Self-care in User Research
Updated 12/2/2022
Exposure to others’ trauma is toxic.
It’s known as ‘vicarious trauma’ and it’s what happens to those hearing harrowing stories as part of their work. They’re exposed to the pain, fear and stress survivors have endured.
Traumatic situations
User researchers are often faced with situations where they need to conduct repeated in-depth interviews with people who have had traumatic experiences.
These experiences can include:
● homelessness
● poverty
● bereavement
● female genital mutilation (FGM)
● childhood sexual abuse
● rape or sexual assault
● domestic abuse
● trafficking and human slavery
● asylum
● conflict and war
As a result of trauma, people can develop issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental health issues, chronic illnesses, drug and alcohol addiction, self-harm, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts. They may also discuss these as part of user research sessions.
Vicarious trauma
The vicarious trauma user researchers can suffer is sometimes conflated with ‘burnout’, but it does present its own distinct issues.
The physical, behavioural and psychological signs can include:
● flashbacks
● nightmares
● depression
● emotional exhaustion
● insomnia
● suicidal thoughts
● heart palpitations
● increased use of alcohol or drugs
● anger and irritability at home and/or work
● avoiding colleagues and staff gatherings
● feeling helpless when hearing a difficult client story
● imposter syndrome
User research is a complex and highly skilled discipline, one which can take many years of the appropriate training, coaching, mentoring and experience to master. So that’s a lot of hours spent hearing other people’s stories.
Moreover, because user researchers are part of a process attempting to improve people’s lives, they’re often highly empathetic people.
However, despite being very much at risk of vicarious trauma, they often don’t have the skills to protect their own psychological safety.
It can all add up to user researchers feeling they have no option but to leave the profession they love.
And it’s not just user researchers. As user research is best done as a team sport, colleagues from other disciplines are encouraged to get involved by observing and taking notes. This therefore exposes others to vicarious trauma.
‘Self-care in User Research’ course
So we’ve designed the training course ‘Self-care in User Research’, which we believe is pioneering in the field of user research training.
It includes modules such as:
● understanding yourself
● learning to accept and process personal vulnerabilities
● preparing for sensitive research
● how to maintain professional boundaries and an awareness of the damage caused if we stray
● the effects of transference and counter-transference in user research
● challenging the concept of the ‘5 whys’ to prevent re-traumatisation
● bias, unconscious bias and how own experiences can affect participation in research
● opening and closing difficult, sensitive or traumatic conversations confidently and in a respectful manner
● exploring and preventing vicarious trauma and burnout
● learning to become a reflective practitioner
● a 10-step guide to self-care
About the ResearchU trainers
The course will be jointly delivered by:
● Jane Reid, a highly experienced user researcher
● Janice Hannaway, a user researcher, and psychodynamic therapist and coach (accredited by COSCA)
We both have over 25 years of experience dealing with complex needs and trauma. This ensures that delegates will be in a safe environment where they can express any difficult feelings, thoughts or emotions.
We’ve worked with many third and public sector organisations, including:
● Cabinet Office UK
● Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
● Ministry of Justice
● NHS Digital UK
● NHS Scotland
● Police Scotland
● Crown Prosecution Service
● Education Scotland
● Women’s Aid
● Rape Crisis
You don’t have to be a user researcher to benefit from this course. If you’re subjected to hearing traumatic stories at work –maybe you work for the police, the NHS or answer traumatic calls –this course can help you.
If you have any concerns or queries about the course, we’re more than happy to discuss them with you in advance.
If you’d like more information on course duration and costs, please get in touch. We offer a discounted rate to the third sector and charity organisations.
Other courses
ResearchU also provides training in other aspects of user research. This ensures you’ll have the skills to conduct high-quality user research, maintain your professional boundaries, use appropriate interventions, enhance self-awareness, and practise a process of self-reflection to protect your psychological safety.
In addition, Janice offers expert therapy, mentoring and coaching to individuals and organisations through JAH Consultancy.
Contact
Email: info@researchutraining.com
You can also follow us on Twitter:
