Employee reactions and adjustment to euthanasia-related work: identifying turning-point events through retrospective narratives

J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2004;7(1):1-25. doi: 10.1207/s15327604jaws0701_1.

Abstract

This study used a retrospective narrative procedure to examine the critical events that influence reactions and adjustment to euthanasia-related work of 35 employees who have stayed in the animal care and welfare field for at least 2 years. The study analyzed adjustment trajectory graphs and interview notes to identify turning-point events that spurred either a positive or negative change in shelter workers' psychological well-being. Analysis of the identified turning-point events revealed 10 common event themes that have implications for a range of work, personnel, and organizational practices. The article discusses implications for shelter, employee, and animal welfare.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Technicians / psychology
  • Animals
  • Burnout, Professional / psychology*
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Euthanasia / psychology*
  • Female
  • Human-Animal Bond
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Workload / psychology*