your supervisor in a spin!

You’ve now collected your data and undertaken your analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. In this chapter, you’ll present the raw results of your analysis . For example, in the case of a quant study, you’ll present the demographic data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics , etc.

Typically, Chapter 4 is simply a presentation and description of the data, not a discussion of the meaning of the data. In other words, it’s descriptive, rather than analytical – the meaning is discussed in Chapter 5. However, some universities will want you to combine chapters 4 and 5, so that you both present and interpret the meaning of the data at the same time. Check with your institution what their preference is.

Now that you’ve presented the data analysis results, its time to interpret and analyse them. In other words, its time to discuss what they mean, especially in relation to your research question(s).

What you discuss here will depend largely on your chosen methodology. For example, if you’ve gone the quantitative route, you might discuss the relationships between variables . If you’ve gone the qualitative route, you might discuss key themes and the meanings thereof. It all depends on what your research design choices were.

Most importantly, you need to discuss your results in relation to your research questions and aims, as well as the existing literature. What do the results tell you about your research questions? Are they aligned with the existing research or at odds? If so, why might this be? Dig deep into your findings and explain what the findings suggest, in plain English.

The final chapter – you’ve made it! Now that you’ve discussed your interpretation of the results, its time to bring it back to the beginning with the conclusion chapter . In other words, its time to (attempt to) answer your original research question s (from way back in chapter 1). Clearly state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous chapter, but its important to bring the discussion full circle and explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).

Next, you’ll typically discuss the implications of your findings? In other words, you’ve answered your research questions – but what does this mean for the real world (or even for academia)? What should now be done differently, given the new insight you’ve generated?

Lastly, you should discuss the limitations of your research, as well as what this means for future research in the area. No study is perfect, especially not a Masters-level. Discuss the shortcomings of your research. Perhaps your methodology was limited, perhaps your sample size was small or not representative, etc, etc. Don’t be afraid to critique your work – the markers want to see that you can identify the limitations of your work. This is a strength, not a weakness. Be brutal!

This marks the end of your core chapters – woohoo! From here on out, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

The reference list is straightforward. It should contain a list of all resources cited in your dissertation, in the required format, e.g. APA , Harvard, etc.

It’s essential that you use reference management software for your dissertation. Do NOT try handle your referencing manually – its far too error prone. On a reference list of multiple pages, you’re going to make mistake. To this end, I suggest considering either Mendeley or Zotero. Both are free and provide a very straightforward interface to ensure that your referencing is 100% on point. I’ve included a simple how-to video for the Mendeley software (my personal favourite) below:

Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography, as opposed to a reference list. These two things are not the same . A bibliography is similar to a reference list, except that it also includes resources which informed your thinking but were not directly cited in your dissertation. So, double-check your brief and make sure you use the right one.

The very last piece of the puzzle is the appendix or set of appendices. This is where you’ll include any supporting data and evidence. Importantly, supporting is the keyword here.

Your appendices should provide additional “nice to know”, depth-adding information, which is not critical to the core analysis. Appendices should not be used as a way to cut down word count (see this post which covers how to reduce word count ). In other words, don’t place content that is critical to the core analysis here, just to save word count. You will not earn marks on any content in the appendices, so don’t try to play the system!

Time to recap…

And there you have it – the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows:

Acknowledgments page

Most importantly, the core chapters should reflect the research process (asking, investigating and answering your research question). Moreover, the research question(s) should form the golden thread throughout your dissertation structure. Everything should revolve around the research questions, and as you’ve seen, they should form both the start point (i.e. introduction chapter) and the endpoint (i.e. conclusion chapter).

I hope this post has provided you with clarity about the traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below, or feel free to get in touch with us. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the Grad Coach Blog .

Psst… there’s more (for free)

This post is part of our dissertation mini-course, which covers everything you need to get started with your dissertation, thesis or research project.

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36 Comments

many thanks i found it very useful

Glad to hear that, Arun. Good luck writing your dissertation.

