Vicarious Trauma: A Comparison of Clinicians Who Treat Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Offenders

• NCJ Number: 222994
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2004 Pages: 49-71
• Author(s): Ineke Way; Karen M. VanDeusen; Gail Martin; Brooks Applegate; Deborah Jandle
• Date Published: January 2004
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study conducted a comparison of vicarious trauma in a random sample of male and female clinicians who treat survivors and those who treat offenders building on existing research to test models of coping strategies that help minimize traumatic effects on therapists.

Abstract

Results indicate high levels of avoidance and intrusions. Variables associated with vicarious trauma differed based on client population served. The term vicarious traumatization was first used to describe pervasive changes that occur within clinicians over time as a result of working with clients who have experienced sexual trauma; these changes include changes in the clinician’s sense of self, spirituality, worldview, interpersonal relationships and behavior. Because the effects of vicarious traumatization are far-reaching, it is crucial to the well-being of clients and clinicians to recognize and resolve vicarious traumatization. This study used a large random sample of male and female therapists who were members of two professional organizations to compare levels of vicarious trauma in clinicians who treat survivors and those who treat sexual offenders. It also examined variables associated with vicarious trauma and personal and professional coping strategies. It was hypothesized that (1) clinicians would report avoidance and intrusions trauma falling within the clinical range, (2) childhood maltreatment history and longer time providing sexual abuse treatment would be associated with higher levels of vicarious trauma, (3) greater use of positive personal and positive professional coping strategies would be associated with less vicarious trauma, (4) greater use of negative personal coping strategies would be associated with greater vicarious trauma, and (5) clinicians who treat offenders would report levels of avoidance and intrusions similar to those reported by clinicians who treat survivors. Tables, references