'You cannot pour from an empty cup!' : child wellbeing service providers' and policymakers' professional supervision, coping and wellbeing during COVID-19

Karadzhov, Dimitar and Davidson, Jennifer and Wilson, Graham (2022) 'You cannot pour from an empty cup!' : child wellbeing service providers' and policymakers' professional supervision, coping and wellbeing during COVID-19. Journal of Public Mental Health, 21 (2). pp. 95-107. ISSN 1746-5729 (https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-08-2021-0095)

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Abstract

Purpose. This paper presents findings from 440 responses regarding the experiences of supervision, coping and wellbeing of 83 service providers and policymakers from 8 countries working to support children's wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology. A smartphone app-based 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 shared 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 employed 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. 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 wellbeing and service delivery.

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