Vicarious trauma in disaster situations: Social workers’ experiences with Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe

Abstract This study explored the experiences with vicarious trauma for social workers who rendered their services during and in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, which ravaged Zimbabwe in 2019. A qualitative research approach was employed within the exploratory design. Ten social workers were purposively selected to share their experiences. Data were analysed through the Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The findings revealed that social workers who rendered their services to disaster-stricken communities were reeling from post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbances, fear, and changed professional and self-identity. It was established that there have not been any institutional support interventions to reduce postdisaster traumatic exposure effects following their cumulative exposure to distressing scenes caused by the cyclone. Talking to friends and work colleagues and seeking spiritual help were used as coping strategies amidst a lack of institutional support. The study recommends the provision of institutional support for social workers who render services in tragic disaster situations.