BURNOUT IN THE FIELD OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY AND INTERVENTION TECHNIQUES
Forensic psychologists are at a heightened risk for encountering vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout, all of which influence quality and continuity of care (Sansbury et al., 2015). The current literature review aims to discuss how burnout relates specifically to the field of forensic psychology. For the purposes of this discussion, clinical psychologists who perform forensic duties, as well as board certified forensic psychologists are considered. Research questions that are addressed in this discussion include what the existing research states regarding vicarious trauma in forensic settings, likely gender differences in burnout and vicarious trauma, and documented interventions that appear most useful in addressing burnout in forensic psychology. How burnout is influenced by vicarious traumatization and compassion fatigue are discussed, in addition to how vicarious resiliency may aid in diminishing he effects of burnout. The term vicarious is utilized throughout this literature review as a differentiation for trauma or resiliency that is experienced via the client’s shared experiences, rather than a personal experience. A proposed burnout group specific for forensic psychologists is offered as well.
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