Vicarious Post-traumatic Growth in Professionals Exposed to Traumatogenic Material: A Systematic Literature Review
Date
2022
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Trauma, Violence, & Abuse
Abstract
Repeated exposure to traumatogenic material as part of work with traumatised individuals can have detrimental effects on
professionals’ well-being. Growing research has explored this phenomenon, known as ‘vicarious traumatisation’. Nevertheless,
little research has focused on the positive effects of this work on professionals, namely, ‘vicarious post-traumatic growth’. This
literature review aims to identify existing research demonstrating mental health professionals’ experiences of growth, along
with environmental and personal factors that facilitate this growth. Eight qualitative and seven quantitative articles were
identified following a systematic search of six electronic databases and assessed for their quality using standardised checklists.
Qualitative studies were assessed using the Quality Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Studies (NICE, 2012), and quantitative
studies were assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (Downes et al., 2016). Professionals described
changes in the way they view themselves, the value they place on their relationships and their appreciation for life. Important
organisational factors and personal traits were identified as significant predictors for professionals’ growth. Our findings have
the potential to inform practical recommendations and directions for future research.
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Keywords
United Kingdom, International Resources, traumatisation, vicarious trauma, mental health professionals, professionals’ well-being, post-traumatic growth
Citation
Tsirimokou, A., Kloess, J. A., & Dhinse, S. K. (2022). Vicarious Post-traumatic Growth in Professionals Exposed to Traumatogenic Material: A Systematic Literature Review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 15248380221082079.