The master's thesis deals with secondary traumatization of social workers at the Social Welfare Institute Hrastovec. Secondary traumatization is a phenomenon that occurs in professionals who are frequently exposed to traumatic stories and experiences of their clients. Social workers at the Social Welfare Institute Hrastovec regularly encounter individuals who have experienced severe traumatic events, which can impact their psychological well-being and professional functioning. The aim of this thesis is to explore how secondary traumatization manifests itself in social workers in this specific environment, what its effects are on their work and daily lives, and how social workers cope with this phenomenon. As a student employed at the Social Welfare Institute Hrastovec, the topic of my thesis emerged through my work experience, as I had the opportunity to see and experience the work that social workers do within the institute. I witnessed how stressful and varied the work is, which sparked my interest in exploring the experience of secondary traumatization among social workers in this stressful environment. Secondary traumatization is a phenomenon that is often overlooked, despite its potential serious consequences for the well-being and professional functioning of those who regularly work with people in distress. In the context of social work, this issue remains, in my opinion, insufficiently researched and recognized, which contributes to the lack of adequate support mechanisms for social workers. These professionals are often on the front lines when dealing with complex and emotionally burdensome cases, facing challenges that go beyond just professional knowledge. Social workers deal daily with clients who have experienced traumatic events such as violence, abuse, neglect, or loss. Listening to their stories, addressing their issues, and seeking solutions can trigger emotional and psychological responses in social workers that are characteristic of secondary traumatization. Despite the seriousness of these challenges, secondary traumatization remains an insufficiently recognized and addressed topic, both in research and in practice. My desire is to improve the well-being and professional effectiveness of social workers, so it is crucial that more attention is given to raising awareness about secondary traumatization. Therefore, my thesis will focus on this issue. In the theoretical part, I first present what trauma is and what a traumatic experience entails. In the second part of the theoretical framework, I aim to provide an understanding of the factors influencing trauma experiences and transmission, and what the well-known post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is. In this section, I also discuss the consequences of traumatic events and the bodily responses to trauma. Acknowledging that there are many forms of trauma, I refer to literature to present a comprehensive overview of the various types of trauma that people may encounter. The master's thesis primarily focuses on secondary trauma, its symptoms, and how to cope with it. I also discuss the concept of compassion, which is crucial in professions where helping others is the central task. Finally, I focus on the Social Welfare Institute Hrastovec, its clients, and the work of social workers within the institute. Using a qualitative research approach with a partially standardized interview, conducted on a convenience sample, I aim to determine how secondary traumatization manifests itself in social workers employed at the Social Welfare Institute Hrastovec. My sample included seven social workers employed at the institute. The key findings of the qualitative research are linked to relevant theory, providing a description of how secondary traumatization manifests in social workers
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