Reactions of Novice Interviewers Conducting Trauma Research With Marginalized Communities: A Qualitative Analysis

2019 ◽  
pp. 088626051988992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber M. Smith ◽  
Alison B. Hamilton ◽  
Tamra Loeb ◽  
Jennifer Pemberton ◽  
Gail E. Wyatt
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Vicarious Trauma ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Helping Professionals ◽  
Trauma Research ◽  
Training And Supervision

Trauma-focused research highlights the reactions of seasoned professionals when engaging with vulnerable clients; however, less is known about the common reactions of novices engaged in trauma research, who may lack the skills to cope and interact with traumatized participants. The purpose of this study is to (a) describe common reactions experienced by novice trauma interviewers; (b) examine whether the issues they face are similar to those of seasoned helping professionals; and (c) discuss ways in which training and supervision can increase the well-being of interviewers in trauma research. A semi-structured assessment was administered to novice interviewers who had previously conducted psychosocial and trauma assessments with diverse community participants. Participation was voluntary. The assessment elicited responses concerning secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, posttraumatic growth, and self-help and resources. Audio files were transcribed; responses were compiled to explore themes and identify illustrative quotes. Eight interviewers (two males, six females) participated. Six reported no prior experience working with populations with histories of trauma. Novice interviewers described experiences of secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, posttraumatic growth, and resilience. Novice interviewers described symptoms consistent with those reported by seasoned helping professionals; positive and negative symptoms often coexisted. Interviewers who completed more assessments described reactions of sadness, anger, insomnia, and changes in worldview. Interviewers who shared similar traumatic histories or environments reported more examples of countertransference. All reported similar feelings of posttraumatic growth, such as hope and optimism, for their participants and an increased appreciation of their resilience. Implications for training and supervision are discussed.

scholarly journals Psychosocial impacts of training to provide professional help: Harm and growth

Trauma ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 146040862096834
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Ball ◽  
Clare Watsford ◽  
Brett Scholz
Keyword(s):  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Vicarious Trauma ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Moral Injury ◽  
Helping Professionals ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Clinical Psychology Program

Introduction Research has consistently demonstrated professionals in helping roles (“helping professionals”) experience vicarious trauma, moral injury, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout. Vicarious post-traumatic growth has also been identified in the literature. This article aimed to contribute to understanding the experiences of these constructs of trainee helping professionals. Emphasis was placed on how to foster vicarious post-traumatic growth. Methods A qualitative semi-structured interview was designed to enable the researchers to explore the experiences of 14 trainee psychologists from an Australian Master of Clinical Psychology program. Results It was identified that burnout, and beginning stages of vicarious trauma, moral injury, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress might occur during psychologists’ training. Five elements underpin vicarious post-traumatic growth, four of which were reflected in this article. A need and suggestions for how to further develop vicarious post-traumatic growth are discussed. Conclusion This research could go on to be applied to curriculum development and practice policy, ultimately leading to improved early-intervention and ongoing systems of support for helping professionals. This, in turn, would improve quality of care in communities.

Vicarious Traumatization, Secondary Traumatic Stress, and Burnout in Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Agency Staff

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Baird ◽  
Sharon Rae Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Vicarious Trauma ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Vicarious Traumatization ◽  
Occupational Hazards ◽  
Agency Staff ◽  
Agency Support ◽  
Trauma Counseling

This study investigated three occupational hazards of therapy with trauma victims: vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress (or “compassion fatigue”), which describe therapists’ adverse reactions to clients’ traumatic material, and burnout, a stress response experienced in many emotionally demanding “people work” jobs. Among 101 trauma counselors, client exposure workload and being paid as a staff member (vs. volunteer) were related to burnout sub-scales, but not as expected to overall burnout or vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, or general distress. More educated counselors and those seeing more clients reported less vicarious trauma. Younger counselors and those with more trauma counseling experience reported more emotional exhaustion. Findings have implications for training, treatment, and agency support systems.

