Emotional work of getting help: A qualitative analysis of caregiver-perceived barriers to responding to childhood adversity

Abstract

Objective To explore caregivers' experiences and challenges of accessing help for adversity across both health and social care sectors. Design Qualitative study design using semistructured interviews to explore how caregivers accessed services across health and social care. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Setting Families living in the city of Wyndham, Victoria, Australia. Participants 17 caregivers of children aged 0-8 years. Results Five main themes emerged. (1) Emotional work of getting help. Caregivers described that getting help for life challenges was both emotionally taxing and effortful. (2) Trusting relationships a..