Examining Assumptions Within the Constructs of Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress: Amplifying the Voices of Mental Health Professionals

Vicarious trauma (VT) and secondary traumatic stress (STS) have been identified as significant occupational risks for mental health professionals (MHPs). These are understood as the resulting negative impacts of working with trauma survivors. Existing research on strategies to prevent or mitigate VT and STS have been somewhat limited, primarily focusing on self-care practices. Such strategies, however, have been found to be inaccessible for some, and inconsistently effective. VT and STS are typically confirmed through symptoms akin to those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including “intrusion”, “avoidance”, and “alterations in arousal, mood and cognition” (IAA). This study aimed to delve into how MHPs interpret these experiences, refraining from assuming them to be mere by-products of trauma exposure through working with traumatized clients. Employing snowball sampling methods, MHPs were invited to participate in three individual interviews to discuss their experiences of IAA and the meaning they assign to these. Rather than presuming IAA to stem from secondary trauma exposure, the research endeavored to engage participants in an exploratory analysis of these experiences. Using the Vicarious Trauma Scale and Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale as guides for interview questions, MHPs conveyed that their experiences of IAA did not result from secondary exposure to trauma but rather from the challenges within their professional milieu. Through thematic analysis of the interview questions, it was identified these challenges center around the limited capacity to address client needs, their working in isolation, the undervaluation of their professional expertise, and the ethical challenges within their work environment. Applying interpretive phenomenological analysis of the interview data, MHPs did not perceive their experiences of IAA solely as the negative repercussions of trauma exposure but rather as reasonable, and at times helpful, responses to the systemic complexities of working within contemporary healthcare settings. These responses are examined, and considerations for future research, mindful of these insights, are presented.

Author dc:creator

• Mettler, Kathryn

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Durodie, Bill

• College of interdisciplinary studies

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/ir-19776

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/28162