Research at the WVU School of Social Work advances knowledge and informs practice across critical social issues. Faculty and students engage in interdisciplinary, community-driven research that promotes social justice, enhances well-being, and shapes policy.
Our work spans aging, mental and behavioral health, community engagement, trauma and resilience, and social justice, addressing both clinical and non-clinical topics at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. From individual interventions to systemic policy changes, our research tackles pressing challenges to create meaningful, lasting impact.
Social Work Research Areas
Aging and Gerontology
WVU social work researchers explore aging, healthcare, and family caregiving, focusing on improving well-being and healthcare access for older adults, particularly in rural communities.
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Mental and Behavioral Health
Our research advances suicide prevention, addiction recovery, and evidence-based treatments for mood disorders and children’s behavioral health while addressing mental health care accessibility at individual, community, and policy levels.
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Community Engagement
Faculty collaborate with rural and underserved populations to strengthen community-based services, enhance child welfare, and explore the intersection of social work and policing, using both direct practice and systemic approaches.
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Trauma and Resilience
Research in this area examines trauma-informed care, childhood adversity, burnout prevention, and resilience-building strategies, addressing trauma at individual, organizational, and societal levels.
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Social Justice, Equity, and Policy
WVU researchers examine social policies, economic inequality, and health equity while advocating for marginalized communities, LGBTQIA+ populations, and reproductive rights, shaping policy and practice through an equity-focused lens.
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