Stress and burnout for helping professionals. Counselors navigating the COVID pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11(73) ◽  
pp. 128-134
Author(s):  
Andreea Szilagyi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Special Consideration ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Helping Professionals ◽  
Stress Syndrome

Helping professionals are givers by vocation, and this generous trait is abundantly displayed by their commitment and determination to support others. Caring for others is their central business, which many times, in the absence of a solid training and various types of professional support, might affect their capacity to regroup and heal. This article addresses the most common sources of stress and burnout for helping professionals, with a special focus on counselors. Concepts like compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress are explored. The current pandemic is adding to those common stressors, making us consider the helping services from a different perspective. COVID Stress Syndrome is presented and potential implications for caregivers’ work are discussed. Special consideration is given to the counseling occupation in Romania.

Indirect Trauma in the Field Practicum: Secondary Traumatic Stress, Vicarious Trauma, and Compassion Fatigue Among Social Work Students and Their Field Instructors

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-52
Author(s):  
Carolyn Knight
Keyword(s):  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Vicarious Trauma ◽  
Social Work Students ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Field Instructors ◽  
Indirect Trauma ◽  
Agency Support

A sample of BSW students and their field instructors was assessed for the presence of indirect trauma, including secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue. Results indicated that students were at greater risk of experiencing vicarious trauma than their field instructors and research participants in previous studies. Risk factors for students and social workers included age, experience, gender, and placement in a child welfare setting. Race was a risk factor only for students. The results underscore the protective effects of advance preparation, agency support, and agency supervision, but also suggest that specific education about indirect trauma is lacking. Also discussed are the links among indirect trauma, burnout, and students' career aspirations, as well as suggestions for future research.

scholarly journals Secondary traumatic stress and vicarious posttraumatic growth in healthcare workers during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Greece: The role of resilience and coping strategies

Psychiatriki ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Argyroula Kalaitzaki ◽  
Michael Rovithis
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Maladaptive Coping ◽  
Internal Resources ◽  
And Coping

Despite the indisputable negative psychosocial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, positive consequences are also possible. Resilience and coping strategies have been assumed to contribute to these outcomes. However, findings are still scarce and inconclusive. The study aimed to examine the role of resilience and coping strategies in the secondary stress for the Greek healthcare workers (HCWs) and in the posttraumatic growth following the COVID-19 lockdown in Greece. A sample of 673 HCWs coming from Greece were recruited. A convenience and snowball mixed sampling procedure were used. A questionnaire was distributed through social networking sites, webpages, and personal contacts of the author. Participants were asked to distribute it to their own contacts. Recruitment occurred during April 5 - 30, 2000, amid the lockdown (March 23-May 03), when people were asked to follow the stringent lockdown constraint enforced by the Greek government. Sociodemographic data were collected. The Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale measured secondary traumatic stress (STS) for the HCWs. The Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory measured posttraumatic growth, resilience, and coping strategies, respectively. Regression analyses demonstrated that resilience and coping strategies were differentially associated with positive and negative (stress/growth) lockdown outcomes. Resilience and mostly maladaptive coping strategies predicted STS. A mixture of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies predicted PTG. The so-called “second wave” of the outbreak that started in August 2020 indicates that the study of the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown and of the internal resources (resilience and coping) to deal with, is necessary. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the coping strategies used by population subgroups (e.g., HCWs) in dealing with the COVID-19 lockdown in Greece. Enhancing internal resources through supportive services will ameliorate HCWs ability to withstand, recover, and thrive with benefits in their psychological health and well-being. Despite the indisputable negative psychosocial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, positive consequences are also possible. Resilience and coping strategies have been assumed to contribute to these outcomes. However, findings are still scarce and inconclusive. The study aimed to examine the role of resilience and coping strategies in the secondary stress for the Greek healthcare workers (HCWs) and in the posttraumatic growth following the COVID-19 lockdown in Greece. A sample of 673 HCWs coming from Greece were recruited. A convenience and snowball mixed sampling procedure were used. A questionnaire was distributed through social networking sites, webpages, and personal contacts of the author. Participants were asked to distribute it to their own contacts. Recruitment occurred during April 5 - 30, 2000, amid the lockdown (March 23-May 03), when people were asked to follow the stringent lockdown constraint enforced by the Greek government. Sociodemographic data were collected. The Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale measured secondary traumatic stress (STS) for the HCWs. The Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory measured posttraumatic growth, resilience, and coping strategies, respectively. Regression analyses demonstrated that resilience and coping strategies were differentially associated with positive and negative (stress/growth) lockdown outcomes. Resilience and mostly maladaptive coping strategies predicted STS. A mixture of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies predicted PTG. The so-called “second wave” of the outbreak that started in August 2020 indicates that the study of the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown and of the internal resources (resilience and coping) to deal with, is necessary. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the coping strategies used by population subgroups (e.g., HCWs) in dealing with the COVID-19 lockdown in Greece. Enhancing internal resources through supportive services will ameliorate HCWs ability to withstand, recover, and thrive with benefits in their psychological health and well-being.

