Social Work Dissertation Topics

Social work research moves policy, budgets, and frontline practice—and the right dissertation topic can put your work where change actually happens. Today we write as a team at TopicSuggestions, drawing on our academic and field experience to help you choose ideas that are original, ethical, and doable within a student timeline. We believe clear, focused topics beat grand, vague ambitions, so we’ve curated practical options you can take straight to a supervisor.

Dissertation Topic Ideas on Social Work

We’ll group topics by core areas (child and family services, mental health, substance use, aging, homelessness, disability, criminal justice, schools, healthcare, migration, and digital practice), highlight a core research question with a suggested method and data source, flag feasibility and equity considerations, and end with quick tips for narrowing scope and aligning with ethics and community needs. Now we’ll share the list.

1. We propose ultradian-synced micronutrient micro-dosing via transdermal patches guided by continuous glucose monitors

– We ask whether aligning micronutrient pulses to each individual’s ultradian glucose peaks reduces glycemic variability compared with standard once-daily supplementation?
– We ask how transdermal delivery kinetics for chromium, magnesium, and B-vitamins interact with circadian phase, skin temperature, and perfusion to influence bioavailability?
– We test whether a reinforcement-learning scheduler can personalize timing and composition to improve insulin sensitivity and postprandial responses?
– We examine free-living adherence, skin tolerability, and usability trade-offs relative to oral dosing?

2. We investigate edible plant-derived extracellular vesicles as nutrient carriers modulating gut–brain appetite signaling

– We ask whether folate- and iron-enriched vesicles from microgreens and microalgae survive digestion and deliver cargo to the small intestine?
– We test whether these vesicles directly stimulate enteroendocrine GLP-1/PYY release or alter vagal signaling to reduce ad libitum energy intake?
– We evaluate dose–response, biodistribution, and safety in a crossover trial with targeted lipid/metabolite tracing?
– We explore whether baseline microbiome composition predicts vesicle efficacy on appetite and glycemic control?

3. We evaluate “nutritional acoustics,” using real-time chewing-sound feedback to modulate satiety and macronutrient selection

– We ask whether amplified, frequency-filtered mastication feedback increases interoceptive awareness and reduces energy intake without altering palatability?
– We test whether acoustic feedback nudges macronutrient ratio selection toward protein-rich options at subsequent meals?
– We assess whether insula- and orbitofrontal-linked signatures (portable EEG/eye-tracking proxies) mediate satiety changes?
– We examine cultural and food-texture moderators of the acoustic-satiety effect across diverse populations?

4. We develop climate-adaptive sodium and hydration periodization using hyperlocal meteorology in free-living adults

– We ask whether barometric pressure, dew point, and wet-bulb temperature-informed guidance reduces ambulatory blood pressure and nocturnal hypertension compared with fixed advice?
– We test whether personalized sodium timing lowers orthostatic symptoms and improves morning HRV during heat waves and cold snaps?
– We evaluate kidney stone risk biomarkers and hydration patterns under algorithmic versus generic recommendations?
– We assess behavioral adherence and equity of benefits across housing quality and occupational exposures?

5. We implement cognitive-guided dosing of flavonoid-rich foods using real-time working-memory telemetry

– We ask whether titrating cocoa tea/berry polyphenol doses to same-day N-of-1 working-memory fluctuations yields larger cognitive and mood effects than fixed dosing?
– We test optimal timing (pre-task vs post-task) for neurovascular coupling and sustained attention benefits?
– We examine whether COMT genotype, sleep pressure, and habitual caffeine intake moderate dose–response?
– We evaluate transfer to academic performance and study efficiency over a semester?

6. We map fermented-food mycobiome exposure from neighborhood retail ecologies and its links to metabolic health in food deserts

– We ask whether density and diversity of fermented-food vendors predict resident exposure to beneficial yeasts and fungal metabolites detectable in stool and air dust?
– We test associations between community mycobiome signatures and metabolic syndrome prevalence independent of income and access to fresh produce?
– We examine natural experiments where new fermentation-focused retailers open, tracking longitudinal metabolic changes?
– We evaluate whether low-cost fermented staples can shift gut mycobiome toward insulin-sensitizing profiles?

7. We audit digital grocery recommender systems for nutrient equity and fortified-food access across socioeconomic strata

– We ask whether algorithmic recommendations systematically steer lower-SES shoppers toward lower-micronutrient baskets despite similar preferences?
– We test the impact of a “nutrient equity” re-ranking layer on household micronutrient adequacy and cost?
– We evaluate whether explainable nudges increase acceptance of fortified and staple-biofortified products without reducing autonomy?
– We examine spillover effects on purchasing of fresh produce and minimally processed foods?

