Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale Research Articles

Exploring Secondary Traumatic Stress as a Post-Pandemic Challenge for Healthcare Workers Practicing in Saudi Arabia.

In this study, we aim to determine post-pandemic level of secondary traumatic stress and the associated factors among healthcare workers practicing in the Western province of Saudi Arabia. Healthcare workers practicing at public health sector of the Western province of Saudi Arabia. Received Web-based Self-administered questionnaire, assessing post-pandemic Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS), using Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS). A total of 380 responses received. Logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors of secondary traumatic stress (STS). Females had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing STS (OR=2.425, p<0.001). Doctors were significantly more likely to experience STS compared to other specialties (OR=2.863, p=0.016). Participants sleeping 7hours were associated with a lower likelihood of STS (OR=0.427, p=0.016), while sleeping 6hours showed a trend towards lower STS but was not statistically significant (p=0.068). Participants aged 50 and above were significantly less likely to experience STS (OR=0.275, p=0.021). Lastly, Saudi nationals were significantly more likely to experience STS compared to non-Saudis (OR=2.717, p=0.014). Female healthcare workers, doctors, and those younger than 50 years old were all found to be at a significantly higher risk of STS. Interestingly, sleep duration emerged as a potential protective factor, with those sleeping 7hours exhibiting a lower risk of STS. Finally, the analysis revealed a higher prevalence of STS among Saudi nationals compared to non-Saudis.

Manifestations and drivers of secondary trauma among service providers working with Syrian refugees: A mixed-methods study from Istanbul, Turkey

This mixed-methods study explores the incidence, manifestations, and drivers of secondary traumatic stress among service providers who work with Syrian refugees in Istanbul, Turkey. A survey of 104 social workers and other providers working in 17 public and civil society agencies in Istanbul in 2018 demonstrates that 54.81% had Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale scores indicating mild to severe secondary traumatic stress. In total, 28 qualitative interviews showed manifestations and possible drivers of secondary traumatic stress including weak supervision, heavy caseloads, and insecure working conditions. The findings suggest supervision and peer-support should be strengthened to address secondary traumatic stress among providers serving refugees.

The Mediating Effect of Rumination in the Relationship between Secondary Traumatic Stress and Self-Compassion in Psychosocial Support Providers

The aim of this study is to determine whether rumination has a mediating role in the relationship between secondary traumatic stress and self-compassion levels of professionals who provide psychosocial assistance to survivors after the earthquake in Turkey on 6 February 2023. The research was organized in accordance with the relational screening model. Within the scope of Turkey Disaster Response Plan, 153 professionals including social workers, psychologists and psychological counselors who provide psychosocial assistance to earthquake survivors participated in the study. The research data were collected through an online survey link using the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, Ruminative Reaction Scale and Personal Information Form. In the analysis of the data; descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and PROCESS Macro (Model 4) were used in the mediation test. According to the results of the study, the direct (β = −0.204) and indirect (β = −0.175) effects of self-compassion on secondary traumatic stress are statistically significant and negative. Therefore, it was determined that rumination played a significant mediating role in this interaction. Accordingly, it is understood that increasing self-compassion and regulating rumination reactions are important in reducing the secondary traumatic stress levels of professionals providing psychosocial assistance. There is a need for more research into the factors that influence the secondary traumatic stress of mental health workers who intervene with traumatized people.

Relationships Among Secondary Traumatic Stress, Mindfulness, Compassion Satisfaction, and Compassion Fatigue in Psychiatric Nurses.

To examine relationships among secondary traumatic stress, mindfulness, compassion satisfaction, and compassion fatigue in psychiatric nurses. Participants comprised 142 nurses working in two psychiatric hospitals in the same province of Turkey. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction subscales of the Professional Quality of Life Scale. A significant and negative correlation was found between secondary traumatic stress, mindfulness, and compassion satisfaction, and between mindfulness and compassion fatigue. A significant and positive correlation was found between secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue, as well as between mindfulness and compassion satisfaction (p < 0.05). Findings demonstrate that mindfulness may be a protective factor in preventing secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue in psychiatric nurses. It is recommended that in-service training be organized periodically to increase levels of conscious awareness among psychiatric nurses. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Traumatic Stress, Psychological Well-being, and Sociodemographic Correlates in High-stress Environments among Healthcare Professionals

