Date of Conferral

8-21-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Dr. Alisha Powell

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented global crisis that challenged clinical social workers’ traditional client-centered strategies and exposed some to secondary trauma. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore clinical social workers’ perspectives on work-related secondary trauma post-COVID-19 pandemic using the contemporary trauma theory as the theoretical framework. The research question involved exploring their perspectives of how this trauma affected their biopsychosocial functioning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants who were clinical social workers between 28 and 36. Using thematic analysis, themes were identified and grouped into the three functioning groups: personal, relationships, and career. Twelve themes emerged: impaired emotional regulation/exhaustion, detachment, mental health challenges, diminished physical wellbeing, weakened self-esteem and confidence, different coping strategies, focus on contracting COVID, positive emotional responses to self and others, strained relationships, positive emotional responses to self and others, feelings involving career uncertainty, loss of personal confidence, and opportunities for posttraumatic growth. Findings revealed participants experienced work related secondary trauma and acknowledged feeling injured and needing to heal. Findings also highlighted resources, tools, and supports for clinical social workers healing from work-related secondary trauma. Implications for positive social change include deeper understanding of clinical social workers and their work-related secondary trauma post COVID pandemic, as well as better support, training, and workplace wellness.

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