8. We trial home muscle-ultrasound–guided “protein ladders” to prevent sarcopenia through intraday dose escalation

– We ask whether daily micro-escalation of protein doses, guided by real-time quadriceps thickness/echo-intensity, improves muscle protein accrual versus even distribution?
– We test whether older adults benefit from leucine-enriched pulses at times of low myofibrillar responsiveness detected by ultrasound proxies?
– We evaluate functional outcomes (chair stands, gait speed) and nitrogen balance markers under laddered versus conventional dosing?
– We assess feasibility, training burden, and accuracy of smartphone-coupled ultrasound in home settings?

9. We engineer postbiotic mineral chelates by leveraging in situ SCFA conjugation to enhance calcium absorption from high-phytate meals

– We ask whether acetate-, propionate-, or butyrate-calcium complexes formed during fiber fermentation improve fractional calcium absorption in the presence of phytate?
– We test interactions with vitamin D status, luminal pH, and bile acids on transcellular versus paracellular transport?
– We evaluate bone turnover markers and calcium balance under controlled high-fiber, high-phytate diets?
– We examine microbiome features that maximize SCFA–mineral conjugation efficiency?

10. We examine plate-hue illusions and spectral context as modulators of incretin and insulin dynamics independent of macronutrients

– We ask whether manipulating plate and ambient lighting spectra shifts GLP-1, GIP, and insulin responses to visually identical meals?
– We test whether color-induced expectation effects alter bite pacing and cephalic-phase insulin release?
– We evaluate cross-cultural color–sweetness associations as moderators of endocrine responses?
– We examine habituation and durability of the effect over repeated exposures in real dining environments?

11. Social work practice with app-based gig workers’ mental health: co-designed peer support models

We ask: 1) How do app-based gig workers experience barriers to accessing social support and formal services? 2) How can social workers co-design peer-led support models that fit gig work patterns? 3) What mental-health and economic outcomes follow a pilot peer-support intervention?
We will use participatory action research with gig-worker co-researchers, administer surveys for baseline profiling, run focus groups to co-design a peer-support prototype, pilot the model with pre-post outcome measures, and analyze qualitative data thematically.

12. Decolonizing child protection: co-designing assessment tools with indigenous youth governance

We ask: 1) How can indigenous youth-led governance reshape child protection assessment criteria? 2) What differences emerge in case decisions when using co-designed instruments? 3) How do practitioners perceive feasibility and fidelity?
We will conduct community-based participatory research with indigenous elders and youth councils, run iterative workshops to co-create assessment tools, pilot the tools in partnered agencies, and compare case outcomes and practitioner interviews before and after implementation.

13. Algorithmic transparency and social work advocacy: ethnographic case studies of welfare eligibility systems

We ask: 1) How do clients and social workers experience automated welfare eligibility decisions in routine practice? 2) What leverage points exist for social workers to demand transparency or contest outcomes? 3) What advocacy strategies reduce harm?
We will perform multi-site ethnography in welfare offices, interview affected clients and staff, request algorithmic documentation via freedom-of-information or partnership, map decision pathways, and produce actionable advocacy recommendations.

14. Augmented reality (AR) adjuncts in trauma-informed social work with adolescents

We ask: 1) Can AR-based adjuncts increase engagement and safety in trauma-focused interventions for adolescents? 2) What unintended harms or retraumatization risks arise and how can they be mitigated? 3) What are short-term symptom and engagement effects versus standard care?
We will co-develop AR scenarios with clinicians and youth advisors, run a small randomized pilot comparing AR-augmented sessions to standard trauma-informed care, collect quantitative symptom and engagement metrics, and conduct qualitative safety debriefs.

15. Micro-kinship via messaging apps: informal support networks among urban refugees and implications for service design

We ask: 1) How do refugee communities use encrypted messaging apps to create micro-kinship support structures? 2) What support functions (informational, material, emotional) are most effectively fulfilled by these networks? 3) How can formal social services ethically leverage these networks without disrupting them?
We will carry out digital ethnography and social network mapping, interview key node-members, analyze patterns of exchange, and co-produce practice guidelines with NGOs on ethical engagement with messaging-based networks.