Background Healthcare staff provide crucial services to their patients; hence, their well-being is essential to ensure they offer the best services with minimal harm to their health. Aim This study aimed to identify associations of traumatic stress, psychological well-being, and sociodemographic variables to provide insight into the experiences and feelings of healthcare personnel in high-stress settings. Furthermore, we will examine how sociodemographic factors and traumatic stress impact the psychological well-being of high-stress environment healthcare professionals. Objective This research investigated the relationship between traumatic stress, psychological well-being, and sociodemographic factors in high-stress environments among healthcare personnel in different medical units. It was hypothesized that sociodemographic variables and traumatic stress will predict psychological well-being among healthcare workers who work in high-stress environments. Furthermore, there will be differences in traumatic stress and psychological well-being based on sociodemographic variables among healthcare workers working in high-stress environments. will experience high l Methods To accomplish this goal, an online survey including sociodemographic information, standardized questionnaires of Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, and a Brief Inventory of Thriving were administered to healthcare personnel (N=290) to collect data for sociodemographic characteristics, traumatic stress levels, and psychological well-being. The results were processed by using SPSS. The descriptive statistics measured participants' characteristics, traumatic stress levels, and psychological well-being. The pearson product-moment correlation, regression analysis, and ANOVA were used to measure the relationship and impact of sociodemographic factors, traumatic stress, and psychological well-being. Results A significant inverse relationship between traumatic stress and psychological well-being (r= -0.518, p &lt; 0.05) was reported. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis provided the predictive association of traumatic stress and negative well-being (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, ANOVA was conducted to measure the differences in socio- demographic variables of traumatic stress and the psychological well-being level of healthcare professionals. Conclusion The results of this research could help inform policy decisions and interventions that may improve the psychological well-being of healthcare personnel in high-stress environments. Ethical considerations such as participant privacy protection and addressing potential psychological distress are also discussed.

Relationship between moral resilience and secondary traumatic stress among ICU nurses: A cross-sectional study.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, researchers worldwide have focused more on the issue of secondary traumatic stress (STS) experienced by nurses. This stress has an adverse effect on the health of nurses and the quality of nursing care, potentially undermining the stability of the nursing team and hindering the ability to meet the growing demand for nursing services. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise in global demand for ICU nursing, has placed a significant strain on ICU nurses, severely damaging their mental and physical health. Notably, ICU nurses also face high levels of moral distress, and moral resilience can effectively alleviate this distress and improve the quality of care. This study aimed to examine the levels of moral resilience and STS among ICU nurses, to explore their relationship and identify the factors influencing STS. This cross-sectional study involved 229 ICU nurses from two tertiary hospitals in Xi'an, China, who participated between November and December 2023. The data were collected through email using anonymous electronic questionnaires, encompassing a self-designed demographic- and work-life-related characteristic questionnaire; the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale; and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance and hierarchical regression analysis were performed to analyse the data. The findings of the study indicated that ICU nurses' moral resilience and STS scores were at an intermediate level. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that STS was negatively correlated with the subscales of the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale, specifically moral adversity coping (β, -0.156; 95% CI, -1.241 to -0.039) and relational integrity (β, -0.245; 95% CI, -1.453 to -0.388), which are significant predictors of STS. Additionally, good sleep quality (β, -.396; 95% CI, -14.948 to -7.117) and seeking psychological counselling because of work difficulties (β, .107; 95% CI, 0.237-9.624) emerged as significant predictors of STS among ICU nurses, with the model's explanation of the variance in STS increasing to 45.5%, △R2 = .167, F = 16.482 (p < .001). This study found that ICU nurses have moderate levels of moral resilience and STS, which are negatively correlated. This suggests that improving the moral resilience of ICU nurses may help reduce their STS levels. The study revealed that ICU nurses' moral resilience and secondary traumatic stress levels were at a moderate level, indicative of the need to take measures to enhance their moral resilience and reduce their secondary traumatic stress, as their presence not only affects the health of ICU nurses but also diminishes the quality of care and increases turnover rates.

