“Det är nog första arbetsplatsen där jag känner att här kan jag vara väldigt väldigt länge!” En kvalitativ intervjustudie med psykologer som arbetar med patienter utsatta för sexuella övergrepp

The purpose of this study was to, by using thematic analysis, investigate how psychologists experience and are affected by treating sexually assaulted individuals, if and how they use different coping strategies to maintain their own wellbeing and how they are affected by the organization. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight psychologists working in a clinic dedicated for patients with history of sexual assault. The analysis identified one general theme and four themes. The general theme Consciousness and active choices minted the other themes. Participants' awareness of their own and colleagues’ health supplied conditions for inner reflection, which along with concern for potential negative effects resulted in active choices for mental health and work environment. Four themes were identified: Concern creates action in the individual, Minimize the I and entrust the we, Small gestures with great effects and The concerns importance for the organization’ s care. While investigating these themes the importance of awareness revolving the negative effects and the active choices being made to avoid the former became clear. Due to stigmatization revolving work around the specific patient group participants have become keen on working preventively and retroactively for their colleagues. The organization simultaneously works on creating good conditions for individuals, enabling them to implement necessary strategies for maintaining good mental health by using distinct frameworks and effective treatment methods. The fact that the organization and it’s employees act to promote health and wellbeing has created a workplace which enables participants to conduct their work without long term negative effects.