Date

3-22-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Joseph Torres

Keywords

workplace trauma, workplace bullying, abusive supervision, mental health, vicarious traumatization, compassion fatigue, abusive management, leadership style, employee well-being, toxic work environment

Disciplines

Counseling

Abstract

Workplace trauma can take place in various forms including abusive supervision or management, workplace bullying, vicarious traumatization, violence, compassion burnout, and workplace stress. For the most part, the perpetrators of these incidents can either be strangers, peers, or management within the organization. The aftermath of workplace trauma can be detrimental to a person’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health and cause work-related issues. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the personal experiences of those in the mental health field who have been traumatized in the workplace specifically by the management within the organization. This study was directed by several theoretical frameworks, including the conservation of resources theory, social learning theory, social identity theory, social dominance theory, and gender role socialization theory. Candidates participated via an open-ended guided interview process where they could discuss their experiences and the aftermath of those experiences. The answers were then evaluated for common themes within the phenomenon. Suggestions for organizations to help reduce the occurrence of this type of workplace trauma and how to handle the aftermath should it occur are also included.

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