scholarly journals Secondary Traumatic Stress in Foster Carers: Risk Factors and Implications for Intervention

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 482-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay M. Bridger ◽  
Jens F. Binder ◽  
Blerina Kellezi
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Trauma ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Stress Appraisal ◽  
Primary Trauma ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Objectives Fostering, a professional or semi-professional role that is in increasing demand, involves potential exposure to material related to children’s trauma in a domestic setting. Yet, professional vulnerability to secondary traumatic stress (STS) is under-researched in foster carers, as is the suitability of associated intervention techniques. We therefore investigated incidence of STS and psychological predictors relevant to secondary and primary stress appraisal in UK foster carers. Methods British foster carers (n = 187; 81% female; aged 23–72 years; mean length of experience 9 years) were approached through a range of organizations managing paid foster caring in the UK for a survey study. Self-report measures were obtained on STS, burnout and compassion satisfaction from the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale, as well as on primary trauma and variables previously recommended for inclusion in training targeting secondary trauma: empathy, resilience and self-care. Results High levels of STS and burnout were found among foster carers. In multivariate model testing, STS was directly and positively predicted by burnout, compassion satisfaction and primary trauma (R2 = 0.54, p < 0.001). Resilience, empathy and self-care did not show direct associations with STS, but self-care had a significant indirect effect on STS. Conclusions Findings support the view that STS is a substantial risk factor in foster caring. While self-care is confirmed as a promising factor in intervention, the roles of empathy and resilience are more ambiguous.

Mindful Self-Care and Secondary Traumatic Stress Mediate a Relationship Between Compassion Satisfaction and Burnout Risk Among Hospice Care Professionals

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1099-1108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason T. Hotchkiss
Keyword(s):  
Protective Factors ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Hospice Care ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Burnout Risk

Background: Effective self-care in hospice is anecdotally proclaimed to reduce burnout risk. Yet, the topic has received little empirical attention. Purpose: This study developed a model for predicting burnout risk from compassion satisfaction (CS), secondary traumatic stress (STS), and mindful self-care. Participants: Hospice care professionals (n = 324). Design: Cross-sectional self-report survey. Results: Mindful self-care was correlated with CS ( r = 0.497, p < .01), Burnout ( r = −0.726, p < .01), and STS ( r = −0.276, p < .01). A multiple regression model indicated that the combined effect of CS, STS, and mindful self-care explained 73.7% of the variance in Burnout. Mindful self-care and STS mediated a relationship between CS and Burnout. Each self-care category was statistically significant protective factors against burnout risk ( p < .01). Associations with Burnout in order of strength were self-compassion and purpose (SC; r = −0.673), supportive structure (SS; r = −0.650), mindful self-awareness (MS; r = −0.642), mindful relaxation (MR; r = −0.531), supportive relationships (SR; r = −0.503), and physical care (PC; r = −0.435). However, for STS, only SS ( r = −0.407, p < .01) and MR ( r = −0.285, p < .05) were statistically significant protective factors. Conclusion: Hospice care professional had higher self-care, CS, lower STS, and Burnout compared to published norms. Those who engaged in multiple and frequent self-care strategies experienced higher professional quality of life. Implications for hospice providers and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Effect of Meaningful Recognition on Critical Care Nurses’ Compassion Fatigue

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 438-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesly A. Kelly ◽  
Cindy Lefton
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Intent To Leave ◽  
Secondary Trauma ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Critical Care Nurses ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale

Background As caregivers in high-pressure environments, critical care nurses are at risk for burnout and secondary trauma—components of compassion fatigue. Recent findings have increased understanding of the phenomena, specifically that satisfaction and meaningful recognition may play a role in reducing burnout and raising compassion satisfaction; however, no large multisite studies of compassion fatigue have been conducted. Objectives To examine the effect of meaningful recognition and other predictors on compassion fatigue in a multicenter national sample of critical care nurses. Methods A quantitative, descriptive online survey was completed by 726 intensive care unit nurses in 14 hospitals with an established meaningful recognition program and 410 nurses in 10 hospitals without such a program. Site coordinators at each hospital coordinated distribution of the survey to nurses to assess multiple predictors against outcomes, measured by the Professional Quality of Life Scale. Cross-validation and linear regression modeling were conducted to determine significant predictors of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction. Results Similar levels of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, compassion satisfaction, overall satisfaction, and intent to leave were reported by nurses in hospitals with and without meaningful recognition programs. Meaningful recognition was a significant predictor of decreased burnout and increased compassion satisfaction. Additionally, job satisfaction and job enjoyment were highly predictive of decreased burnout, decreased secondary traumatic stress, and increased compassion satisfaction. Conclusions In addition to acknowledging and valuing nurses’ contributions to care, meaningful recognition could reduce burnout and boost compassion satisfaction.

Factors Predicting Burnout Among Chaplains: Compassion Satisfaction, Organizational Factors, and the Mediators of Mindful Self-Care and Secondary Traumatic Stress

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason T. Hotchkiss ◽  
Ruth Lesher
Keyword(s):  
Protective Factors ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Burnout Risk

This study predicted Burnout from the self-care practices, compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and organizational factors among chaplains who participated from all 50 states (N = 534). A hierarchical regression model indicated that the combined effect of compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, mindful self-care, demographic, and organizational factors explained 83.2% of the variance in Burnout. Chaplains serving in a hospital were slightly more at risk for Burnout than those in hospice or other settings. Organizational factors that most predicted Burnout were feeling bogged down by the “system” (25.7%) and an overwhelming caseload (19.9%). Each self-care category was a statistically significant protective factor against Burnout risk. The strongest protective factors against Burnout in order of strength were self-compassion and purpose, supportive structure, mindful self-awareness, mindful relaxation, supportive relationships, and physical care. For secondary traumatic stress, supportive structure, mindful self-awareness, and self-compassion and purpose were the strongest protective factors. Chaplains who engaged in multiple and frequent self-care strategies experienced higher professional quality of life and low Burnout risk. In the chaplain’s journey toward wellness, a reflective practice of feeling good about doing good and mindful self-care are vital. The significance, implications, and limitations of the study were discussed.

scholarly journals Secondary traumatic stress in police officers investigating childhood sexual abuse

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 636-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy-Kate Hurrell ◽  
Simon Draycott ◽  
Leanne Andrews
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Previous research has indicated that helping professionals working with traumatised individuals are susceptible to adverse effects which can be recognised as secondary traumatic stress (STS). The purpose of this paper is to explore STS in police officer’s investigating childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in the UK. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a cross-sectional, quantitative design. An online questionnaire was completed by 101 Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) police officers in England and Wales. STS, coping strategies, anxiety, depression and demographic information was collected for all participants. Findings It was indicated that increased exposure to CSA, measured by number of interviews in the past six months, was associated with higher levels of STS. Positive coping strategies, negative coping strategies, anxiety and depression all had a strong, positive relationship with STS. Research limitations/implications This paper is a first step to understanding STS in CAIU police officers in the England and Wales. This area of research remains under-developed and would benefit from further attention in the future. Originality/value This is the first known study of its kind in the UK.

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