"You cannot pour from an empty cup!": child well-being service providers' and policymakers' professional supervision, coping and well-being during COVID-19. Issue 2 (5th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karadzhov, Dimitar; Davidson, Jennifer C.; Wilson, Graham
• Is Part Of: Journal of public mental health. Volume 21:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 95
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2022-01-05
• Subjects: Survey -- Children's rights -- Mobile phone -- Policymakers -- Protection -- Supervision -- Children -- Practitioners -- Well-being -- COVID-19; Mental health promotion -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-08-2021-0095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-5729

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper aims to present findings from 440 responses regarding the experiences of supervision, coping and well-being of 83 service providers and policymakers from eight countries working to support children's well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: A smartphone survey hosted on a custom-built app was used. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The data were gathered in the last quarter of 2020. Findings: While most respondents described the supervision they received as "useful" – both personally and professionally – and reported several characteristics of effective supervision practices, concerns about not receiving optimal support were also voiced. Respondents shared a range of stress management and other self-care practices they used but also revealed their difficulties optimally managing the stresses and anxieties during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, some respondents shared they were feeling helpless, unmotivated and unproductive. Yet, overall, responses were imbued with messages about hope, perseverance and self-compassion. Originality/value: Using a bespoke smartphone app, rich and intimate insights were generated in real time from a wide range of professionals across high- and low- and middle-income countries – indicating the need to better support their well-being and service delivery.