Secondary Traumatic Stress Symptoms Research Articles

Doomscrolling and mental well-being in social media users: A serial mediation through mindfulness and secondary traumatic stress.

Considering that large-scale events such as natural disasters, epidemics, and wars affect people all over the world through online news channels, it is inevitable to investigate the impact of following or avoiding negative news on well-being. This study investigated the effect of doomscrolling on mental well-being and the mediating role of mindfulness and secondary traumatic stress in social media users. A total of 400 Turkish adults completed scales to assess doomscrolling, mental well-being, mindfulness, and secondary traumatic stress. The average age of the participants was 29.42 (SD = 8.38; ranged = 18-65). Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the mediating roles of mindfulness and secondary traumatic stress in the relationship between doomscrolling and mental well-being. Mindfulness and secondary traumatic stress fully mediated the relationship between doomscrolling and mental well-being. The results are discussed in light of existing knowledge of doomscrolling, mental well-being, mindfulness, and secondary traumatic stress. High levels of doomscrolling, which is related to an individual's mental well-being, can predict the individual's distraction from the here and now and fixation on negative news. This situation, in which mindfulness is low, is related to the individual's indirect traumatization and increased secondary traumatic stress symptoms in the face of the negative news he/she follows.

PRACTICE makes progress, a self-care course for mental health professionals in the child trauma field: A preliminary investigation.

Mental health professionals who work with clients exposed to trauma commonly experience secondary traumatic stress (STS) and burnout, which have a well-documented negative impact on clinicians as well as clients. As self-care has been identified as a protective factor against STS and burnout, the current study aimed to examine the effects of a self-care course for mental health professionals working with trauma-exposed clients. This pretest-posttest pilot study examined the impact of a six-session virtual self-care course on the well-being of 43 mental health professionals previously trained in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(TF-CBT), a well-established, evidence-based treatment for childhood trauma. The components of TF-CBT comprise the acronym PRACTICE, and we are referring to this self-care course as PRACTICE Makes Progress (PMP), as participants receive weekly assignments that encourage the use of many of the same PRACTICE skills clients are taught in the context of TF-CBT. Results comparing pre- and postcourse survey responses indicated significant increases in the use of PRACTICE skills (p = .006, d = .44) as well as the utilization of humor as a coping skill (p < .001, d = .53), and significant decreases in STS symptoms (p < .001, d = .63) and burnout (p = .004, d = .47). These results provide preliminary evidence that mental health professionals working with clients exposed to trauma may benefit from participation in an evidence-informed, standalone virtual self-care course. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

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.

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.

Untangling secondary traumatic stress and vicarious traumatization: One construct or two?

This study examined whether secondary traumatic stress (STS), defined by the expanded DMS-5-TR's depiction of traumatic stress which includes negative mood/cognition symptoms, fully captures the reactions of indirect trauma exposure or if vicarious traumatization (VT) is still a useful and separate construct to assess for. An online survey was completed by 613 professionals working with individuals who experienced trauma. Correlations and network analysis were used to explore the overlap and distinctiveness of STS and VT reactions. High levels of STS and indirect trauma exposure were found in the current sample. A greater dose of daily indirect exposure was associated with a majority of STS and VT domains, and having less professional experience was associated with all STS and VT domains. Results of the network analysis suggested that STS and VT still continue to be unique yet related constructs. Although the negative mood/cognition addition to STS may not fully capture or replace the phenomenon of VT, these additional STS symptoms may further connect the two constructs. This indicates that current measures of STS may capture some but not all of the cognitive impacts of indirect trauma exposure. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Monkeypox-induced secondary traumatic stress: An exploratory analysis of young sexual and gender minority adults living in Illinois

ObjectivePrior epidemic literature suggests that the rapid proliferation of Monkeypox (Mpox) within the United States may trigger severe stress reactions that increase the risk of developing secondary traumatic stress among young adults most at risk of exposure. The present exploratory study aimed to investigate the degree to which proximity to Mpox (i.e. knowing people who acquired Mpox), was associated with symptoms of secondary traumatization. MethodAn online survey was administered to 253 participants enrolled in Keeping it LITE, a prospective U.S. cohort study of ethnically diverse, sexually active, sexual and gender minority persons ages 19–39 in September 2022. A multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between proximity to Mpox and secondary traumatic stress (STS) symptoms. ResultsStudy findings demonstrated that Mpox morbidity was low (1 %); however, 37 % of participants reported knowing at least one person diagnosed with Mpox. For most individuals, this person was a friend (28 %). 16 % of participants were found to have at least one indicator of Mpox-related STS. Results of our multiple linear regression demonstrated a positive association between an individual's indirect exposure to Mpox via their interpersonal relationships and STS symptoms. ConclusionsFindings suggest that the more adults’ interpersonal relationships are saturated with people who have acquired Mpox, the more likely they are to develop symptoms of secondary traumatization. These findings provide tentative initial evidence that secondary exposure to Mpox via one's social network may undermine adults’ mental health even after the conclusion of the outbreak.