Such clear practical logical advice. I very much needed to read this to keep me focused in stead of fretting.. Perfect now ready to start my research!

what about scientific fields like computer or engineering thesis what is the difference in the structure? thank you very much

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!

Very helpful and accessible. What I like most is how practical the advice is along with helpful tools/ links.

Thanks Ade!

Thank you so much sir.. It was really helpful..

You’re welcome!

Hi! How many words maximum should contain the abstract?

Thank you so much 😊 Find this at the right moment

You’re most welcome. Good luck with your dissertation.

best ever benefit i got on right time thank you

Many times Clarity and vision of destination of dissertation is what makes the difference between good ,average and great researchers the same way a great automobile driver is fast with clarity of address and Clear weather conditions .

I guess Great researcher = great ideas + knowledge + great and fast data collection and modeling + great writing + high clarity on all these

You have given immense clarity from start to end.

Morning. Where will I write the definitions of what I’m referring to in my report?

Thank you so much Derek, I was almost lost! Thanks a tonnnn! Have a great day!

Thanks ! so concise and valuable

This was very helpful. Clear and concise. I know exactly what to do now.

Thank you for allowing me to go through briefly. I hope to find time to continue.

Really useful to me. Thanks a thousand times

Very interesting! It will definitely set me and many more for success. highly recommended.

Thank you soo much sir, for the opportunity to express my skills

Usefull, thanks a lot. Really clear

Very nice and easy to understand. Thank you .

That was incredibly useful. Thanks Grad Coach Crew!

My stress level just dropped at least 15 points after watching this. Just starting my thesis for my grad program and I feel a lot more capable now! Thanks for such a clear and helpful video, Emma and the GradCoach team!

Do we need to mention the number of words the dissertation contains in the main document?

It depends on your university’s requirements, so it would be best to check with them 🙂

Such a helpful post to help me get started with structuring my masters dissertation, thank you!

Great video; I appreciate that helpful information

It is so necessary or avital course

This blog is very informative for my research. Thank you

Doctoral students are required to fill out the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates

wow this is an amazing gain in my life

This is so good

How can i arrange my specific objectives in my dissertation?

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Phd program, dissertation instructions.

The dissertation is an original piece of scholarly research on a topic that has been jointly agreed upon by the student and her/his Supervisory Committee members. It is a major undertaking that should reflect the highest standards of scholarship and make a significant contribution to knowledge and practice in the field of social welfare and the profession of social work.

"A candidate must present a dissertation demonstrating original and independent investigation and achievement. A dissertation should reflect not only mastery of research techniques but also ability to select an important problem for investigation and to deal with it competently." ( University of Washington Graduate School )

Dissertation Research

After the dissertation prospectus has been approved by the Supervisory Committee and the PhD Steering Committee, the student normally works primarily under the direction of the chair. The extent to which other members are involved during the course of the dissertation research is determined on a case-by-case basis. If a dissertation study significantly changes as it progresses from that originally approved in the Prospectus by the Supervisory Committee and Steering Committee, the changes must be reviewed and approved by the Reading Committee members of the Supervisory Committee. 1

Dissertation Research Colloquium

At some point during the dissertation process each candidate is required to make a 30-minute presentation of her/his research at a Dissertation Colloquium. 2 The colloquium is an open assembly of Social Welfare Faculty, PhD students, and others (e.g., faculty from the School of Social Work and other departments, MSW and BASW students, and community persons) who have interest in the proposed research. The Dissertation Colloquium provides (1) a forum for the productive and timely exchange of ideas, suggestions, and resources with doctoral candidates as they work on their first major independent research endeavor and (2) an opportunity for doctoral candidates to articulate to others their research goals, plans, and questions. The timing of the colloquium will depend on the specific needs of each student and be determined by the student and Supervisory Committee. Two options are available:

At any point during the dissertation research process when the student and Supervisory Committee determine that a public presentation of the research and findings would be useful for the student. (This could be as a practice job talk or for the general purpose of sharing the research with the community.) The student’s Supervisory Committee is typically in attendance, and one member serves as discussant and facilitator of the Colloquium.
As an opening presentation during the Oral Dissertation Defense. (If this option is chosen the Social Work community must be invited to the presentation. Note: Graduate School guidelines recommend that at least a portion of the Oral Dissertation Defense be open to the public.)

