NCJ Number
136056
Date Published
1990
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This handbook intends to help victims advocates identify sources of stress and burnout; learn how to manage the stressors in their professional and personal lives; and devise ways to prevent stress, cope with stress, and avoid burnout.
Abstract
The book first defines environmental stress (caused by persons or situations outside the individual) and internal stress (conflict produced from within self) and then outlines the consequences of stress. The latter are divided into mild and extreme forms of physical symptoms of stress, emotional symptoms, and behavioral symptoms. Stressors likely to attend the work of victim advocates are then described. These include victim problems and personalities, the unpredictability and unresponsiveness of the criminal justice system, inadequate working conditions, guilt, and daily exposure to victim trauma. Burnout as an extreme form of stress experienced over a long period is described along with the types of personalities likely to experience burnout. Ways to prevent burnout and cope with stress are suggested. They include the identification of specific stressors, the development of techniques and attitudes that will control the stressors and reduce stressful reactions, and regular activities and habits that will relieve harmful reactions to stress. Appended supplementary information and an 8-item bibliography