Abstract
Background: Professionals engaged in community work within their own communities frequently encounter challenges associated with dual relationships. The psychological impacts of dual roles are often overlooked.
Aims: This study explores the experiences of Muslim professionals in Christchurch, New Zealand, following the 15 March 2019 mosque terrorist attacks. It examines how they balance their community roles with their professional responsibilities while also safeguarding their personal well-being.
Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Muslim professionals engaged in dual relationships within their community. Participants were selected through purposive sampling from diverse sectors, including government agencies, research positions and community support services. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to identify key themes.
Results: Participants reported significant emotional strain, including vicarious trauma and burnout, driven by their dual roles. Faith emerged as a key motivator, with altruism framed as a spiritual duty. Identity struggles were common, shaped by societal scrutiny and a desire for validation. While formal support systems were sometimes inadequate, peer support and culturally attuned leadership provided relief. The findings highlight the complex interplay of psychological, spiritual and structural factors in sustaining professionals following a disaster.
Conclusions: This research highlights the emotional toll on Muslim professionals supporting their community following a terrorist attack, with broader implications for minority groups responding to similar incidents. The findings highlight the need for culturally competent, trauma-informed support systems within community care organisations. Recommendations include strengthening of peer support, training supervisors in cultural responsiveness and ensuring tailored mental health resources to support well-being and professional effectiveness in high-impact roles.