Entre escutas: dilemas e vivências de psicólogas no atendimento a mulheres em situação de violência

Abstract

This dissertation investigated the dilemmas and experiences of psychologists who work with women in situations of violence, considering the influence of gender and the concrete working conditions that permeate this practice. It is a qualitative, exploratory, and interpretive study, developed through semi-structured interviews. The analytical process was supported by IRaMuTeQ software, used as an auxiliary tool for organizing and initially inspecting the corpus, which made it possible to explore the professional and emotional experiences of the participants in depth. The results revealed three central dimensions of the reported experience. The first addressed the institutional context and material working conditions, highlighting tensions between professional fulfillment, as well as the precariousness of public policies and the devaluation of the work. The second highlighted the effects of vicarious trauma, showing how continuous exposure to the suffering of others impacts mental health, but also mobilizes coping strategies and personal growth. The third emphasized the subjective aspects of clinical practice, particularly listening and interpersonal relationships, highlighting the emotional and ethical costs of the work. The analysis indicated that gender acts as a vulnerability factor, emphasizing the need for supervision, institutional support, and collective care practices to mitigate the psychological effects of the profession. The findings reinforce that psychological work in this context involves the intersection between structure, affection, and social commitment, making it essential to integrate public policies and institutional strategies to promote well-being and quality of care. Among the limitations of the study, the small number of participants stands out, a common feature in qualitative research involving sensitive topics and specific institutional contexts. Nevertheless, the depth of the reports allowed us to identify significant elements of professional experiences. We suggest that future investigations expand the regional and institutional scope in order to explore other work and care configurations.