Vicarious trauma in mental health care providers

Abstract

A study on mental health care providers experiencing vicarious trauma and implications in not addressing it is the purpose of this study. This study utilized the Vicarious Trauma Scale to assess symptoms of vicarious trauma on mental health care providers. The objective of the study was to inform mental health care providers and administrative groups on the necessary actions that must be considered for mental health care providers experiencing vicarious trauma. A factor analysis was used to analyze results from a survey provided to a purposive sample of health care providers at an academic health sciences center. Results: This group of mental health care providers, results indicate they were exposed to traumatic themes, regardless of their professional role. Factor analysis confirmed a strong indication for exposure to vicarious trauma. Negative effects of vicarious trauma may cause mental health care providers long-lasting impairment. Appropriate interventions may prevent long-term negative effects, improve quality of care and patient satisfaction, and maintain mental health care providers in their positions.