Trauma and its consequences represent an increasingly recognized social issue that necessitates a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. Professionals in helping professions, particularly social workers, are frequently exposed to the narratives of service users with traumatic experiences, which can lead to the phenomenon of secondary traumatization. This manifests through cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that affect both the professional and personal lives of individuals. The theoretical part of this master's thesis examines the definition and context of trauma, trauma–informed practice, as well as secondary traumatization and its consequences. Additionally, strategies for managing these effects are presented. The empirical part is based on a qualitative study involving six social workers, exploring their experiences with secondary trauma, coping strategies, and the role of support mechanisms. The aim of the research is to gain an in–depth understanding of secondary traumatization in social work and to identify factors influencing its intensity.
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