Hyperacute stroke and the specialist nursing impact: exploring the cause and context of feelings of secondary traumatic stress – a qualitative inquiry

2021 ◽  
pp. 174498712110187
Author(s):  
Mark Wilkinson ◽  
Nigel Cox ◽  
Gary Witham ◽  
Carol Haigh
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Moral Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Narrative Design ◽  
Hyperacute Stroke ◽  
Specialist Nurses ◽  
Purposive Sample

Background Secondary traumatic stress (STS) has been defined as the stress resulting from helping or wanting to help a traumatised or suffering person. The hyperacute nature of stroke specialist nurses’ work places them at risk of developing STS. Aims To explore the factors that are influential in stroke specialist nurses' experience of STS development within hyperacute practice. Methods This study is qualitative with a narrative design. Data were collected from a purposive sample of stroke specialist nurses (20 female and 2 male) working in hyperacute services during the years 2016 and 2017. Data were analysed using Polkinghorne’s approach. Results This research identified four themes: exposure to acute suffering and death- young presentations; moral distress; interactions with relatives and problematic healthcare systems. Conclusion The findings from this study suggest that stroke specialist nurses are exposed to multiple triggers which are commensurate with the potential for STS development. The findings contribute a new understanding of the emotional burden of hyperacute specialist stroke nursing that has implications for patient safety and satisfaction, services provision and staff well-being.

Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout, and Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Critical Care Nurses in Iran

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedigheh Salimi ◽  
Vahid Pakpour ◽  
Azad Rahmani ◽  
Marian Wilson ◽  
Hossein Feizollahzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Critical Care Nurses ◽  
Professional Quality Of Life ◽  
Professional Quality

Introduction: This study investigated the relationship between compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among Iranian nurses working in critical care units. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey using the Professional Quality of Life instrument was administered to 400 nurses working in the intensive care units of Iranian hospitals. Results: High risk levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress existed among 42% and 96% of participants, respectively. Significant positive relationships were detected between burnout and secondary traumatic stress. An inverse relationship was detected between measures of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction. Discussion: To ensure culturally congruent care, it is important to evaluate professional quality of life within the context of specific cultures and societies. Iranian critical care nurses are at risk for burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Personal self-care and organizational wellness approaches that consider cultural norms should be designed to boost compassion satisfaction and reduce negative effects of stressful work environments.

Psychological distress constructs in police with different roles

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isobel Sheard ◽  
Melissa Ellen Burnett ◽  
Helen St Clair-Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Police Personnel

Purpose Police personnel report relatively high rates of mental health difficulties, and are at an increased risk of experiencing stress, burnout, secondary traumatic stress and anxiety as a result of the nature of their work and may also experience low compassion satisfaction. However, it is likely that the prevalence of psychological distress varies across roles. The purpose of this paper is to explore psychological distress, in a large sample of police personnel, examining differences between individuals in a number of police roles. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire assessing experience of mental health problems, perceived stress, compassion fatigue (burnout and secondary traumatic stress), compassion satisfaction and anxiety was administered to 602 police personnel, who were classified into one of ten roles (24/7 officers, communications, firearms, crime, resolution without deployment, neighbourhood, custody, safeguarding, operations and other roles). Differences based on role and the requirement for shift work were then examined. Findings 24/7 officers had higher compassion fatigue and lower compassion satisfaction than individuals in a number of other roles. Firearms officers had lower levels of perceived stress and anxiety. Resolution without deployment officers reported higher secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue. The findings also revealed that respondents who partake in shift work showed higher levels of perceived stress. Originality/value This is the first study to the authors’ knowledge to investigate experience of mental health problems and reports of psychological distress in different roles within a UK police force. The findings have important implications, for example, in terms of identifying groups who may be particularly at risk from psychological distress.

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