Advancing Science and Practice for Vicarious Traumatization/Secondary Traumatic Stress: A Research Agenda

• NCJ Number: 251683
• Journal: Traumatology Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: 2017 Pages: 129-142
• Author(s): B. E. Molnar; Ginny Sprang; Kyle D. Killian; Ruth Gottfried; Vanessa Emery; Brian E. Bride
• Date Published: 2017
• Length: 23 pages
• Grant Number(s): VF-GX-K011
• Sponsoring Agency: Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
• Publication Format: Article; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reviews existing research on vicarious trauma (VT) or secondary traumatic stress (STS) experienced by workers regularly exposed to the traumatic events of others, and it outlines a research agenda for addressing VT/STS in the workplace.

Abstract

Professionals working in the fields of trauma, victim assistance, mental health, law enforcement, fire response, emergency medical services, and other service professions are regularly exposed to traumatic events, which puts them at risk for VT/STS. VT/STS is thus considered an occupational challenge for all of these professions. Research can assist in the development of strategies to avoid being left vulnerable to the adverse impacts of this work. This article presents an agenda for such research, which is divided into the three aforementioned areas. (Publisher abstract modified)