SOS: När socialarbetaren själv behöver räddas från trauma

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study is to analyze and examine the experiences of social workers working with handling clients' trauma and exposure, using the word secondary trauma. We are focusing on analyzing the effects and consequences of working with clients that have been met with or currently are going through difficult situations. The research questions that were used are the following: “How does the organization and work environment affect the risks of social workers experiencing secondary trauma?”, “How do the social worker's experiences with secondary trauma affect their commitment and decision to stay or leave the workplace?” and “What strategies and techniques do social workers have to be able to manage and prevent secondary trauma?” The qualitative study was made possible by interviewing six female social workers employed in social services. Our study showed that social workers were indeed affected by their work and exposure to clients' stories and experiences. However, the workers who had worked longer had over time started to normalize and familiarize the horrible stories, to be able to handle the job. In the study, they also mentioned the importance of distancing themselves from work when they got home to prevent getting affected. Additionally, the study showed that the organization played a big role in how social workers were able to manage and prevent secondary trauma. Lastly, we also saw that social workers would push certain work aside because of emotional pressure. However, their dedication towards the clients was constant, especially in meetings.