da Conceição MM, de Camargo CL, Whitaker MCO, Silva CTDS, Gomes NP, Rusmando LCS. Feelings expressed by professionals caring for children and teenagers victims of sexual violence.
Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2024;
32:e4251. [PMID:
39166624 PMCID:
PMC11335066 DOI:
10.1590/1518-8345.7157.4251]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
to describe the feelings expressed by health professionals when caring for child and adolescent victims of sexual violence from the theoretical perspective of Symbolic Interactionism.
METHOD
qualitative research carried out with 30 female health professionals. An instrument was used consisting of closed questions for sociodemographic data and a script with open questions for interviews. The data was organized and analyzed using Nvivo software version 12, according to Bardin's proposal, from the perspective of Symbolic Interactionism in the work of Charles Morris. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee.
RESULTS
five thematic categories emerged, revealing feelings of empathy, fear, indignation, suffering, and consternation. These feelings remained in the interviewees' memories, making caring for child and adolescent victims of sexual violence a moving and difficult experience that deeply marks the life of the health professional.
CONCLUSION
there is a need to adopt strategies to support the mental health of professionals who work in services that provide general care to children and adolescents, considering that there is a possibility that they will provide care to child and adolescent victims of sexual violence in compliance with pre-existing public policies.
HIGHLIGHTS
(1) Feelings stem from individual impressions in line with social interaction. (2) Caring for child and adolescent victims has a negative impact on professionals' emotions. (3) Service managers need to pay attention to the health of professionals who assist victims.
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