AN EXPLORATION OF VICARIOUS TRAUMATIZATION AMONG CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study aimed to explore the phenomenon of vicarious traumatization among clinical psychologists. A sample of (N=10) participants from age ranges (30-40) was selected through purposive sampling from Govt and Private sector of Lahore. The data was collected by face to face through semi-structured interviews for 45-60 minutes. More than one interview was conducted until the data reached saturation. A hermeneutic phenomenological research design by Van Manen was employed to explore the lived experiences of clinical psychologists. The interview was transcribed and the six steps of van Manen were followed by the researcher for analyzing the data. The analysis of the research revealed that the two major themes are compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction. To establish the trustworthiness of the data and the analysis, a rich thick description and independent audit were used. This research aims to understand the psychological and emotional health of clinical psychologists, and break the stigma about psychologists and the psychology profession clinical psychologists can be burned out after dealing with the client and they also need help