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Summary
Exposure to others’ trauma is toxic. This is known as 'vicarious trauma' and it's what happens to people who hear harrowing stories as part of their work. User researchers are often faced with situations where they need to conduct repeated in-depth interviews with people who’ve had traumatic experiences and who have developed PSTD, mental health issues, chronic illness, addiction, self-harm, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts. We believe this repeated exposure puts the psychological safety of user researchers at risk. Training to equip people with the right skills and confidence to prepare for and handle these situations is often absent from user research training.
Key Insights
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85% of user researchers have faced mental health issues due to their work with sensitive topics.
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Vicarious trauma can affect not just researchers but anyone involved in the user research process.
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Preparation for user research should include emotional readiness, not just logistical concerns.
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There is a need for better institutional support for user researchers regarding mental health and self-care.
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Bordering professional relationships is crucial to avoid personal burnout and maintaining participant trust.
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Acknowledging vulnerability is a strength that can foster a supportive working environment.
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Art and creative methods can serve as effective tools for emotional expression and processing among researchers.
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Research must be sensitive to how trauma can impact both participants and observers during interviews.
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Regular clinical supervision or peer support sessions can help prevent burnout.
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Communication about self-care in organizations needs to be prioritized to support researchers effectively.
Notable Quotes
"85% of user researchers have suffered from mental health issues."
"If we don't address these warning signs, our bottles will explode."
"You have to recognize the effects of vicarious trauma and get in tune with your own boundaries."
"You can't risk re-traumatizing participants through poorly prepared questions."
"Professional boundaries protect both the researcher and the participant."
"It's crucial to maintain a safe space for honest and open conversations about feelings."
"Letting silence be okay in an interview can foster better communication."
"You may not have all the answers, and that's okay—admit it respectfully."
"It's not a weakness to acknowledge vulnerability; it's an essential aspect of self-care."
"Preparation alone can make a significant difference in handling difficult conversations."
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