Bouncing back and bouncing forward: coping strategies used by the social workers during COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Studies have suggested that social workers being indirectly exposed to their patients’ COVID-19-related traumatic experiences may have both negative (i.e. secondary traumatic stress symptoms; STS) and positive psychological consequences (i.e. resilience and vicarious post-traumatic growth (VPTG)). However, less is known about the coping strategies that they use to effectively respond to COVID-19-related challenges. The purpose of this study is to examine the coping strategies that social workers use and their differential association with VPTG, resilience, and STS. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a sample of 133 social workers (86.7% women, mean age 38.1 ± 9.4 years). They completed the Brief COPE, the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) to measure coping strategies, STS, resilience, and VPTG, respectively. Social workers demonstrated moderate levels of STS, VPTG, and resilience. Denial was associated with STS, positive reframing, planning, and self-blame (inversely) were associated with resilience, and instrumental support and religious coping were associated with VPTG. The results of this study provide insights on how healthcare policies and interventions can best support professionals during current and future pandemics by alleviating levels of STS and enhancing resilience and VPTG.

Secondary traumatic stress and trauma-informed practice in higher education students: an exploratory study

The helping professions have long understood that secondary traumatic stress and its counterparts of burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma are a problem for workers in the field. However, less is known about the impact of the issue on students who have placements. Using the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), this quantitative research study seeks to explore if a convenience sample of 45 students on two programmes in the field was affected. The results show several non-significant results, suggesting that the number of weekly caring responsibility hours did not predict perceived STSS scores after placement and that high-scoring students have shown no significant difference in STSS scores before and after placement. Overall, we also found that the subsample of ten students with caring responsibilities had higher STSS scores. The article discusses well-being in students generally, incorporating trauma-informed perspectives. While no students in this study were affected, the discussion examines what can be done to better support students from an ecological perspective to protect and prepare them for their placements and future careers. Finally, this article calls for policy and practice in education and the curricula of the helping professions to routinely incorporate awareness of the issues in training and supervision.

The relationship between secondary traumatic stress level and perceived caring behaviors among nursing students

Objective: Secondary traumatic stress in nursing students has adverse effects on students' care behaviors and students' professional and personal lives. The aim of this study: To examine the relationship between secondary traumatic stress levels and perceived caring behaviors of nursing students. Material and Methods: The study was designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The study was conducted with 147 students studying in the nursing department of a foundation university in Istanbul. 60% of the population was reached. The data of the study were collected by using the "Sociodemographic and Occupational Characteristics Information Form", "Caring Behaviors Scale" and "Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale" through Google Form sent online to the participants. Descriptive data were analyzed using mean, median, minimum, maximum, frequency and standard deviation. Results: The study was conducted with a total of 147 nursing students, 83.0% (n=122) female and 17.0% (n=25) male. The total score of the STS scale of the nursing students participating in the study was 32.1 ± 12.6, and the mean score of the CBS was 5.57 ± 0.52. It was found that there was a significant difference between the mean score of secondary traumatic stress in terms of "willingly choosing the department they studied", "being affected by the trauma that patients were exposed to during the clinical practice period", and "thinking that you need psychological support due to an event that affected you during clinical practice" (p&lt;0.05). It was found that there was a significant difference between the Care Behaviors Scale sub-dimension scores in terms of "Gender", "Finding oneself successful in clinical practice during the student period" (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, while secondary traumatic stress was low in nursing students, the perception of caring behaviors was found to be high. There was no relationship between secondary traumatic stress and the perception of caring behaviors in nursing students.

Compassion fatigue and the meaning in life as predictors of secondary traumatic stress in nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship among secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and meaning in life in nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in working conditions during the pandemic also changed the needs of nurses. In addition to physical health, the COVID-19 pandemic led to many psychosocial health problems such as sleep disturbances, depression, and traumatic stress. This makes nurses vulnerable to psychological side effects of the pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted. This study was conducted with 166 nurses. Data were collected online at May-June 2021. A Personal Information Form, the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, Compassion Fatigue Scale, and Meaning in Life Scale were used. The STROBE reporting checklist was followed. As secondary traumatic stress levels increase, compassion fatigue increases, meaning in life decreases, and the search for meaning in life increases. Predictors of secondary traumatic stress were shown to be compassion fatigue, change in sleep habits, meaning in life, marital status, and having a chronic illness. This suggested that working during the pandemic posed significant risks in terms of manifesting negative consequences on mental health in the long term.

