Vicarious Trauma: Exploring the Experiences of Qualitative Researchers Who Study Traumatized Populations

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Erin Smith ◽  
Julie-Ann Pooley ◽  
Lisa Holmes ◽  
Kristine Gebbie ◽  
Robyn Gershon
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Vicarious Trauma ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Recruitment Strategy ◽  
Protection Strategies ◽  
Protective Strategies ◽  
Primary Trauma ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: A substantial body of research exists regarding vicarious trauma (VT) exposure among helping professionals across disciplines and settings. There is limited research, however, on exposure to VT in qualitative researchers studying traumatized populations. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of qualitative researchers who study traumatized populations and to identify potential protective strategies for reducing the risk of VT. Methods: The study utilized a qualitative methodological design. Focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured script. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify both risk factors and protective factors associated with VT. A sample of 58 research participants were recruited using a multimodal recruitment strategy. Results: Using thematic analysis, the following key themes emerged: exposure to primary trauma, the impact of stigma, organizational context, individual context, and research context. The opportunity for posttraumatic growth was also identified. Conclusion: Qualitative researchers of traumatized populations need to recognize the potential for VT and implement appropriate protection strategies from the risk of VT. The development of policies and guidelines that recognize the importance of both self-care and plan for researcher safety and well-being is a potential strategy for building researcher resilience and preventing VT.

‘Physical appearance and well-being in adults with incurable cancer: a thematic analysis’

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002632
Author(s):  
Philippa Tollow ◽  
Jane Ogden ◽  
Candida S McCabe ◽  
Diana Harcourt
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Incurable Cancer ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Appearance Changes

ObjectivesExisting research has established the importance of appearance concerns for individuals with cancer and identified appearance as an important factor in dying with dignity. No research, however, has explored in depth the role of appearance in the experiences of individuals who have incurable cancer. This research aims to explore patients’ experiences and perspectives in relation to the role of appearance issues in adults with incurable cancer.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 adults with incurable cancer (20 women, 4 men; mean age 54.5, SD 11.32).ResultsThematic analysis generated three themes: ‘Identity: Embodying Cancer’, ‘Communication: Wearing your illness’ and ‘Support: Holistic Care’. Appearance was felt to be an important element of identity, which was often dominated by cancer, leading to feelings of separation from the participant’s previous self. Appearance changes also influenced the way in which individuals communicated with their external world, forcing discussion of their diagnosis, and increasing focus on their cancer, with participants having to manage the emotional impact of this on loved ones, as well as the impact on their legacy. Finally, participants highlighted the positive impact of appearance-related support in their well-being and identified peer connections and refocusing on the self as key elements of such support.ConclusionsAppearance changes play an important role in the experiences of individuals with incurable cancer with regards to both identity and communication and challenged participants’ ability to maintain normalcy. Further psychosocial support relating to appearance concerns was considered necessary to promote dignity and provide truly holistic patient care.

scholarly journals Experiences of adult siblings of those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan Morris ◽  
Jane Ogden ◽  
Judith Gentle
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Developmental Coordination Disorder ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
The Family ◽  
Coordination Disorder ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis qualitative study explored the childhood experiences of growing up with a sibling with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) to offer an ‘outsider’s’ view of this condition. Ten individuals who had grown up with a sibling with DCD were interviewed about their experiences. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Analysis described three main themes: i)‘witnessing the challenges for their sibling with DCD’ ii) ‘experiencing the impact on the family’; iii) ‘a vacuum of knowledge’. Not all experiences were negative and transcending these themes was the notion ‘resolution and finding benefit’ highlighting access to support, being more empathic and resilient, becoming a role model for others and finding success. Participants play witness to their sibling’s experiences which can often be negative sometimes impacted by a vacuum of knowledge but they also describe how a diagnosis of DCD comes with some benefits which are discussed in the context of ‘posttraumatic growth’.

The impact of inequality on mental illness: thematic analysis on clinical notes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Brenisin ◽  
Elizabeth Akinwande ◽  
Aile Trumm ◽  
Kieran Breen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clinical Notes ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The concept of inequality can be described as not being treated equally to everyone else in society. While previous studies have explored the concept of inequality and its impact on mental illness, these have been primarily quantitative. The details of experiences and potential impacts of inequalities by patients prior to admission into secure care have not been investigated comprehensively using a qualitative approach, which will identify individualised factors that may contribute to the development of mental ill-health. This study aims to explore whether those with multiple disadvantages are at greater risk of developing mental illness. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study of patients’ clinical notes upon admission to a secure in-patient facility was conducted using a thematic analytical approach to investigate the key inequalities reported by patients with mental health problems. The topic of inequality was examined by assessing the clinical notes of 21 patients who were under treatment at the time of the study. Findings The majority of patients experienced multiple inequalities which impacted negatively on their mental health status. Three main themes that were identified were – a disrupted living environment, disturbed childhood and the importance of support. The thematic analysis has shown that the majority of the patients were exposed to numerous societal disadvantages in association with challenging life events in their early years and these have impacted significantly on their subsequent well-being. Practical implications When assessing the background to mental illness, it is important to gain a deep understanding of many inequalities that patients have faced prior to them developing their condition and, in particular, how these have combined to initiate the clinical manifestation. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness of how being treated unfairly, whether based on protected or non-protected characteristics, can contribute towards people becoming disadvantaged in society and ultimately making them more vulnerable to the development of mental health difficulties. Results of the study may inform the future use of inequalities as an integral component in the development of trauma-informed care. Originality/value This is the first study, to the authors’ knowledge, to consider intersectionality and admission to mental health units by adopting qualitative approach, specifically by reviewing patients’ clinical notes.

