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The main objective of this paper is to explore the implications and effect of stress arising from repeated exposure to traumatic subjects and narratives on social work professionals through their work. The aim is to explore this issue in terms of the cause-effect relationship with a particular focus on effects, as well as methods of coping with professional stress among practitioners, in order to learn further directions for managing this topic in professional practice. This study refers to social workers with at least 2 years of experience in the field and wo have had contact with clients in difficult situations that have affected their quality of life. The selection was based on their criteria as the present study aims to identify the possible personal and professional effects on the practitioner, as well as coping mechanisms to the distress experienced at work. The minimum 2 years of experience is an important variable that can suggest the possibility of repeated exposure to as many cases as possible, but also the accumulation of experiences over time on the basis of which changes could be perceived (signs of burnout, changes in principles of psycho-emotional state in general). The selection of subjects was based on non-probability sampling using the snowball technique. Interviews were taken from 10 subjects with work experience in social work ranging from 2 -26 years. The interviewees worked both in public social services and the private sector.
Keywords: vicarious traumatization, professional stress, coping strategies, resilience, social work system
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