Examination of psychological capital and secondary traumatic stress levels of professionals attended to disaster studies

This research was conducted with the aim of examining the psychological capital and secondary traumatic stress levels of health professionals who have experience working in the field of disaster. It is a descriptive study. The study’s sample consists of 183 health professionals who work in an emergency service or 112 emergency health services of a provincial Health Directorate, who participate in numerous disaster interventions in Turkey, and who have participated in any disaster. As data collecting methods, the “Socio-demographic form” “Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale” and the “Psychological Capital Scale Short Form” were utilized. In the study, it is concluded that the secondary traumatic stress scale mean score and the psychological capital scale mean score of physicians, nurses and paramedics were moderate, and there is a negative significant relationship between both scales. Negative and significant relationships were found between hope, optimism and resilience, which are sub-dimensions of psychological capital, and secondary traumatic stress. It is concluded that the high level of psychological capital reduces the secondary stress level.

Trauma-Informed Care Education Initiative Explores Impact on Perinatal Nurse Secondary Traumatic Stress and Workforce Challenges.

Psychological trauma refers to long-lasting adverse effects on well-being precipitated by the experience of a distressing event or a combination of events. High rates of psychological birth trauma in patients contribute to secondary traumatic stress (STS) in perinatal nurses, creating workplace challenges and resulting in dissatisfaction, apathy, and attrition. Perinatal nurses experience high rates of STS, and researchers have called for a universal standard of trauma-informed care (TIC). However, there is a lack of published results on effectively creating TIC education in this nurse population. A pre/posttest design evaluated an online pilot evidence-based practice project addressing a perinatal nurse education initiative on STS and its correlation with nurse attitudes toward TIC. Participants include perinatal nurses in the United States (n = 29). Two scales measured the program's effect on nurses: the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) and the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) scale. A paired t test evaluating pre- and postprogram levels of the STSS showed a decrease in STS (t28 = -3.28, P = .003, Cohen's d = 0.609), the ARTIC scale results showed an increased receptiveness to TIC (t28 = 3.8, P < .001, Cohen's d = 0.706], and a not significant correlation was found between pretest STS and ARTIC scores (Spearman' ρ = -0.248, P = .194). This program supported a significant reduction in nurses' identification of STS. Future perinatal nurse education can expand to build a standard of TIC that is patient-centered and reduces nurse STS.

Reliability and Validity of Measures Commonly Utilized to Assess Nurse Well-Being.

A healthy nursing workforce is vital to ensuring that patients are provided quality care. Assessing nurses' well-being and related factors requires routine evaluations from health system leaders that leverage brief psychometrically sound measures. To date, measures used to assess nurses' well-being have primarily been psychometrically tested among other clinicians or nurses working in specific clinical practice settings rather than in large, representative, heterogeneous samples of nurses. This study aimed to psychometrically test measures frequently used to evaluate factors linked to nurse well-being in a heterogeneous sample of nurses within a large academic health system. This cross-sectional, survey-based study used a convenience sample of nurses working across acute care practice settings. A total of 177 nurses completed measures, which included the Professional Quality of Life, the short form of the Professional Quality of Life measure, the two-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the five-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index, the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, and the single-item Mini-Z. Internal reliability and convergent validity were assessed for each measure. All the measures were found to be reliable. Brief measures used to assess domains of well-being demonstrated validity with longer measures, as evident by significant correlation coefficients. This study provides support for the reliability and validity of measures commonly used to assess well-being in a diverse sample of nurses working across acute care settings. Data from routine assessments of the nursing workforce hold the potential to guide the implementation and evaluation of interventions capable of promoting workplace well-being. Assessments should include psychometrically sound, low-burden measures, such as those evaluated in this study.