16. Social work interventions for climate-displaced older adults in coastal communities

We ask: 1) What are the psychosocial, mobility, and care continuity needs of older adults displaced by coastal flooding? 2) Which age-sensitive resettlement practices reduce isolation and health decline? 3) How do intergenerational community assets support adaptation?
We will undertake rapid needs assessments in affected communities, conduct longitudinal mixed-methods tracking of older adults, pilot age-adapted case management bundles, and evaluate outcomes (social connectedness, health service use, quality of life).

17. Smart-home technologies and family caregiving: navigating privacy, autonomy, and duty in social work practice

We ask: 1) How do smart-home devices alter family caregiving roles and decision-making for adults with disabilities? 2) What ethical frameworks and practice protocols can social workers use to balance privacy and safety? 3) How do device data streams influence case planning and consent processes?
We will interview caregiving dyads and technology providers, analyze case records where smart devices are present, run practitioner deliberation workshops to draft protocols, and pilot consent and data-governance tools in practice settings.

18. Peer-led financial capability programs for survivors of domestic abuse using behavioral nudges

We ask: 1) Can peer-led financial-capability interventions incorporating behavioral nudges improve survivors’ financial autonomy and safety planning? 2) Which nudge designs (reminders, commitment devices, simplified choices) are most acceptable and effective? 3) What implementation barriers exist in refuge and community settings?
We will co-design the intervention with survivor peer-leaders, implement a cluster randomized trial in partner services comparing peer+nudge versus standard financial advice, measure economic and safety-related outcomes, and conduct process evaluation.

19. Rebuilding identity after gang involvement: feasibility of narrative virtual reality (VR) in social rehabilitation

We ask: 1) Can narrative VR sessions facilitate identity reconstruction and prosocial self-concept among former gang members? 2) What safety protocols and ethical safeguards are necessary? 3) How do VR-assisted interventions compare to traditional narrative therapy on measures of identity change and recidivism risk?
We will collaborate with ex-member peers to co-create narrative VR scripts, run a feasibility study with in-depth qualitative interviews and pre-post identity measures, develop safety protocols, and assess acceptability among practitioners.

20. Social workers as auditors: mitigating algorithmic bias in child-welfare risk assessment tools

We ask: 1) How can social workers participate in algorithmic audits to detect and mitigate bias in risk-assessment instruments? 2) Which practical strategies (data checks, workflow redesign, human-in-the-loop policies) reduce disparate impacts? 3) What training and institutional supports do social workers need to perform this role?
We will perform an audit of a risk-assessment tool’s outputs across demographic groups, facilitate co-audit workshops with frontline social workers and data scientists, pilot recommended workflow changes, and evaluate differential outcome metrics and practitioner competence post-training.

21. Integrating AI-mediated communication in child welfare casework: effects on relationship-building and decision-making

We ask: how does the use of AI-generated summaries and chat assistants by child welfare workers affect rapport with families, the accuracy of risk assessments, and case outcomes? We will conduct a mixed-methods study combining controlled vignette experiments with frontline workers, longitudinal analysis of cases where AI tools are piloted, and in-depth interviews with families and workers to map relational changes and bias propagation.

22. Social work interventions for climate migration at the micro-urban level

We ask: how do neighborhood-level social work practices influence housing stability, social integration, and mental health among internally displaced climate migrants in mid-sized cities? We will use participatory action research with migrants and municipal social workers, combine GIS mapping of displacement and service deserts, and evaluate tailored intervention pilots through pre/post measures and ethnographic observation.

23. Digital peer-support networks for caregivers of neurodiverse adults: efficacy and boundary challenges

We ask: do peer-led digital support groups reduce caregiver burnout and improve navigation of services, and what professional boundary issues arise for social workers interfacing with these networks? We will run a quasi-experimental evaluation of moderated versus unmoderated groups, perform digital ethnography of interaction patterns, and interview social workers about referral pathways and ethical dilemmas.

24. Restorative justice practices adapted for elder abuse in multicultural communities

We ask: can culturally adapted restorative justice (RJ) processes increase perceived safety, reduce reoffending, and improve elder agency compared with conventional protective interventions? We will co-design RJ protocols with elders and community leaders, pilot cases with process and outcome evaluation, and use qualitative methods to refine cultural adaptations.

25. Impact of universal basic services pilots on social work caseloads and professional identity

We ask: how does implementation of universal basic services (housing, primary health, childcare) change social workers’ caseload composition, intervention strategies, and sense of professional role? We will conduct comparative case studies across pilot sites, analyze administrative caseload data, and interview practitioners about role transition and ethical tensions.