Consistent with the program’s emphasis on providing opportunities for students to strengthen their skills in presenting their work, students are strongly encouraged to invite not only social work faculty and students but also any other relevant university colleagues or community members to attend the Colloquium. At least two weeks prior to the date of the Colloquium the student sends an email announcement with the presentation information and an abstract.

Writing and Submitting the Dissertation

Two general formats have been approved by the Graduate School and the social welfare faculty. The first, more traditional within the Arts and Sciences, is the monograph or “book” format for a dissertation. In this format, the dissertation is organized as an integrated set of chapters written as a logical progression of ideas pertaining to a central topic. The second dissertation format, more prevalent in the health sciences, is a series of three to four research papers that may differ in topic but are clearly reflective of a coherent program of research. (*When the dissertation is composed of a set of research papers that are inclusive of co-authored manuscripts, the candidate must be the primary contributor and lead author on all published papers.) Each format has advantages and disadvantages having to do with publication goals and career plans, and these should be carefully considered by the candidate in consultation with his/her dissertation committee.

For instructions on formatting the Dissertation, follow the School of Social Work Dissertation Style Guidelines . Also referenced in the guidelines document are templates for the required preliminary pages and for paragraph styles . The final dissertation must be submitted to the Doctoral Program Office for approval before it is submitted to the Graduate School, thus students need to contact the Program Office during the final stages of writing to ensure that all the guidelines are understood and complied with. For submitting the final to the Graduate School, students must follow the procedures outlined in the Graduate School’s Dissertation Submission Guidelines for Theses and Dissertations. This document outlines the process for submission of doctoral dissertations.

All members of the Supervisory Committee must be provided a draft of the dissertation chapters at least 6 weeks in advance of the Oral Defense and a complete draft of the dissertation (with all required sections) at least 2 weeks in advance of the Defense. 2

Resources for Dissertation Research and Writing

All-But-Dissertation Survival Guide This monthly newsletter provides practical strategies for successfully completing your doctoral dissertation, periodic interviews with scholars about the tips they wish they'd known at the beginning of their own careers, and teleworkshops.

Phinished A discussion and support site aimed at helping people finish their dissertations.

Summary Notes of Writing for Social Scientists Presents an outline of Howard S. Becker's suggestions for writing. Taken from his book, Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1986).

Thinking About Your Thesis This article by Erika Simpson provides guidelines for finishing a thesis or dissertation.

Writing and Presenting Your Thesis or Dissertation This article by S. Joseph Levine provides guidelines for thinking about a thesis or dissertation, writing a proposal, completing the project, and defending it..

Final Program Office Check

Before scheduling the oral defense, the student must contact the PhD Program Assistant Director for a final degree check, which will be done via email. This will ensure that all degree requirements have been met.

SSW Approval of the Dissertation

Once the entire dissertation is complete, it must be submitted it to the School of Social Work Doctoral Program Office for approval before submitting the final to the Graduate School. Each document will be checked page-by-page, and notations made of all errors to be fixed.

As a general guideline, the SSW check should be arranged at least 2 weeks prior to the time the final will be submitted to the Graduate School. For formatting guidelines, see the School of Social Work Dissertation Style Guidelines . Contact the PhD Program Assistant Director in advance to request this check. Provide electronic files for checking instead of paper copy. This check can usually be accomplished in 1-2 working days if scheduled in advance.