Secondary traumatic stress in working nurses studying part time in a bachelor or Master’s nursing program in Croatia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNurses are more likely to be exposed to human suffering than other healthcare professionals. Persons exposed to indirect trauma can experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, symptoms of avoidance, arousal and intrusion. Secondary traumatic stress (STS) occurs when a person hears about the firsthand traumatic experiences of another. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of STS among working nurses enrolled at a university nursing program.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in healthcare enrolled in university bachelor’s or Master’s nursing studies at the Catholic University of Croatia in November 2017. Data were collected using the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) and two items from the World Health Organization quality of life brief version (WHOQOL-BREF).ResultsThe study included 151 students; the response rate was 70%. The mean STS score was 38, indicating that the students on average suffered from moderate STS. Half of participating nurses met the criteria for STS. Working nurses enrolled in Master’s studies had lower STS scores than those enrolled into bachelor studies (t = 4.14, df = 149, p < 0.01). The level of STS had a negative correlation with participants’ quality of life assessment (r=-0.392, p < 0.01) and satisfaction with their health (r=-0.387, p < 0.01). We also found a significant positive correlation between subjective assessment of quality of life and satisfaction with personal health (r = 0.432, p < 0.01). We did not find a significant association between the level of STS and sex (r=-0.094) or years of nursing work experience (r=-0.069). Level of STS varied depending on the participants’ workplace, years of experience in that workplace and their work shifts. The highest levels of STS were seen in nurses working in the internal medicine department, those with 10–14 years of work experience in the current workplace, and those who work block shifts (12-hr shift followed by 24-hour shift).ConclusionOver half of working nurses attending university studies had at least moderate STS. Furthermore, STS was negatively associated with participants’ perception of quality of life and satisfaction with their health. Prevention and alleviation interventions could reduce the burden of STS among nurses.

Secondary-traumatic stress and academic self-concept in children of veterans: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between secondary traumatic stress and academic self-concept in children of veterans. This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2017 within Mazandaran province, Iran, focused on 150 children of veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The instruments utilized for data collection in this investigation encompass demographic variables (such as gender, age, children's education level, father's education, mother's education, father's occupation, mother's occupation, and father's veteran percentage), the secondary traumatic stress scale, and the academic self-concept questionnaire. The mean scores for secondary traumatic stress and academic self-concept among children of veterans were 43.97 (SD=13.8) and 40.52 (SD=17.09), respectively. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was observed between secondary traumatic stress and academic self-concept, indicating that an increase in secondary traumatic stress was associated with a decrease in academic self-concept (P&lt;0.01). The findings of this study underscore a discernible correlation between secondary traumatic stress and the academic self-concept observed in the children of veterans. Notably, academic success emerges as a significant factor contributing to the enhancement of self-concept among this demographic.

Predictors of Clinical Performance Among Emergency Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Poor nursing performance is considered a threat to patient safety, affecting the quality of care provided and ultimately impacting patient outcomes. The main aim of this study was to identify the predictors of nursing performance. A cross-sectional predictive design was used. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit 251 emergency nurses in three health sectors. They were assessed using the secondary traumatic stress scale and the nursing performance scale. Data were collected between June and August 2022. Nurses experienced severe levels of secondary traumatic stress (M = 57.9, SD = 14.94). The nursing performance level was below average (M = 27.48, SD = 9.36), and the mental performance subscale received the lowest rating (M = 5.82, SD = 2.69). There was a strong negative association between the secondary traumatic stress total score and the total score of nursing performance (r = -.77). Additionally, factors such as high body mass index, smoking, the presence of chronic diseases, working overtime, and high levels of secondary traumatic stress were identified as significant predictors of nursing performance. It is recommended that emergency nurses be provided with treatment programs and interventions to reduce their secondary traumatic stress to improve their performance, thereby ensuring high-quality patient care.

Navigating the Shadows of Others' Traumas: An In-Depth Examination of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Psychological Distress among Rescue Professionals.

Rescue workers, who often find themselves on the frontlines of traumatic events, face an increased risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress (STS) and psychological distress (PD). The nature of their work, alongside professional factors, can influence the way these psychological aspects manifest and their level of severity. This study aimed to explore the relationship between STS and PD in rescue workers. Additionally, it sought to understand how factors such as age, years of experience, duration of work, training received and direct exposure to trauma explain significant variations in reporting to STS. To conduct this research, a cross-sectional study design was implemented involving a sample of 80 rescue workers from the Punjab province in Pakistan. Data was collected over eight weeks using the secondary traumatic stress scale (STSS-17) and the general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) as primary assessment tools. Participants' data was analyzed through Pearson correlation analysis, t-tests, and ANOVA. A strong positive correlation between STS and PD among rescue workers was established. Age significantly explains variation in scores, with older workers displaying reduced STS and PD symptoms. Rescue workers working for longer hours reported elevated STS compared to those working shorter shifts. Workers with more extended professional experience showcased lower STS, highlighting the potential resilience acquired over time. The study also underscored the importance of training duration: longer, well-structured training was associated with decreased STS and PD. Interestingly, longer exposure to trauma was found to be related to lower STS scores, albeit this warrants further investigation. This study underscores the intertwined nature of STS and PD among rescue workers and the various modulating factors. The study paves the way for more comprehensive research, expanding geographically and demographically.