scholarly journals Caregiver perspectives on the impact of uncertainty on the everyday lives of autistic children and their families

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110337
Author(s):  
Jane Goodwin ◽  
Priyanka Rob ◽  
Mark Freeston ◽  
Deborah Garland ◽  
Victoria Grahame ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Intolerance Of Uncertainty ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety Reduction ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
The Impact

Approximately 50% of autistic children experience high anxiety. Intolerance of uncertainty (tendency to react negatively to uncertain situations) is a key mechanism in the development and maintenance of anxiety. This study aimed to provide a descriptive, thematic analysis of the impact on uncertainty on the daily lives of autistic children and their families. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents and caregivers of 53 autistic children (including 3 dyads) aged 6–16 years to elicit examples of uncertain situations that the children found challenging and to explore the impact of these situations on family life. Thematic analysis revealed five overarching themes: child’s reactions to uncertainty, trying to reduce uncertainty, the impact of difficulties with uncertainty, the impact of uncertainty on parenting and the impact on parents. These findings provide a crucial understanding into the range of uncertain situations autistic children with anxiety experience. Anxiety-reduction approaches based on increasing tolerance to everyday uncertain situations could help improve well-being, quality of life and participation for autistic children and their families. Lay abstract Anxiety is common in autistic children. Research shows that this may be related to intolerance of uncertainty, which is a tendency to react negatively to uncertain situations. Understanding when, why and how autistic children respond to uncertainty is important in the development of anxiety programmes. We asked 53 (including 3 dyads) parents of autistic children about the types of uncertain situations that cause difficulties for their child and how uncertainty impacts on daily life for them and their families. We found that uncertain situations made autistic children and their families feel sad, worried, frustrated and angry through the themes: child’s reactions to uncertainty, trying to reduce uncertainty, the impact of difficulties with uncertainty, the impact of uncertainty on parenting and the impact on parents. There are lots of situations that are anxiety provoking for autistic children because of uncertainty, such as school. Programmes to reduce anxiety and increase autistic children’s ability to cope with everyday uncertain situations could improve quality of life for autistic children and their families.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF INFIDELITY ON FILIPINO FAMILY DYNAMICS AND YOUNG ADULT FILIPINO'S SELF-CONCEPT

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-37
Author(s):  
ANDREW SIGUAN ◽  
MAXIN FENONI THERESE ONG ◽  
SIDNEY IRA MARIE CAÑETE
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Family Systems ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Family Dynamics ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Systems Theory ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Parental Infidelity

Parental infidelity largely influences the quality of relationships in the family. In previous researches, the focus is mainly on the dyadic marital relationship of the couples, subsequently failing to consider how this influences the upbringing and well-being of their children. This study aims to explore how adult Filipino children's discovery of parental infidelity impacted their self-concept. Using purposive sampling, the study involved fourteen (14) participants, seven males, and seven females, who were aware of their parent's infidelity. The research used a semi-structured interview schedule to gather the necessary data. Thematic analysis was used to categorize the data into two major themes: (a) Pre-infidelity Family Dynamics and (b) Impacts of Parental Infidelity. The research utilized Dr. Murray Bowen's Family Systems Theory and Self-Concept Theory by Rogers to analyse the themes and to discuss the results of the study. The research helps explain the differences in the impacts of parental infidelity on the family and on the self-concept. Further implications are discussed in the study. Keywords: Parental infidelity; Family systems theory; Self-concept; Thematic analysis

Transformational Leadership in Extreme Contexts: Associations with Posttraumatic Growth and Self-Efficacy Among Combat Veterans

2021 ◽  
pp. 0095327X2110306
Author(s):  
Michael A. LaRocca ◽  
Kevin S. Groves
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Combat Veterans ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Transformational Leaders ◽  
Extreme Contexts ◽  
The Impact

