This study utilizes a cross-sectional quantitative study design that explores the perceptions of preparedness of advanced year Master of Social Work (MSW) students, regarding intimate partner violence (IPV) clients. Currently, there may be gaps in regards to adequately preparing students for serving intimate partner violence clients. This is an exploratory study and data is collected using self-report surveys, which include questions on: demographics, perceptions of preparedness, and education/training received on IPV. This study seeks to identify a correlation between the education/training that MSW students receive on IPV, and their levels of preparedness for serving IPV clients. This study hopes to gain a better understanding on which factors affect MSW students’ feelings of preparedness for serving IPV clients. The results indicated that perceptions of preparedness are associated with field training, field placement, age and gender. There was a positive relationship between field training and feelings that field placement prepared students for serving IPV clients, and a positive relationship between field training and feelings of having sufficient knowledge in IPV. There was a positive relationship between age and feelings of having sufficient knowledge of IPV, and a negative relationship between age and feelings of needing more knowledge. Finally, there was a negative relationship between being a woman and feelings of preparedness for making appropriate IPV referrals. Findings will be used as a way to recommend future education/training implementation on graduate-level coursework, in order to better prepare students for serving this client population.

Mindfulness meditation (MM) has been used as an intervention tool for mental health diagnosis in the field of social work for some time and there are numerous empirical literature and research about the benefits of MM in practice. Despite the evidence and the use of MM in the field, there is very limited incorporation or MM programs and courses in the Master of Social Work (MSW) education and curricula. This study aimed to explore MSW students’ perspectives on mindfulness meditation and whether they would find it beneficial in their curricula. The study collected qualitative data through interviews MSW graduates at a Southern California University. The data collected was analyzed through ATLAS software. The findings of the study give way for future research to help note the interest of MM within MSW students and how it can help benefit MSW students personally and professionally by providing education and practice in the MSW education field. Participants expressed desire to learn more about MM, as they did not feel equipped to confidently practice it in the field. Including MM practice and education could help fortify the field of social work by creating better MSW professionals due to its benefits.