Use of experiential methods for learning competencies related to specialized social intervention in drug addiction: a qualitative study.

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Title: Use of experiential methods for learning competencies related to specialized social intervention in drug addiction: a qualitative study.
Authors: Calvo, Fran1 (AUTHOR) fran.calvo@udg.edu
Source: Social Work Education. Mar2026, Vol. 45 Issue 2, p420-436. 17p.
Subject Terms: *Role playing, *Drug addiction, *Intervention (Social services), *Qualitative research, *Experiential learning, Social services, Professional competence, Socialization
Abstract: This qualitative research explores the educational impact of experiential activities in an elective module on social intervention in drug addiction among University of Girona students pursuing degrees in Social Education and Social Work. Through four focus groups involving 73 participants, comprising 38 Social Education and 35 Social Work students, thematic analysis was employed to assess their experiences. Key findings indicate that role-playing activities were instrumental in enhancing professional competencies and confidence among students in addressing real-world drug addiction cases. Participants highlighted the mandatory nature of these activities as beneficial for overcoming initial apprehensions, despite facing challenges such as embarrassment and fear of exposure. The experiential exercise involving total abstinence from drugs for a semester provided a profound insight into addiction complexities. Effective group support was identified as crucial in managing emotional and logistical obstacles throughout the semester. Incorporating experiential methods like role-playing and drug abstinence can significantly augment practical skills and empathy among students. This research underscores the importance of structured implementation and adequate support to optimize such educational approaches, thereby better preparing students for professional challenges in social disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Social Work Education is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: Use of experiential methods for learning competencies related to specialized social intervention in drug addiction: a qualitative study.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Social+Work+Education%22">Social Work Education</searchLink>. Mar2026, Vol. 45 Issue 2, p420-436. 17p.
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  Data: *<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Role+playing%22">Role playing</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Drug+addiction%22">Drug addiction</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Intervention+%28Social+services%29%22">Intervention (Social services)</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Qualitative+research%22">Qualitative research</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Experiential+learning%22">Experiential learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+services%22">Social services</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Professional+competence%22">Professional competence</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Socialization%22">Socialization</searchLink>
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  Data: This qualitative research explores the educational impact of experiential activities in an elective module on social intervention in drug addiction among University of Girona students pursuing degrees in Social Education and Social Work. Through four focus groups involving 73 participants, comprising 38 Social Education and 35 Social Work students, thematic analysis was employed to assess their experiences. Key findings indicate that role-playing activities were instrumental in enhancing professional competencies and confidence among students in addressing real-world drug addiction cases. Participants highlighted the mandatory nature of these activities as beneficial for overcoming initial apprehensions, despite facing challenges such as embarrassment and fear of exposure. The experiential exercise involving total abstinence from drugs for a semester provided a profound insight into addiction complexities. Effective group support was identified as crucial in managing emotional and logistical obstacles throughout the semester. Incorporating experiential methods like role-playing and drug abstinence can significantly augment practical skills and empathy among students. This research underscores the importance of structured implementation and adequate support to optimize such educational approaches, thereby better preparing students for professional challenges in social disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Social Work Education is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
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      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1080/02615479.2025.2496286
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Role playing
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Drug addiction
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      – SubjectFull: Intervention (Social services)
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      – SubjectFull: Qualitative research
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      – SubjectFull: Experiential learning
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      – SubjectFull: Social services
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      – SubjectFull: Professional competence
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              Text: Mar2026
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              Y: 2026
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