Factors Influencing Vicarious Traumatization for Therapists of Survivors of Sexual Victimization

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study features an examination of selected personal (e.g., spirituality, personal trauma history) and practice variables (e.g., career longevity, caseload, peer supervision) that may promote vicarious traumatization among therapists serving adult survivors of sexual victimization versus therapists serving child survivors of sexual victimization. Survey packets, containing the Traumatic Stress Institute Beliefs Scale, the Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale, and a demographic questionnaire, were mailed to therapists identified through employment at rape crisis counseling centers and children's advocacy centers in five southeastern states. Respondents were 114 self-identified female sexual trauma therapists. Data were analyzed through a regression analysis. Results of the study indicate the variable of personal trauma history was a statistically significant predictor of VT for therapists serving child survivors of sexual trauma. Further, no statistically significant differences between the ...