Att vara emotionellt intelligent - Den hårfina linjen mellan att påverkas för mycket och för lite En kvalitativ studie om professionellas upplevelser och hantering av känslor i arbetet med våldsutsatta barn på Barnahus

Abstract

The aim of this study has been to reach a deeper understanding of the complexity considering the emotions of professionals working with abused children within the Swedish Barnahus (a model for multidisciplinary work coordinating investigation and treatment for children who may have been abused). As a part of the aim, this study also ambition to highlight the multidisciplinary work that takes part in Barnahus. Previous research has been made about the international equivalent to Barnahus, therefore it has been interesting to examine the Swedish context. This study has a qualitative methodology which includes semistructured interviews with eight professionals, consisting of two social workers, two child-forensic interviewers, one pediatrician, one prosecutor and two Barnahus coordinators where one of them also has a role as a counselor. The results have been divided into four main themes which are emotions of the professional, professional related norms of emotions, effects of the work and coping strategies. Considering emotions, the professionals have made it clear that the spectrum of emotions is wide and that the description of the emotions have a tendency to be complex, ranging from sadness and frustration to joy and gratitude. This study has also found that the emotion of pride is a motivating factor. An effect of the work can manifest in seeing perpetrators in strangers outside of work and in seeing a darker version of the world and humanity itself. Different coping strategies have been identified, which has been presented as strategies at work and in private life, as well as some transcending. An interesting result is that professionals possess an ability to balance emotions, and find it crucial to do so. Professionals included in this study present a professionalism that includes inhibiting their own emotions in order to be perceived as a good professional.