Vicarious Trauma Among Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners

Abstract

Vicarious trauma (VT), the phenomenon of changes in cognition and worldview that result from empathic response and repeated exposure to narratives of trauma, is a risk for helping professionals. This descriptive, correlational study sought to examine levels of VT among sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) as compared with other women's health nurses. It also explored whether levels of VT are different for nurses who have experienced primary trauma alone, VT alone, or both personal trauma and VT. VT was assessed through an anonymous online survey using the nurses' total scores on the Trauma and Attachment Belief Scale. Trauma and Attachment Belief Scale scores were significantly higher for SANEs (M = 178.5, SD = 42.6) than for women's health nurses (M = 168.1, SD = 41.4; p = 0.025), indicating higher levels of trauma-related cognitive disruption in the SANE group. Scores were also significantly higher for both groups with personal trauma histories at the p < 0.05 level compared with the women's health nurses with no personal history. SANEs who had no personal history of trauma did not differ significantly from either group of nurses who did, suggesting that VT from working as an SANE is associated with levels of cognitive disruption similar to oneself having experienced trauma. Nurses should be aware of this phenomenon and its sequelae when choosing to pursue the specialty of sexual assault nursing. Hospitals and other organizations employing SANEs should also be aware of VT and provide a support system with resources in place to mitigate these effects. Future research should further explore effects of primary trauma versus VT, clinical manifestations and significance of varying levels of VT, and interventions and strategies for dealing with VT.

Trauma-Informed Care: Essential Elements for Pediatric Health Care

“…It is vital that they understand they are not alone in experiencing trauma and that there are others with similar lived experiences. Peer support is also crucial for health care providers working with victims of trauma, because they are at risk for experiencing vicarious trauma (Raunick et al, 2015). The fourth fundamental concept involves collaboration and mutuality.…”

The impact of vicarious trauma on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health researchers

“…Risks for researchers or clinicians working with repeated exposure to traumatic experiences include the cognitive changes that can cause an altered worldview. 10 In many cases, the shift in cognition is a negative change 11 , and the world is viewed through a deleterious lens. 12 This shift in cognition may manifest in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and perceptions of a lack of safety, mood swings and the increased use of alcohol, caffeine or other drugs.…”

“…The shift in worldview experienced by people dealing with vicarious trauma can also affect relationships, particularly with family and friends. 10 Universities and research institutes should ensure that researchers conducting research with Indigenous communities are made aware of the potential for vicarious trauma. To support this, vicarious trauma protocols should be developed to safeguard study participants and researchers.…”

Brazilian Portuguese translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and apparent validation of the Trauma and Attachment Belief Scale

“…6,7 The Trauma and Attachment Belief Scale (TABS) is an American self-report, paper-and-pencil psychometric instrument developed to assess the effects of direct traumatization and the impact of indirectly experienced trauma. 8,9 It was designed with items that do not focus on trauma-related symptoms, and it measures beliefs related to five need areas that are sensitive to the effects of trauma: safety, trust, esteem, intimacy, and control. It utilizes separated sets of items within each need area, approaching beliefs about oneself and those about others.…”