Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth Among Interpreters

Abstract

An emerging evidence base indicates that posttraumatic growth might be experienced vicariously by those working alongside trauma survivors. In this study we explored the vicarious experiences of eight interpreters working in a therapeutic setting with asylum seekers and refugees. We adopted a qualitative approach, using semistructured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four interrelated themes emerged from the findings: feeling what your client feels, beyond belief, finding your own way to deal with it, and a different person. Although all participants experienced distress, they also perceived themselves to have grown in some way. The implications for a theory of vicarious posttraumatic growth are discussed, along with clinical applications.

Vicarious posttraumatic growth: A systematic literature review

“…Professionals working with refugees experienced changes in their values and priorities, spiritual growth, greater personal strength, and enhanced interpersonal relationships (Barrington & ShakespeareFinch, 2013), all consistent with Tedeschi and Calhoun's (1996) conceptualisation of direct posttraumatic growth. Similar changes were noted among psychotherapists (Arnold et al, 2005), social workers (Shamai & Ron, 2009), interpreters (Splevins et al, 2010), and support workers (Guhan & Liebling-Kalifani, 2011).…”

“…For example, participants reporting VPTG reflected upon the resiliency of mankind in general (Arnold et al, 2005;Splevins et al, 2010), which is more abstract than the sense of increased personal strength generally reported by direct trauma survivors (e.g., Hefferon, Grealy, & Mutrie, 2009). In addition, while direct trauma survivors often report personal spiritual growth, therapists reported a type of spiritual broadening, referring to the acceptance of spiritual beliefs as a helpful healing tool following trauma, without experiencing any personal belief changes (Arnold et al, 2005).…”

“…Participants spoke of the realisation that their work was valuable, that they had the ability to make a difference in the lives of direct trauma survivors, and that their experience had enhanced their professional capabilities (Barrington & Shakespeare-Finch, 2013;Guhan & Liebling-Kalifani, 2011;Bentar, 2000;Satkunanayagam, Tunariu, & Tribe, 2010;Shamai & Ron, 2009;Splevins et al, 2010). Overall, VPTG made participants feel more competent in their workplace.…”

“…The term vicarious traumatic exposure has been used in the literature to refer to indirect traumatic exposure, for example exposure to direct trauma survivors and/or the aversive details of a traumatic event, rather than exposure to a traumatic event itself (e.g., Brockhouse, Msetfi, Cohen & Joseph, 2011). A growing body of literature documents VPTG among health professionals (e.g., Shiri, Wexler, Alkalay, Meiner, & Kreitler, 2008a), interpreters (e.g., Splevins, Cohen, Joseph, Murray & Bowley, 2010) and members of the public (e.g., Linley, Joseph, Cooper, Harris, & Meyer, 2003); however, to date a comprehensive evaluation and review of the literature has not been conducted.…”

Not Just “Getting by”: Factors Influencing Providers’ Choice of Interpreters

“…15 If untrained interpreters are unprepared for interpreting tasks, they may experience discomfort and even vicarious trauma. 10,38,39 If bilingual providers overestimate their linguistic skills or view communication as a means of gathering clinical information (rather than addressing patients' concerns), 6,33 patient satisfaction can be at risk. 40 If providers mistakes an interpreter's or their own linguistic and cultural competencies, they are likely to contribute to compromised care.…”