This article explores the psychological distress of Animal Care Workers (ACWs), and the disenfranchisement of this distress through mixed methods study conducted as an online survey. In all, 139 participants responded about their experiences as an ACW, related psychological distress, and the systemic disenfranchisement of distress. Findings indicate that nearly half of ACWs experienced symptoms of depression in the previous month. Over 66% indicated it was difficult to cope. Limited support often resulted in a disenfranchized loss. Implications suggest ACW distress and disenfranchisement related to animals they serve is similar to that of individuals who lose animal companions.
© 2019 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/holly_nelson-becker/18/
Author Posting © The Authors, 2019. This is the author's version of the work. The definitive version was published in Death Studies, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2018.1519610