26. Use of arts-based virtual reality therapies in treating trauma among refugee adolescents

We ask: does a VR arts-based therapy reduce PTSD symptoms and increase engagement among refugee adolescents more effectively than standard talk therapy, and what are the implementation barriers? We will design a culturally co-created VR intervention, run a pilot randomized controlled trial with psychometric and behavioral outcomes, and collect qualitative feedback for scalability.

27. Algorithmic child risk assessment tools: effects on frontline discretionary power and moral distress

We ask: how do predictive analytics for child maltreatment alter frontline social workers’ discretionary decision-making, perceived accountability, and moral distress? We will combine ethnographic observation in agencies using such tools, surveys measuring moral distress and autonomy, and analysis of decision patterns before and after tool adoption.

28. Social work strategies to counteract health misinformation among low-literacy populations

We ask: which co-produced communication strategies by social workers most effectively reduce belief in health misinformation and increase uptake of preventive services among low-literacy groups? We will co-design interventions with community members, implement cluster randomized trials in community settings, and use process evaluation to identify mechanisms of trust-building.

29. Peer-led harm reduction via encrypted messaging apps among sex workers: feasibility and safety

We ask: are peer-run harm reduction interventions delivered through encrypted messaging platforms feasible, effective at reducing risk behaviors, and safe in terms of confidentiality and legal exposure? We will carry out a feasibility study combining outreach recruitment, usage analytics, safety audits, and in-depth interviews with peer leaders and clients.

30. Evaluating co-produced housing-first adaptations for neurodivergent homeless adults

We ask: do housing-first programs co-produced with neurodivergent adults improve housing retention, service engagement, and quality of life compared with standard models, and which adaptations matter most? We will engage in co-production workshops to design adaptations, run a longitudinal mixed-methods evaluation with matched comparison groups, and use lived-experience advisory panels to interpret findings.

31. We investigate the role of community fridges in reshaping informal mutual aid networks among urban low-income families

We propose research questions: 1) How do community fridges influence patterns of reciprocity and help-seeking among low-income households? 2) How do users perceive dignity, stigma, and community ownership in relation to community fridges? 3) What organizational challenges affect equitable access and sustainability of these grassroots food-sharing initiatives?
We outline how to work on this topic: We will conduct ethnographic fieldwork at multiple community fridges, combine semi-structured interviews with fridge users and organizers, map social network ties pre/post engagement, and analyze themes using grounded theory; we will triangulate with brief surveys measuring food insecurity and perceived social support.

32. We examine the impact of algorithmic child welfare risk assessments on frontline social workers’ decision-making and moral distress

We propose research questions: 1) How do social workers interpret and integrate algorithmic risk scores into case planning? 2) How does reliance on predictive tools relate to feelings of moral distress and professional autonomy? 3) What safeguards or training mitigate negative effects on decision quality?
We outline how to work on this topic: We will use a mixed-methods design combining document analysis of tool outputs, in-depth interviews with child protection workers across agencies using different algorithms, and a vignette-based survey to measure decision changes with/without algorithmic input; we will synthesize findings to recommend policy and training interventions.

33. We explore the experiences of informal kinship caregivers utilizing telehealth mental health services for foster children

We propose research questions: 1) How accessible and acceptable do kinship caregivers find telehealth mental health services for their foster children? 2) What barriers and facilitators affect engagement, retention, and perceived outcomes? 3) How do cultural attitudes and digital literacy shape utilization patterns?
We outline how to work on this topic: We will recruit kinship caregivers through child welfare and community organizations, conduct longitudinal qualitative interviews across service episodes, collect usage metrics from providers (with consent), and analyze how contextual factors predict successful engagement; we will produce practice guidelines for telehealth implementation in kinship care.

34. We analyze the role of urban green spaces in trauma recovery among survivors of intimate partner violence

We propose research questions: 1) How do survivors experience urban green spaces as therapeutic or retraumatizing environments? 2) What specific features (privacy, safety, programming) enhance recovery-oriented interactions with green spaces? 3) How can social work interventions integrate nature-based resources into safety planning?
We outline how to work on this topic: We will perform participatory photovoice projects with survivors, map green-space usage patterns, interview service providers about referral practices, and employ thematic analysis to identify actionable design and program recommendations for trauma-informed green-space interventions.