Does Where You Work and What You Do Matter? Testing the Role of Organizational Context and Job Type for Future Study of Occupation-Based Secondary Trauma Intervention Development.

Organizational context (e.g., criminal justice, community-based, and healthcare) and job type (e.g., police, social workers, and healthcare providers) may impact the extent of occupation-based secondary trauma (OBST). Survey data collected from a multiphase community-based participatory research project were analyzed from a variety of professionals, who were likely to "encounter the consequences of traumatic events as part of their professional responsibilities" (n = 391, women = 55%, White = 92%). Results document high trauma exposure (adverse childhood experiences [ACEs] and workplace) and OBST-related outcomes (Maslach Burnout Inventory, Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, post-traumatic stress disorder symptom checklist for DSM-5) for the entire sample with important differences across organizational context and job type. Using multivariate regression, the strongest determinants of suffering, however, were not related to a provider's specific profession but to their number of years on the job and their ACEs (e.g., adjusted R2 = 0.23, b = 2.01, p < .001). Likewise, the most protective factors were not profession specific but rather the provider's age and perceived effectiveness of OBST-related training (e.g., b = 2.26, p < .001). These findings inform intervention development and have implications for rural and other often under-resourced areas, where the same OBST-related intervention could potentially serve many different types of providers and organizations.

Surveying mental health stressors of emergency management professionals: Factors in recruiting and retaining emergency managers in an era of disasters and pandemics.

Emergency managers are responsible for managing crises and disasters, and while their work is essential, it can be stressful and impact their mental health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the mental health of professional emergency managers and factors associated with their intent to leave the field before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 903 respondents completed an online survey assessing their secondary traumatic stress, emergency reaction strategies, organizational culture, age, length of time in primary position, the highest level of education as well as other metrics. The Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) was used to determine scores of secondary traumatic stress symptoms, and the Emergency Reaction Questionnaire (ERQ) index was used to evaluate levels of predominant personality types and its tendency towards "fight or flight" reactions in emergency situations. Results revealed significant differences among respondents who reported considering leaving the field before or during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of secondary traumatic stress scores, ERQ levels, perceived organizational culture (OC), age category, length of time in primary position, and the highest level of education (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that respondents with higher secondary traumatic stress scores, poorer organizational culture, younger age, less experience, and a bachelor's degree had nearly three times the odds of reporting considering leaving the field (p < 0.05). Additionally, respondents with a graduate degree had nearly four times the odds of reporting leaving the field (p < 0.05), while those who had directly managed between three and five disasters had nearly two times the odds of reporting and considering leaving the field (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of addressing secondary traumatic stress, promoting positive organizational culture, and providing support for emergency managers now and in the future. By addressing the factors identified in this study, such as secondary traumatic stress symptoms, promoting positive organizational culture, and providing adequate support, emergency management organizations can improve the mental health and well-being of their personnel, reduce attrition rates, and ensure that they are better equipped to respond to future crises.

Secondary traumatic stress among home visiting professionals.

This study examined the reliability and factor structure of the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) and the prevalence and correlates of secondary traumatic stress (STS) among home visitors. Survey data were collected between 2015 and 2020 from 301 home visitors with caseloads. Participants completed the 17-item STSS, which assesses intrusion, avoidance, and arousal symptoms using the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria. Internal reliabilities of the scale and subscales were measured and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to validate hypothesized model solutions. Symptom prevalence among the sample was calculated and linear regressions were conducted to examine whether personal and workplace factors were associated with STS. Analyses confirmed that the STSS had sound internal consistency and that both 3- and single-factor measurement models fit the data. Approximately 10% of home visitors met the clinical criteria for PTSD, though prevalence decreased to 8% after omitting an intrusion item that was endorsed by most respondents. Increased exposure to adverse childhood experiences and poorer work environment ratings were associated with increased STS. Non-Hispanic White race was associated with elevated arousal symptoms. No other personal or workplace factors were associated with scores on the STSS full scale or subscales. This study reaffirms that the STSS has sound psychometric properties, but it also raises questions about the prevalence and etiology of STS. Given the likely costs of PTSD to personal well-being and professional efficacy, further research is needed to advance the measurement and prediction of secondary traumatic stress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).