Vicarious Trauma Coping and Self-Care Practices Among Trauma Therapists
Date
2017
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Publisher
Walden University
Abstract
Therapists who specialize in trauma therapy are indirectly exposed traumatic events
presented by clients within the therapeutic relationship. The potential consequences for
trauma therapists may be the risk of vicarious trauma. Effective coping and self-care are
essential in the practice of trauma work. The research question for this study is: Do
coping skills and self-care practices in trauma therapists moderate the disruptive effect of
vicarious trauma on the fulfillment of their psychological needs (trust/dependence and
control)? The purpose of this research study was to examine quantitatively, the role of
trauma therapists’ beliefs in the effectiveness of coping skills and time spent devoted to
self-care practices as moderators of the disruptive effect of vicarious trauma on their
fulfillment of psychological needs of trust/dependence and control. Based on the
constructive self-development theory, this study explored 2 psychological needs areas
including trust/dependence and control. A sample of therapists with 10 years or more
experience in the field and who primarily treated traumatized populations were recruited.
A survey design methodology via a customized internet-based system was used to
administer the trauma and attachment belief scale and the coping inventory scale. A
hierarchical multiple regression analysis was completed to address the research question
and hypotheses. The results of regression analysis supported the research question.
Contributions to positive social change include increased awareness of the risk of
vicarious trauma and potential coping strategies necessary to address this phenomenon.
Therapists may then enhance their therapeutic effectiveness and organizational service
delivery to traumatized client populations.
Description
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Keywords
self-care, vicarious trauma, therapist, research
Citation
Zaccari, A. (2017). Vicarious Trauma Coping and Self-Care Practices Among Trauma Therapists. (Doctoral dissertation). Walden University.