Final Examination: Oral Defense

When the dissertation is complete and the doctoral Supervisory Committee agrees that the candidate is prepared to take the Final Examination (Oral D efense), the Program Director, Assistant Director, and Graduate School must be informed of the decision . 3

All members of the Supervisory Committee must be provided an initial draft of all chapters at least 6 weeks prior to the Oral Defense and a complete draft of the dissertation (with all required sections) at least 2 weeks in advance of the Defense. 4

All members of the Supervisory Committee (including the GSR) must be consulted by the student and approve the date, time, and location for the Oral Defense. The student then logs in to MyGrad to request scheduling of the Defense . (This must be done at least 2 weeks prior to the date of the oral defense.) As soon as the request is made, the student must send an email to the Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Program indicating that the request has been made (the MyGrad system tells students that the departments are being notified, but that's not true). The Assistant Director will approve the request through MyGrad.

The Final Oral Defense is intended as an opportunity for the student to clarify, elaborate, or justify the procedures used and the findings obtained. At least four members of the Supervisory Committee (including the Chair, all other members of the Reading Committee, and the GSR) must be present at the defense, and all members of the Reading Committee (composed of at least 3 members of the Supervisory Committee, including the Chair) must approve the final product. (The GSR must be there in person; any other members may participate by phone or video-conferencing.) The student may choose to present the public Dissertation Colloquium as part of the Defense (see Dissertation Colloquium section above).

The defense session is normally about 2 hours. The committee Chair completes the Dissertation Evaluation Form . After the defense has been conducted, the committee may approve the dissertation or require the student to make additional modifications or additions. Upon a successful defense and acceptance of the dissertation by the SSW and the Graduate School, the PhD in Social Welfare is conferred.

The Reading Committee approves a dissertation through an online process. All members of a Committee must log into MyGrad Committee View , including non-UW Reading Committee Members. Members log in using their UW NetIDs and will see the option to approve the dissertation after the student's final exam has been scheduled. Any non-UW Reading Committee members must obtain a UW NetID when the join the committee. The PhD Program GPA can assist in this process.

Participating in Commencement Exercises

Consistent with the eligibility criteria for participation in the University of Washington’s June commencement exercises, individuals are eligible for participation in the School of Social Work’s June commencement exercises if the doctoral degree has been earned during the preceding Summer, or the Fall or Winter term of the current academic year. Alternatively, if a doctoral candidate has a reasonable expectation of graduating in either Spring or Summer of the current academic year he/she may choose to participate. “Reasonable expectation of graduation” is interpreted as having progressed sufficiently in the writing of a dissertation that is of sufficient academic standard that there is strong consensus by the candidate’s Reading Committee that a dissertation defense can be scheduled in sufficient time for graduation by the end of the Summer term (after the commencement exercises).

The PhD Program Director must approve commencement participation for any student who has not completed all requirements, including submission of the final dissertation to the Graduate School.

For information on participating in the School of Social Work commencement . To apply and participate in the University of Washington’s June commencement exercises go to the Graduation, Commencement, and Diplomas page .
Approved by Steering Committee, 5/26/98.
Approved by the PhD Steering Committee, 11/6/2012.
Graduate School revisions in General Examination and Defense Process instituted May 2009.
Approved by Steering Committee, 12/7/2010.

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Journal articles & citations, government publications, conference papers, reports, theses, and other education-related documents. The ERIC Thesaurus can help identify useful subject terms.

Also available via EBSCOhost and the U.S. Department of Education (open access version). This database is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education to provide extensive access to education-related literature. ERIC provides coverage of journal articles, conferences, meetings, government documents, theses, dissertations, reports, audiovisual media, bibliographies, directories, books and monographs. Covers:

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Many ERIC Documents are online in ERIC, and older ones are available on microfiche on the 1st floor of the Thompson Library.

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Index and abstract of current research focused on social work, human services, and related areas.

Social Services Abstracts provides bibliographic coverage of current research focused on social work, human services, and related areas, including social welfare and social policy. The database abstracts and indexes over 1,300 serial publications, and includes journal articles, dissertations and book reviews. Searches link to Community of Scholars: Social Sciences. Coverage includes community & mental health services, crisis intervention, family & social welfare, gerontology, poverty, homelessness, professional issues, policy, addiction, social work education & practice, violence, abuse, neglect, welfare services.

