The Experiences of Staff Working with Vulnerable Populations : Racism, Power, and Psychological Impact: A Qualitative Analysis

Sandhu, Sharon Lilian and Hodge, Suzanne and Duxbury, Anna (2024) The Experiences of Staff Working with Vulnerable Populations : Racism, Power, and Psychological Impact: A Qualitative Analysis. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This thesis is comprised of four sections: Section one: A systematic literature review that explored staff experiences of working in Domestic Violence (DV) shelters. With the use of thematic synthesis, nine papers were reviewed generating four analytical themes: emotional weight of the work, connecting with others, power versus empower, and making it through. Staff were found to face several challenges, including difficulties balancing resident wellbeing with their own, within a context of limited resources and wider systemic barriers. Findings highlighted a need for psychologically informed resources to reduce risk factors of burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). Section two: An empirical research paper utilising a qualitative approach exploring staff experiences of racism within the homelessness sector. Seven female participants took part in the study and were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) eliciting five themes: experiencing racism in blatant and subtle forms, powerlessness, feeling unheard and misunderstood, psychological impact, and perseverance and protection. The study highlighted the persistent nature of racism experienced by staff, including racial slurs, refusal to work with staff from ethnic minority communities, and a lack of acknowledgment of racism from those in senior positions. Findings illuminated a need for support for staff experiencing racism, along with raising awareness through interventions, such as training, for those without lived experience of racism. Section three: A critical appraisal offering an overview of findings, including bringing together the trauma impact staff experienced across both papers. Personal reflections discussed include the use of terminology selected, the impact of researcher insider status, along with discussion on clinical implications, strengths, and limitations of both studies. Section four: The empirical paper’s ethics application and supporting documents used in the process.