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Christopher Howard is a 2010 graduate of the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Santa Barbara.
Keywords
resiliency, posttraumatic growth, vicarious traumatization, spirituality, multiple regression, secondary trauma
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2010
Abstract
Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth (VPG) and Vicarious Traumatization (VT) are two potential outcomes of clinical work with trauma survivors. The aim of this study was to test a predictive model of these constructs, allowing a fuller understanding of preventive strategies clinicians might employ to inoculate themselves against the potential hazards of service provision and provide the highest quality of clinical care. VPG and VT were investigated in 63 self-identified trauma therapists. The results showed that VPG is facilitated by engagement in successful services subsequent to a traumatic event. Self-Care emerged as a poignant buffer against various indices of vicarious traumatization. Other study variables including spiritual beliefs and practices, and years practicing were correlated with vicarious traumatization but failed to reach significance in a majority of regression models due to the small sample size. Directions for future research and practice are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Howard, C. (2010). Promoting Resiliency: Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth in Trauma Clinicians. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/124