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Perceptions of the significant others living with an adult family member experiencing reoccurring relapse from substance use : a social work perspective Moloto, Mercy Tlou ( 2023-05-24 ) The use of substances is a big challenge globally. Despite prevention, treatment, and aftercare programmes to eradicate this phenomenon, individuals often relapse within months after completing their treatment. The recurring ...
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‘Influencing the Influencers’: How TikTok Can Promote Positive Mental Health

Leveraging Data to Make a Difference

‘influencing the influencers’: how tiktok can promote positive mental health ..

In a new study, Matt Motta and researchers partnered with mental health content influencers on TikTok for a field experiment that examined how health experts and social media influencers can work together to make evidence-based mental health information available to young audiences on the wildly popular app.

Jillian mckoy.

Despite the proliferation of misinformation online and growing data on the harms social media may pose to youth mental health, young people continue to turn to apps such as TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat for health information. Recent polling suggests that as many as one-third of GenZers seek health advice on TikTok, and one in five consult the app before their doctors when seeking treatment.

Given the significant trust that young people place in TikTok, researchers at the School of Public Health and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recently conducted a field experiment to understand the extent to which the wildly popular app could provide positive and accurate mental health messaging and resources by sharing evidence-based mental health information with established social media influencers.

The findings, published in Scientific Reports , a journal in the Nature portfolio, were promising.

Partnering with 105 mental health influencers on TikTok, the team provided the influencers with digital “toolkits” that included asynchronous and/or synchronous training on how to incorporate evidence-based mental health content into the videos they produce. The interventions increased viewership of mental health content on TikTok by more than three million views throughout the study period, including more than 800,000 additional views on videos that include evidence-based mental health content compared to similar TikTok posts before the study period.

“We recognize that robust literature suggests a link between increased social media use and negative mental health outcomes, but our research at least raises the possibility that social media can also be a force for good,” says study lead and corresponding author Matt Motta , assistant professor of health law, policy & management. “By working with mental health content creators—rather than against them, by casting doubt on their intentions or academic credentials, for example—we believe that we can help transform socially mediated spaces into places that promote evidence-based mental health content.”

The study is the first of its kind to use randomized controlled trial methods to collaborate directly with TikTok creators to promote evidence-based mental health content.

To conduct the study, the researchers selected mental health content creators on TikTok who were 18 and older and had a wide reach on the platform, with a collective total of 8.5 million followers, from April 2023 to May 2023. They emphasized influencers whose audiences were primarily from populations that disproportionately face barriers in accessing healthcare, including Black, Latinx, Asian, and LGBTQ+ creators.

The team randomly assigned provided some of the creators to receive a pdf document of mental health content training. Another group of influencers received both the pdf and a video of training materials, and a control group that received no materials. The evidence-based materials focused on five core themes: lack of mental healthcare access, maternal health issues, the connection between physical and mental health, structural racism and discrimination, and climate change.

The group of influencers who received the document-only training materials were most likely to incorporate the information into their TikTok videos, suggesting that this simple intervention could possibly increase positive mental health messaging on TikTok, and that it could also be an effective tool for mental health influencers to apply as they develop content on other social media platforms (and, incidentally, that the current push to ban TikTok in the US will likely have some impact on how young people receive health information).

“We think that the approach we take up in this paper is broadly scalable to a wide range of topics both within and beyond mental health,” Motta says. “We’re already planning to use similar methods to work with influencers to provide young people with evidence-based ‘peer support’ skills, and to combat misinformation about diet and exercise.”

The team also plans to use these methods to combat vaccine hesitancy by promoting evidence-based vaccine science and debunking common misbeliefs about vaccine safety and efficacy.

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80 Social Work Research Topics

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Doctor of Social Work

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The Social Work Dissertation: Using Small-Scale Qualitative Methodology

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233 Social Work Research Topics: Helpful List For Students

Social Work Research Topics

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Interesting Social Work Topics

Controversial Topics in Social Work

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Social Work Topics for Presentation

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