An evolutionary concept analysis of secondary traumatic stress in nurses

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide conceptual clarification of secondary traumatic stress (STS) in nurses.Background: As an empathetic helping profession, nurses are at increased risk for STS. Interchangeable usage of related terms among multidisciplinary literature has resulted in lack of conceptual clarity resulting in conflation of terms. Conceptual clarity is necessary for a foundation for further research on treatment.Methods: Rodgers' evolutionary model of concept analysis.Results: Nurses are predisposed to STS due to exposure, empathy, bonding, and personal factors. Essential attributes were found to be posttraumatic stress disorderlike symptoms, biological symptoms, social symptoms, and psychological symptoms.Resultant consequences included an altered worldview, interpersonal difficulties, and decreased occupational commitment.Conclusion: This concept analysis, the first focusing on STS, provides conceptual clarity and a concept map of STS within the nursing population.

Secondary traumatic stress in nurses working with patients with suspected/confirmed COVID‐19 in Turkey

“…There are three sets of systems defined as symptoms of STS: Intrusive re‐experiencing of traumatic material, avoidance of trauma triggers and emotions, and increased physical arousal 18 . When suffering from STS, the nurse begins to become ineffective, and professional commitment decreases 19 . A further study stated that there is a positive relationship between STS and occupational burnout 20 …”

Moral distress: A theorized model of influences to facilitate mitigation and resilience

“…Occupational stress refers to job‐related factors such as the level of support from hospital management, rigidity of organizational policy, and staff resourcing impacting on psychological function (McGibbon et al, 2010). Empathetic engagement with those in nurses’ care and repeated exposure to the suffering of others are linked to the concepts of secondary traumatic stress or vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue (Arnold, 2020; Peters, 2018). However, McCarthy and Deady (2008) caution that while a stressful work environment may cause emotional distress, if this stress is not related to an underlying moral issue, it should not be considered moral distress.…”

Happiness at work and psychological trauma in nurses

“…Acrescenta-se que a presença de filhos pode tornar-se um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de trauma psicológico (13) , principalmente na presença de crianças pequenas, em razão da possível comparação/atribuição de significado à hospitalização de uma criança e à situação do seu próprio(a) filho(a), causando grande sofrimento psicológico (4,15) .…”

“…Algumas das situações que presenciam são inesperadas e incontroláveis, como a morte ou o sofrimento de pacientes, erros técnicos, complicações agudas (11) e situações de parada cardiorrespiratória (12) . Mais anos de experiência profissional (13) , maior carga de trabalho, pressões laborais, baixa satisfação com o trabalho (14) e atribuição de significado pessoal a eventos traumáticos no trabalho (15) representam fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de trauma psicológico em enfermeiros. Apesar disso, níveis baixos de trauma psicológico em profissionais de enfermagem são relatados (4,13,16) .…”