Purpose: Previous research on neuroscience in social work practice has been restricted to theoretical, descriptive, and qualitative interviews; however, relatively little is known about the current utilization of neuroscience among social workers. This study investigated the factors at the individual and organizational levels associated with the extent of neuroscientific knowledge integrated in social work practice. Methods: Master-level and doctoral-level social workers (N=537) across the U.S. participated in an anonymous online survey measuring the study’s key concepts with adapted and validated scales. Multiple regression tested the study’s hypothesis that social workers’ organizational factors (practice context, professional characteristics), attitude and engagement with evidence-based practices and process, theoretical orientation, and familiarity with neuroscience and self-efficacy will be associated with a higher degree of neuroscientific knowledge utilization across direct (instrumental), indirect (conceptual), and persuasive (symbolic) applications in social work practice. Results: VIF values indicated no collinearity, and continuous variables were normally distributed for hypothesis testing. Familiarity with neuroscience and self-efficacy significantly predicted neuroscience application in social work, while organizational factors and theoretical orientation were not found to be significant predictors for neuroscience application.
Conclusions and Implications: Findings suggest neuroscience adoption is primarily self-driven than by institutional influences, highlighting key barriers and facilitators to integrating neuroscience in social work practice. Results provide insight into strengthening social work practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing research and education to support effective neuroscience application in the profession.