Secondary Traumatic Stress and Oncology Social Work

Abstract

Secondary traumatic stress (STS) represents a disorder that has the same symptoms as post traumatic stress disorder, but results from vicariously experiencing trauma through association with those directly encountering the traumatic event(s). This exploratory study examined STS in 21 oncology social workers who were members of the Association of Oncology Social Workers. The results of this study revealed that oncology social workers experienced compassion fatigue and burnout and that these variables were inversely related to compassion satisfaction. Other relationships between emotional involvement, ability to separate work from home, level of licensure, personal loss, and empathetic responsiveness were also examined.

Secondary Traumatic Stress, Mental State, and Work Ability in Nurses—Results of a Psychological Risk Assessment at a University Hospital

“…The psychological and work-related consequences of secondary traumatic stress in nurses have seldom been studied. Reports so far demonstrated relatively high levels of STS in nurses (19), described risk factors (26) and emotional consequences such as compassion fatigue and burnout (27,28). Our study expands these studies by showing high amounts of secondary traumatic experiences in nurses from different nursing specialties, demonstrating that those who are burdened by secondary traumatic stress report higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, and demonstrating consequences in the workplace.…”

Secondary Traumatization in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses: Validation of Five Key Concepts

“…The relationships that developed between the nurses and their clients had the potential to alter or transform the nurses' worldview to include the way in which she experienced self, others, and the world (Simon et al., ). The quality of the engagement appeared to guide the flow and direction of the process and its potential outcome for ST.…”

“…ST occurs as a natural consequence of caring between two people: one who has been traumatized and the other who is affected by the first's traumatic experience (Figley, , ). Empathy and exposure are central in the development of ST (Beck, ; Sinclair & Hamill, ) and can alter the way in which the nurse experiences self, others, and the world (Simon, Pryce, Roff, & Klemmack, ).…”

Specialized disaster behavioral health training: Its connection with response, practice, trauma health, and resilience

“…14,18 Studies have indicated that compassion satisfaction is inversely associated with compassion fatigue and burnout. 43,44 …”