This oral history research explores silence as a meaningful form of communication rather than an absence of speech. Through documentary interviews with family members, the project examines how silence can express fear, shame, power, and agency, challenging dominant assumptions about listening and revealing how discomfort often prevents deeper understanding and connection.

This research examines shame among social work students and its role in burnout. Interviews reveal key triggers: emotional coping struggles, perceived privilege, and societal stigma toward the profession. The findings highlight the need for training programs to address shame, improving well-being and enabling future social workers to better support their clients.