From negative to positive effects of secondary exposure to trauma – the mediating role of cognitive coping strategies

• Authors: Nina Ogińska-Bulik , Paulina Michalska , Zygfryd Juczyński

Abstracts

EN

Background Professionals working with trauma victims can experience both negative and positive effects following exposure to secondary trauma. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between secondary traumatic stress (STS), secondary posttraumatic growth (SPTG) and cognitive coping strategies and to establish the mediating role of cognitive coping strategies in the relationship between STS and SPTG. Material and Methods A group of 500 professionals working with trauma survivors were surveyed. The Secondary Traumatic Stress Inventory, the Secondary Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and the Cognitive Processing of Trauma Scale was used. Results The results indicated that 29% of professionals demonstrate a high intensity of STS, and nearly 34% exhibit a high level of SPTG. Denial and regret were positively correlated with STS; positive cognitive restructuring, resolution/acceptance and downward comparison were positively related to SPTG. Two cognitive coping strategies, i.e., positive cognitive restructuring and downward comparison, were found to act as mediators in the relationship between STS and SPTG. Conclusions Understanding the effects of secondary exposure to trauma and the coping responses of professionals working with trauma survivors will support the development of prevention and intervention actions aimed at protecting them from the deleterious impact of exposure to secondary trauma at work and promoting secondary posttraumatic growth.

Keywords

EN

stress; professionals; exposure to secondary trauma; secondary posttraumatic stress; secondary posttraumatic growth; cognitive coping strategies

• Publisher: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. dra Jerzego Nofera w Łodzi
• Journal: Medycyna Pracy
• Year: 2023
• Volume: 74
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 449-460

Dates

published

2023

Contributors

author

Nina Ogińska-Bulik

• University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland (Department of Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology)

author

Paulina Michalska

• University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland (Department of Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology)

author

Zygfryd Juczyński

• WSB Merito University, Łódź, Poland

Identifiers

DOI

10.13075/mp.5893.01432

Biblioteka Nauki

28410620