Decades of research have established transformational leadership as an encompassing leadership approach with broad applications across organizational contexts. Despite dozens of meta-analyses and many empirical studies demonstrating the direct performance effects of transformational leadership, ways in which transformational leaders shape follower personal development and well-being remain largely unexplored, particularly in extreme contexts such as military combat. Based on a sample of 130 combat veterans of multiple conflicts, we examined the impact of transformational leadership in combat on follower posttraumatic growth and follower self-efficacy after deployment, including the moderating effects of the duration and intensity of combat. Moderated regression modeling and analyses demonstrated that transformational leadership was associated with follower posttraumatic growth among lengthier combat deployments, as well as with follower self-efficacy independent of combat duration and intensity. Our findings suggest that transformational leaders frame extreme contexts as opportunities for growth, and further implications for research and practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Reproducing normative femininity: Women’s evaluations of their birth experiences analysed by means of word frequency and thematic analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agneta Westergren ◽  
Kerstin Edin ◽  
Monica Christianson
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Birth Experience ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Gender Perspective ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Childbirth Experience ◽  
Care Organisation ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Given the significance of the birth experience on women’s and babies’ well-being, assessing and understanding maternal satisfaction is important for providing optimal care. While previous research has thoroughly reviewed women’s levels of satisfaction with the childbirth experience from a multitude of different angles, there is a dearth of papers that use a gender lens in this area. The aim of this study is to explore through a gender perspective the circumstances attributed to both women’s assessment of a positive birth experience and those which contribute to a lack of satisfaction with their birth experience. Methods Through the use of a local birth evaluation form at a Swedish labour ward, 190 women gave written evaluations of their birth experiences. The evaluations were divided into groups of positive, ambiguous, and negative evaluations. By means of a latent and constructionist thematic analysis based on word count, women’s evaluations are discussed as reflections of the underlying sociocultural ideas, assumptions, and ideologies that shape women’s realities. Results Three themes were identified: Grateful women and nurturing midwives doing gender together demonstrates how a gender-normative behaviour may influence a positive birth experience when based on a reciprocal relationship. Managing ambiguous feelings by sympathising with the midwife shows how women’s internalised sense of gender can make women belittle their negative experiences and refrain from delivering criticism. The midwifery model of relational care impeded by the labour care organisation describes how the care women receive during labour and birth is regulated by an organisation not always adapted to the benefit of birthing women. Conclusions Most women were very satisfied, predominantly with emotional support they received from the midwives. The latent constructionist thematic analysis also elicited women’s mixed feelings towards the birth experience, with the majority of negative experiences directed towards the labour care organisation. Recognising the impact of institutional and medical discourses on childbirth, women’s birth evaluations demonstrate the benefits and challenges of gender-normative behaviour, where women’s internalised sense of gender was found to affect their experiences. A gender perspective may provide a useful tool in unveiling gender-normative complexities surrounding the childbirth experience.

scholarly journals Psychological Impact of Parkinson Disease Delusions on Spouse Caregivers: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 871
Author(s):  
Caroline J. Deutsch ◽  
Noelle Robertson ◽  
Janis M. Miyasaki
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Interdisciplinary Teams ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Clinical Interviews ◽  
Spouse Caregivers ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact

There is growing research on carers of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experiences. However, the impact on carers by PD delusions is not specifically examined. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of spouse carers of PD patients with delusions. Thematic analysis was employed using MAXQDA 2018. Twelve spouse participants (SPs) were interviewed. Four themes emerged: Managing incredulity: trying to make sense of delusion content; Hypervigilance: constant alertness to bizarre and threatening discourse and behavior; Defensive strategizing: anticipating delusions and potential consequences; Concealing and exposing: ambivalence about disclosing the effect of delusions yet wanting support. SPs reported effects on their emotional well-being and marital relationship and challenges to an orderly, predictable life. SPs were reluctant to share their experiences due to delusion content (often infidelity and sexual in nature) and a desire to protect their spouses’ image. SPs’ awareness of the potential for delusional thought was low prior to their occurrence. Conclusions: education surrounding potential neurobehavioral changes should occur for patients and carers. Clinicians should be aware that the impact of delusions on carers is often greater than disclosed in clinical interviews. Interdisciplinary teams speaking separately to spousal carers may improve disclosure and delivery of appropriate psychological support.

scholarly journals Subjective Well-Being of Portuguese Employees: The Role of Personality and Organizational Context

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Cláudia Figueiredo ◽  
Ana D. Daniel ◽  
João Almeida ◽  
Sandra C. Soares
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Context ◽  
Psychological Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Creative Solutions ◽  
Present Context ◽  
To Come ◽  
The Impact

Subjective well-being (SWB) has been widely associated with quality of life and health outcomes. In the organizational and work context, SWB has been also related to better outcomes, like higher levels of job satisfaction, productivity and enhanced career development. Yet in the present context of economic pressure and highly dynamic work markets employees are asked to be better at taking risks to come with fast and creative solutions and companies are facing the challenge of recruiting best equipped individuals and assuring the conditions for them to be at their best. Personal and organizational characteristics, like personality and psychological safety seen to play an important role in these matters. However, it is still to know how are these variables associated with the employees’ well-being. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of open to experience, resilience and psychological security on SWB. A sample of 193 Portuguese adults working in 20 companies of the industry and IT sectors answered a standardize questionnaire. In order to explore what and to what extent personal (open to experience and resilience) and organizational (psychological safety) variables impact SWB the multiple regression models were computed. Results showed that the most associated variable in the three models is resilience and that the three predictors have higher impact on explaining Life Satisfaction (29.5%) and Positive Affect (26.5%).

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