35. We assess how prepaid legal service subscriptions affect housing stability outcomes for tenants facing eviction

We propose research questions: 1) Do tenants enrolled in prepaid legal service models experience different eviction outcomes compared with those using traditional pro bono or public defender services? 2) How do tenants perceive empowerment, legal literacy, and trust when using subscription legal services? 3) What cost–benefit trade-offs exist from a social service provider perspective?
We outline how to work on this topic: We will conduct a quasi-experimental cohort study comparing eviction outcomes (e.g., eviction filings, housing retention) across matched tenant groups, supplement with qualitative interviews exploring user experiences, and perform an economic analysis of service models to inform cross-sector partnerships.

36. We investigate how microenterprise incubators for formerly incarcerated women shape identity reconstruction and recidivism risk

We propose research questions: 1) How do participation in microenterprise incubators influence participants’ sense of agency, stigma management, and social identity? 2) What program components most strongly relate to reductions in recidivism and economic precarity? 3) How do family and community networks mediate business success and reintegration?
We outline how to work on this topic: We will implement a longitudinal mixed-methods evaluation with baseline and follow-up measures of employment, recidivism, and psychosocial variables, conduct case studies of participant businesses, and use realist evaluation to identify mechanisms and contextual factors underpinning successful outcomes.

37. We study the effects of climate-induced displacement on intergenerational caregiving roles within Indigenous communities

We propose research questions: 1) How does climate-related relocation alter caregiving responsibilities between elders, adults, and youth in affected Indigenous communities? 2) What culturally grounded coping strategies emerge to preserve caregiving norms and knowledge transmission? 3) How do policy responses support or undermine Indigenous caregiving structures?
We outline how to work on this topic: We will partner with Indigenous organizations to conduct community-led participatory research, combine oral histories with household surveys documenting role shifts, and co-produce policy briefs emphasizing Indigenous sovereignty and culturally responsive supports.

38. We evaluate peer-led digital literacy interventions to reduce social isolation among older LGBTQ+ adults

We propose research questions: 1) How effective are peer-led digital literacy workshops in increasing online social engagement and reducing loneliness among older LGBTQ+ adults? 2) What program features (peer matching, curriculum content, tech support) predict sustained digital inclusion? 3) How do intersectional identities (race, disability) intersect with intervention effects?
We outline how to work on this topic: We will design and pilot a randomized controlled trial comparing peer-led vs. standard tech-training, collect quantitative outcomes on loneliness and digital participation, and conduct focus groups to refine culturally tailored curricula for scale-up.

39. We probe the impact of community-based restorative justice programs on school social workers’ caseload composition and professional role

We propose research questions: 1) How do restorative justice (RJ) practices in schools alter the types and intensity of cases handled by school social workers? 2) How do school social workers negotiate boundaries between therapeutic, disciplinary, and restorative roles under RJ implementation? 3) What training and organizational supports optimize positive outcomes for students and staff?
We outline how to work on this topic: We will use a comparative case study approach across districts with/without RJ, analyze caseload data pre/post implementation, interview social workers and administrators, and synthesize recommendations for role definition, training, and supervision practices.

40. We explore how remote work policies in child welfare agencies influence rural social workers’ retention and client relationship continuity

We propose research questions: 1) How do hybrid and remote work arrangements affect retention, job satisfaction, and burnout among rural child welfare social workers? 2) How do remote work policies influence continuity of care and trust-building with rural families? 3) What organizational adaptations support equitable service delivery when workers are remote?
We outline how to work on this topic: We will conduct a multi-site survey of rural child welfare staff, pair with qualitative interviews exploring client relationship dynamics, analyze administrative metrics on caseload turnover and service outcomes, and develop evidence-based recommendations for remote-work policy that protects client engagement and workforce stability.

41. Social work strategies for managing AI-mediated domestic communication breakdowns in transnational immigrant families

We propose research questions: 1) How do families perceive harms and benefits when machine-translation and algorithmic summarizers mediate family communication across time zones? 2) How do social workers adapt assessment and intervention when digital artifacts (translated messages, auto-summaries) replace direct conversations? 3) Which interventions reduce mistrust generated by algorithmic errors in cross-border caregiving arrangements? We will conduct multi-sited qualitative case studies with immigrant families, shadow social workers in ethnographic observations, and run co-design workshops to prototype intervention scripts; we will analyze communication logs (with consent), interview transcripts, and policy constraints to derive practice guidelines.

42. Integrating climate-induced displacement narratives into child welfare assessments in rapidly urbanizing cities

We propose research questions: 1) How do child welfare assessments currently account for climate displacement-related trauma and resource loss? 2) What measurable differences in case outcomes emerge when assessments explicitly incorporate environmental displacement indicators? 3) How can social workers ethically validate children’s climate-displacement narratives during intake? We will perform a comparative audit of case files in two cities with recent climate migration, interview frontline workers and displaced families, and pilot an environmental-displacement screening tool followed by pre/post outcome analysis.

