The current study investigated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and vicarious trauma (VT) symptoms among mental health professionals (MHPs) working in communities exposed to high levels of trauma related to rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip. The study assessed direct and vicarious traumatic exposure. The study also explored the relationship between professional supports (for example, training, supervision) and sense of professional self-efficacy with MHPs' PTSD and VT symptoms. Results indicate that MHPs working in the more severely affected community of Sderot reported higher objective, subjective, and professional exposure as well as higher levels of PTSD and VT symptoms compared with MHPs working in some of the other Gaza-bordering communities. Although PTSD and VT were found to be highly correlated, there were some distinct predictors. PTSD was predicted by professional experience, subjective exposure, and professional self-efficacy. VT was further predicted by years of education and professional support. The findings indicate that MHPs exposed to concurrent primary trauma and VT are at increased risk for psychological distress and may require targeted interventions to boost their resilience. Opportunities for respite, interventions to increase professional self-efficacy, and appropriate professional supports may buffer the effects of concurrent primary trauma and VT exposure.

Significant differences were found among the groups in the rates of PTSD (27%, 15%, and 26%, respectively), but no differences were found in dissociation. A significant relationship was found between PTSD symptoms and cumulative trauma among the three groups, but no such relationship was found between dissociation and cumulative trauma. The differences among the groups were discussed in light of the unique characteristics of cumulative trauma, PTSD and dissociation among Ethiopian refugees.

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A significant relationship was found between PTSD symptoms and avoidance coping over and above immigration wave and traumatic events. Dissociation was positively associated with passivity and antisocial coping and negatively associated with social joining and level of religiosity, over and above immigration wave and traumatic events. The findings are discussed in the light of the coping strategies employed by Ethiopian refugees.