Secondary Traumatic Stress in Foster Carers: Risk Factors and Implications for Intervention

Abstract

Objectives Fostering, a professional or semi-professional role that is in increasing demand, involves potential exposure to material related to children's trauma in a domestic setting. Yet, professional vulnerability to secondary traumatic stress (STS) is under-researched in foster carers, as is the suitability of associated intervention techniques. We therefore investigated incidence of STS and psychological predictors relevant to secondary and primary stress appraisal in UK foster carers. Methods British foster carers (n = 187; 81% female; aged 23-72 years; mean length of experience 9 years) were approached through a range of organizations managing paid foster caring in the UK for a survey study. Self-report measures were obtained on STS, burnout and compassion satisfaction from the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale, as well as on primary trauma and variables previously recommended for inclusion in training targeting secondary trauma: empathy, resilience and self-care. Results High levels of STS and burnout were found among foster carers. In multivariate model testing, STS was directly and positively predicted by burnout, compassion satisfaction and primary trauma (R 2 = 0.54, p < 0.001). Resilience, empathy and self-care did not show direct associations with STS, but self-care had a significant indirect effect on STS. Conclusions Findings support the view that STS is a substantial risk factor in foster caring. While self-care is confirmed as a promising factor in intervention, the roles of empathy and resilience are more ambiguous.

Secondary traumatic stress, burnout and compassion satisfaction among Flemish foster care workers during the COVID-19 lockdown

“…Several statistically significant associations were found between STS, burnout and CS on the one hand and work, client and personal factors on the other hand. Moreover, CS was also found to be negatively correlated with both STS and burnout, confirming the assumption that CS is a protective factor for CF (Baugerud & Vangbaek, 2018;Bridger et al, 2020;Conrad & Kellar-Guenther, 2006;Stamm, 2010;Van Hook et al, 2008).…”

“…CS comprises a certain kind of altruism and includes feelings of satisfaction and pleasure of being able to perform a meaningful job and help people effectively (Figley, 1995;Stamm, 2010). Research evidence supports the assumption that CS helps to counteract CF and is a protective factor for STS and burnout (Baugerud & Vangbaek, 2018;Bridger et al, 2020;Conrad & Kellar-Guenther, 2006;Hamama, 2012;Stamm, 2010;Van Hook et al, 2008).…”

“…Personal characteristics such as young, female, personal trauma history and little social support from family and friends are associated with high levels of STS and burnout (Barford & Whelton, 2010; Baugerud & Vangbæk, 2018; Boyas & Wind, 2010; Bride et al, 2007; Bridger et al, 2020; Dagan et al, 2016; Hamama, 2012; Lizano & Mor Barak, 2012; Meyers & Cornille, 2002; Rienks, 2020; Salloum et al, 2015; Sprang et al, 2011; Van Hook et al, 2008). Both more (Meyers & Cornille, 2002; Salloum et al, 2015) and less professional experience (Boyas & Wind, 2010; Dagan et al, 2016; Hamama, 2012) were associated with high levels of STS and burnout.…”

“…Additionally, teleworking increases social isolation (Mann & Holdsworth, 2003) which can result in less social support at work. Low levels of CS and social support at work are both associated with high levels of STS and burnout (Bride et al, 2007; Bridger et al, 2020; Conrad & Kellar-Guenther, 2006; Hamama, 2012; Lizano & Mor Barak, 2012; Stamm, 2010; Van Hook et al, 2008).…”

Foster care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis of caregiver and professional experiences

“…Prior to COVID-19, these professionals already experienced high levels of institutional stress with large caseloads, chronic understaffing and turnover as the norm ( Paris & Hoge, 2010 ; Rupert & Morgan, 2005 ). High doses of indirect trauma exposure for these professionals including foster parents were common as was the risk for developing symptoms of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and related conditions such as burnout ( Bridger et al, 2020 ; Cieslak et al, 2014 ; Hannah & Woolgar, 2018 ; Singh et al, 2020 ; Whitt-Woosley et al, 2020 ). Emerging research on the effects of COVID-19 related stressors and experiences of STS and burnout in professionals and caregivers in foster care found statistically significant increases in STS related symptoms from pre-pandemic baseline to summer 2020 in addition to frequent experiencing of numerous COVID-19 related stressors (blinded for review).…”