43. How social workers recalibrate professional heuristics when child-protection algorithms are opaque and contested

We propose research questions: 1) What heuristic changes do social workers report after prolonged use of opaque risk-assessment tools? 2) How do teams negotiate responsibility when algorithmic output conflicts with practitioner judgment? 3) Which organizational supports reduce moral distress associated with algorithmic incongruence? We will use grounded theory from in-depth interviews across multiple agencies, social network analysis of decision patterns, and a vignette-based experiment to observe decision shifts under manipulated algorithmic opacity.

44. Social work responses to informal cryptocurrency “pay-or-donate” survival economies among marginalised gig workers

We propose research questions: 1) How do gig workers in marginalized communities use cryptocurrency-based tipping or paywalls to sustain basic needs? 2) What financial and psychosocial risks emerge, and how can social work practice mitigate them? 3) What policy or service adaptations enable safe digital finance inclusion? We will map economic flows via participant financial diaries, conduct life-history interviews with gig workers, and run participatory financial-literacy interventions evaluated through mixed-method outcome measures.

45. Implementing trauma-informed social work protocols for Virtual Reality exposure therapies in community mental health

We propose research questions: 1) What trauma-informed safeguards are necessary when social workers facilitate VR exposure for survivors in non-clinical settings? 2) How does VR change rapport, consent, and debriefing practices for social workers? 3) What competencies and supervision models best support safe VR deployment? We will pilot VR modules in partnership with a community service, conduct iterative practitioner training with pre/post competency assessments, and collect qualitative client and therapist feedback to build a protocol manual.

46. Peer-led reentry support for formerly incarcerated technology workers: social work facilitation and labor reintegration

We propose research questions: 1) How do technology-sector skills intersect with stigma and licensing barriers during reentry? 2) What roles can peer-led social work models play in credential restoration and job placement? 3) Which organizational partnerships most effectively convert informal tech skills into stable employment? We will implement a pilot peer-mentorship program pairing formerly incarcerated technologists with social work facilitators, evaluate employment trajectories using longitudinal tracking, and use realist evaluation to identify enabling mechanisms.

47. Social work practice at the intersection of transnational commercial surrogacy ‘care chains’ and surrogate mental health advocacy

We propose research questions: 1) How do social workers negotiate advocacy roles between intended parents, clinics, and surrogates across legal jurisdictions? 2) What mental health risks arise from commodified care chains, and which interventions are most protective? 3) How can ethical frameworks be operationalized into cross-border casework protocols? We will employ comparative policy analysis, conduct narrative interviews with surrogates and social workers in sending and receiving countries, and co-develop an advocacy toolkit using participatory action research.

48. Facilitating youth-led participatory budgeting in high-adversity neighborhoods: social work mediation and measurable civic outcomes

We propose research questions: 1) What facilitation techniques enable youth from high-adversity backgrounds to meaningfully influence municipal spending? 2) How does participation affect youth civic efficacy, service use, and neighborhood cohesion? 3) What adaptations are needed when participating youth face unstable housing or caregiving responsibilities? We will run a controlled pilot of youth participatory budgeting with social work facilitation, employ mixed-method outcome measures (surveys, focus groups, community indicators), and produce an implementation guide for agencies.

49. Preventing ‘social death’ among homebound older adults through bundled digital-inclusion and relational interventions

We propose research questions: 1) Which combinations of device access, digital literacy coaching, and facilitated online social rituals most reduce loneliness and perceived social death? 2) How do factors like sensory impairment and cognitive decline moderate intervention effects? 3) How can social workers scale relational digital-inclusion without depersonalizing care? We will design a randomized pragmatic trial of bundled interventions delivered by home-visit social workers, measure psychosocial outcomes and social network changes, and use process evaluation to refine delivery models.

50. Addressing eco-grief and climate anxiety in agricultural communities: social work group interventions tailored to farming lifecycle stressors

We propose research questions: 1) How do seasonal rhythms and farming identity shape expressions of eco-grief and climate anxiety? 2) Which group-based social work interventions (narrative, ritual, collective planning) most effectively reduce distress and promote adaptive coping? 3) What role can extension services and cooperatives play in integrating mental-health-informed climate adaptation? We will co-design seasonal group interventions with farming communities, use mixed-method pre/post measures of mental health and adaptive behaviors, and synthesize policy recommendations for rural service integration.