End-of-year treatment termination: Responses of social work student trainees

This qualitative study of the feelings and concerns of social work student trainees regarding their end-of-year treatment termination paint a picture of great personal distress. As the students see it, the premature termination prevented them from reaching their treatment goals, did not suit the needs of the clients, and raised serious ethical questions. Their feelings included sadness and regret, frustration, and uncertainty about their professional capacities. They expressed concern that clients would not manage on their own, anxiety that the premature separation might harm the clients, and, above all, a great deal of guilt. Recommendations are offered for alleviating students' distress and helping them to better cope with it.