Mental health professionals' experiences and feelings toward work.

• Main Author: Briones, Zachele Marie M.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2007
• Subjects: Mental health personnel—Psychology; Mental health personnel—Job stress; Work—Psychological aspects; Burn out (Psychology); Secondary traumatic stress
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/5839
• Institution: De La Salle University

This qualitative study described the experiences of and feelings toward work of mental health professionals engaged in providing interventions to survivors of trauma. The study posits that professionals exposed to trauma work manifest occupational hazards, associated with burnout or vicarious trauma. Five professionals (3 social workers and 2 psychologists), who currently provide interventions to trauma survivors, participated in this study. They were identified based on the hours of client contact and trauma case load. Data was gathered through data sheets and interviews. Results were subject to qualitative analysis, where themes emerged from the participants’ narratives. Findings reveal that professional manifest symptoms indicating burnout and vicarious trauma but also positive effects of fulfillment and enjoyment of work. Results indicate implications for practice and self-care strategies that can buffer against the negative effects of work.