In the Wake of Trauma: Strategies and Stories of Resilience from Emergency Room Social Workers

Abstract This qualitative study examines the experiences of vicarious trauma (VT) among pediatric emergency room social workers (ERSWs), who play a vital role in providing support to children facing medical crises. Focusing on a sample of 23 female, master’s level ERSWs, predominantly White, with an average age of 36.91 years, from four Level 1 Trauma Centers across the United States, the research aims to uncover the depth of trauma exposure and the effectiveness of various coping strategies. Through online, in-depth qualitative interviews, the study explores the nature of VT encountered by ERSWs, its origins, and the methods employed to mitigate its effects. Utilizing thematic analysis, findings reveal a reliance on a range of coping mechanisms, categorized into individual, interpersonal, institutional, and meaning-making strategies. The results emphasize the considerable exposure of ERSWs to traumatic events and the necessity for a comprehensive approach to managing VT. This study contributes to the broader understanding of VT within social work, advocating for theoretical expansion, enhanced practice guidelines, and further research to develop effective support systems for ERSWs confronting VT.