The experience of posttraumatic growth (PTG) for social workers working in healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic in Aotearoa, New Zealand : a qualitative exploration : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Social Work at Massey University, Albany Campus, New Zealand

Abstract

The risk of decreased mental health for healthcare workers working during the COVID-19 pandemic is well established. This risk was found to be a result of significant occupational stresses and fears in response to the spread of a novel virus. Numerous measures were identified to mitigate this risk. These measures are primarily directed at enhancing workers’ self-care and resilience and their ability to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels of coping. These measures are effective in reducing workers’ risk for negative outcomes; however, emerging research is finding that there may be positive and rewarding outcomes from working during COVID-19. The aim of this study was to contribute to this evolving research by qualitatively exploring the possibility of transformational growth for social workers working in healthcare in Aotearoa, New Zealand, during COVID-19. To achieve this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of six social workers. A reflexive thematic analysis was performed by applying the theoretical lens of Tedeschi and Calhoun’s posttraumatic growth (PTG) theory. The key findings of this study were: All six participating social workers experienced transformational PTG from struggling with the challenges posed by the pandemic. PTG was experienced in the PTG domains, personal strength, new possibilities, relating to others, and appreciation of life. The participants expressed a high identification with their social work profession including its culture and focus on reflexivity, supervision, collegial support and self-care. This identification appeared to have increased their likelihood of experiencing PTG during the pandemic. Many participants experienced PTG in the form of an increased sense of self and a shift toward paying more attention to their own needs. These findings contribute to the development of future pandemic response strategies that emphasise healthcare workers’ experiences of positive transformational growth. Further research is recommended to explore the experience of PTG in greater depth, examine the prevalence of PTG for social workers in healthcare during COVID-19, and investigate the identified PTG experience of a shift toward paying attention to one’s own needs from a theoretical analysis perspective.