An invitation to pay attention: A quantitative study of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress in child advocacy employees, volunteers and interns
Date
2013
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Publisher
Smith College
Abstract
Vicarious trauma (VT) and secondary traumatic stress (STS) are two concepts that are
recognized in the professional helping fields as potential risks of working with trauma survivors.
This study examined VT and STS among staff members of Children’s Advocacy Centers across
the United States. Variables that were hypothesized to impact STS and VT were identified and
their correlations were analyzed statistically. Two scales, the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale
and the World Assumptions Scale, were used to measure rates of STS and VT among
participants. This study also examined the relationship between education, additional training,
age, gender, responsibilities, time working at the agency, caseload, hours worked and personal
trauma and VT and STS. Statistical Results indicated that there was a positive correlation
between level of education and STS as well as the age of the helper and The lack of relationship
between personal trauma history and rates of VT and STS was notable. This and other findings
are addressed. Implications for future research, training, program practice, and policy are also
discussed.
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Keywords
Children's Advocacy Center, vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, research, service providers, training, policy
Citation
Thurmer, I. C. (2013). An invitation to pay attention: A quantitative study of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress in child advocacy employees, volunteers and interns [Doctoral dissertation]. Smith College.