Motivation
In the social sciences, students are regularly confronted with emotionally charged topics such as conflict, violence, racism and sexism. However, tools such as training to prevent and manage harm and risk when doing fieldwork or research on these topics are lacking. This makes students vulnerable to traumatic experiences and (sexual) harassment. Moreover, lecturers feel inadequately prepared to respond appropriately to students' needs in case of harm. How can we support students and lecturers in dealing with emotionally charged situations and providing appropriate support?
Hypothesis
Harm, traumatic experiences and bullying require more attention within higher education, especially in fieldwork and teaching emotionally charged subjects. However, universities lack sufficient guidelines and training to prevent and effectively address emotional distress, including traumatic experiences. Sonja and Tine want to use their innovation voucher to develop a training that prepares and supports students and staff in dealing with these challenges.
Desired solution
In this project, Sonja and Tine develop a training for students and staff that includes guidelines and protocols to prevent, mitigate and deal harm doing research and when teaching on emotionally demanding topics. By harm, Sonja and Tine mean traumatic experiences, including physical harm, emotional and mental stress. Within the social sciences, students often encounter emotionally challenging topics, such as conflict, violence, racism and sexism, and carry out fieldwork that involves physical and mental risks, including potentially (sexually) transgressive behaviour. Moreover, teachers who teach these demanding topics must be able to respond to students' needs in the classroom and provide support during fieldwork.
Plan of action
The training will be developed in two phases. In the first phase, empirical knowledge will be gathered through focus groups on the needs of students and staff in Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (CAOS). This involves collaboration with external experts, such as Professor Rachel Pain, who specialises in trauma research. In addition, staff from other departments and faculties (e.g. psychology) are consulted to learn from their experiences. In the second phase, Sonja and Tine develop the training based on this empirical data. This is done in collaboration with local organisations such as Slachtofferhulp Nederland, which have experience in supporting victims of abuse and trauma. This training will provide students and staff with better guidelines for dealing with traumatic experiences and risks and can be integrated into the methodology modules and Personal and Professional Development (PPO) training courses at the faculty.