Trauma Work, Sense of Coherence, and Positive and Negative Changes in Therapists

Abstract

Background: The negative effects of vicarious traumatization through trauma work are well known. However, a growing body of evidence testifies to the positive effects that have been reported following trauma. This study explored the potential positive effects of trauma work on therapists, with a focus on the associations of the personality construct ‘sense of coherence’ with both positive and negative changes. Methods: The study examined the positive and negative effects of trauma work in an international sample of 85 therapists. Participants completed measures of their trauma work experience, sense of coherence and positive and negative changes they experienced as a result of their trauma work. Results: A greater sense of coherence was associated with fewer negative changes and more positive changes. Conclusions: Adversarial growth in therapists deserves further enquiry to allow a more detailed understanding of the factors and processes involved.