Vicarious trauma in research: supporting researchers working with victimisation data
Why you should read this article:
This article discusses a subject often overlooked in research designs – the impact of the data on its researchers
Researchers can experience trauma from engagement with data
This article provides a pathway for researchers and their institutions to inform themselves about trauma in their research practices
Background The vicarious trauma people who provide direct clinical care may experience is well documented. However, there is limited information about the vicarious trauma that researchers working with victim-survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV) or victimisation-related data may experience.
Aim To describe and reflect on the vicarious trauma experienced by people researching DFV who have repeatedly been exposed to significant, traumatic data.
Discussion Reflections were sourced from three researchers who were studying DFV victim-survivors’ stories of trauma. Their work often left them feeling distressed and helpless. Crucial self-care strategies included taking regular breaks and debriefing co-researchers.
Conclusion It is essential to monitor, prepare for and provide appropriate supervision and trauma-informed support to manage and address the vicarious trauma that researchers who work with sensitive and distressing data and vulnerable populations commonly experience.
Implications for practice Researchers need to consider during the conceptual phases of their studies possible risks to their psychological safety. Furthermore, research institutions have a responsibility to support researchers’ mental well-being and promote safe research practices. Ethics committees may need to ensure prior to granting ethical approval that researchers have developed and implement strategies to prevent psychological harm to themselves.
