Stress and coping in social service providers after Superstorm Sandy: An examination of a postdisaster psychoeducational intervention.

Abstract

Social service providers play a critical role in disaster recovery yet are disproportionately affected by disaster-related distress such as burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Psychosocial interventions designed for social service providers in the aftermath of a disaster are critical to aid in recovery. This article examines the impact of the Caregivers Journey of Hope (CJoH), a psychosocial intervention designed to alleviate stress and amplify coping resources in caregivers after a disaster. Social service providers (N ϭ 722) living and working in New York and New Jersey during Superstorm Sandy were surveyed before and after participation in the CJoH. The surveys examined knowledge, stress, satisfaction, future orientation, and social support. Paired samples t tests illustrated all of the scale items significantly improved across time for the participants following participation in the CJoH. Significant negative correlations existed between current stress, coping knowledge, and perceived ability to handle stress. Results of a regression analysis found that social support was positively related to higher levels of knowledge of community resources, awareness of the signs of stress, and knowledge of coping strategies and mindfulness breathing techniques. Fewer years of work experience and higher satisfaction with the CJoH were also associated with significant gains in several types of knowledge. Implications for ways through which psychosocial interventions such as the CJoH may reduce the negative psychological impact on disaster-affected social service providers are discussed.

A neglected aspect of refugee relief works: Secondary and vicarious traumatic stress

“…Although some published intervention studies have explored treatments or interventions aimed at reducing the symptoms of stress, burnout, and STS in professionals who provide mental health services and psychosocial support or in the context of other professions (Asplund, 2019;Berger & Gelkopf 2011;Brinkborg, 2011;Feldman, 2019;Gardner, 2005;Ghannam, 2020;Iyamuremye & Brysiewicz, 2015;Koehler, 2012;Powell et al, 2019;Roby, 2008;Wersebe et al, 2018), there is a paucity of intervention studies specifically focused on the prevention of or treatment for secondary traumatization or indirect trauma among refugee service providers. In the light of the findings from the present review, it is clear that there is an insufficient number of intervention studies focused on this population.…”

In the aftermath: The effects of hurricanes Harvey and Maria on the well-being of health-care and social service providers.

“…This puts them at greater risk for their own mental and physical distress (Cocker & Joss, 2016). Previous mental health symptoms, personal trauma history, high caseloads, maladaptive coping skills, and less experience in the field may also compound providers’ risk for psychological distress (Finklestein, Stein, Greene, Bronstein, & Solomon, 2015; Michalopoulos & Aparicio, 2012; Newell & MacNeil, 2010; Powell, Wegmann, & Shin, 2019). Such distress can manifest in symptoms ranging from engagement in high-risk behaviors to mental health–related issues like PTSD, anxiety, secondary traumatic stress (STS), burnout, and depression (Benedek et al, 2007; Craig & Sprang, 2010; Figley, 1995; 2013).…”

“…Although providers are at risk for disaster-related distress, the degree to which they experience trauma and other mental health concerns varies by individual based on personal and environmental protective factors. Personal protective factors such as high social support, self-efficacy, and healthy personal coping styles can buffer the impact of the disaster (Cohen & Collens, 2013; Harrison & Westwood, 2009; Hunter & Schofield, 2006; Powell et al, 2019; Shoji et al, 2014). Environmental protective factors, specifically aspects of the organizational or institutional environment, have also been shown to reduce the likelihood of provider burnout.…”

Pilot trial of a transdiagnostic computerized anxiety sensitivity intervention among VA primary care patients

“…Some Veterans even requested more information on anxiety and stress symptoms, highlighting the importance of the educational component. As psychoeducation has been shown to be effective across many different treatment settings and outcomes (e.g., Norr et al, 2017b ; Perry et al., 2017 ; Powell et al., 2019 ), finding ways to increase accessibility to psychoeducational content could be one method to further engage Veterans in primary care in mental health treatment.…”