Colliding worlds: Socio-spatial perspectives on vicarious trauma in foster homes

Abstract Vicarious trauma (VT) is a form of indirect traumatization characterized by negative shifts in worldview, self-image, and relationships. Foster carers are at risk of VT as they are often exposed to children’s trauma throughout their caregiving role. However, little is known about the experience of VT in foster care since existing research has focused predominantly on VT in professional settings. The home generally takes precedence as the primary site of foster care–one symbolically linked to carers’ sense of identity and worldview. As such, disruptions to the home space arising from foster children’s trauma and associated behaviours may be linked to carers’ experiences of VT. We explored this link through interviews with 28 Australian foster carers who spoke about their experiences with trauma-associated challenges in caregiving. Thematic analysis resulted in three main themes: (1) Expectations of the home space; (2) Colliding worlds: Shifts in worldview; (3) Responses to worldview shifts: Setting boundaries. Insights from the findings provide future direction for training and support of carers.