Published Paper Details:

Abstract Social work education, in general demands intensive academic engagement coupled with emotionally challenging field work experiences, particularly within medical and psychiatric settings. This study explores the nature, prevalence, and determinants of emotional burnout among postgraduate social work students undergoing clinical fieldwork training in Chennai. This study used a qualitative research design and data were collected from 30 female MSW students through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Major findings of the study revealed higher levels of emotional exhaustion, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, physical decline, absenteeism, and reduced academic performance among the respondents. Key stressors include exposure to trauma and critical incidents, inadequate supervision, role ambiguity, and personal vulnerabilities. Students also reported changes in identity expression, diminished self-esteem, and difficulty in managing their emotions during the field work hours and the impact continued even after signing out the clinical agency. This study highlights significant gaps in institutional support systems within social work training programs.