The Effects of Internal and External Risk Factors in Forensic Social Workers’ Experience of Secondary Traumatic Stress

Forensic social workers are vulnerable to secondary traumatic stress due to their direct exposure to trauma narratives from sexually abused children. They face the unique challenge of distinguishing between their roles as expert witnesses and therapists. However, research on the risk factors for secondary traumatic stress in forensic social workers is frequently disregarded both internationally and in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to look at the effect of internal and external risk factors on secondary traumatic stress symptoms among forensic social workers. An all-inclusive voluntary sample method was used to include all trained forensic social workers with a master’s degree in forensic practice who graduated from a recognised South African university between 2006 and 2019. The study used a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design and data was collected using Google Forms, which was distributed via email. IBM SPSS version 27 was used to analyse the data. Internal factors such as race and relationship status as well as external factors such as clinical supervision, social support, and exposure to traumatic experiences were found to have varied effects on secondary traumatic stress symptoms in the study.

The role of cognitive trauma processing in the occurrence of secondary traumatic stress symptoms in professionals working with people after traumatic experiences.

The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between cognitive trauma processing and secondary traumatic stress (STS) in professionals working with people after traumatic experiences. The results obtained from 500 persons representing five professional groups (therapists, paramedics, nurses, social workers and probation officers) were analyzed. The were more women (76.4%) than men (23.6%). The average age of the respondents is 44.09 years (SD = 9.85). The study used two standard measurement tools, i.e., the Secondary Traumatic Stress Inventory (STSI), and the Cognitive Processing of Trauma Scale (CPOTS), allowing assessment of five remedial strategies (positive cognitive restructuring, downward comparison, resolution/acceptance, denial, regret) and a survey developed for the use of the research. The obtained results indicated that medical personnel, including paramedics and nurses, revealed the highest intensity of STS, and therapists - the lowest. STS was associated mainly with negative coping strategies, such as regret and denial, which play the predictive role for STS. There is a need to provide psychological assistance to professionals working with people after traumatic experiences, especially medical staff.

Post-traumatic stress in war veterans and secondary traumatic stress among parents of war veterans five years after the 2014 Israel-Gaza military conflict

ABSTRACT Secondary traumatic stress (STS) has been studied in therapists, spouses, and mainly in children of traumatised individuals. To date, the relationship between children’s posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and their parents’ mental health outcomes have been understudied, and specifically, long term STS symptoms of parents of war veterans were not investigated. The current study examined PTSD symptoms among veterans of the 2014 Israel-Gaza war and STS among their parents, five years after the war. The control group consisted of veterans from combat military units who were on active duty at the time of the war but did not actively participate in the war (stand-by units) – providing a natural experiment condition. We found that PTSD symptoms were almost twice as high in the directly active war veterans (DAV, N = 32) group compared to the indirectly active war veterans (IAV, N = 26) group. Results showed that mothers had higher STS symptoms in general, and DAV PTSD symptoms correlated with their fathers STS symptoms. The current study provides novel evidence for: (a) subclinical PTSD symptoms in war veterans 5 years after the war, and (b) transmission of trauma from war veterans to their parents. The overall negative effect of sending a child to war on the parents are also discussed.

A Socioecological Approach to Understanding Secondary Trauma in Professionals Working with Survivors of Sex Trafficking: A Hierarchical Regression Analysis.

Individuals who are trafficked for sex have high rates of trauma exposure prior to and while being trafficked; therefore, professionals who work with this population are potentially exposed to high levels of trauma details increasing their risk of developing secondary traumatic stress (STS). This study investigated the STS symptoms of professionals working with survivors of sex trafficking utilizing a socioecological framework to guide the design and analysis. An online survey was completed by 583 respondents from a broad range of organizational settings who completed measures tapping into STS symptoms, lifetime trauma exposures, history of being sex-trafficked, dose of direct and indirect trauma exposure at work, use of emotional and instrumental support to cope, state report cards on sex trafficking policies, and organizational-level practices toward being STS informed. STS scores among professionals working with survivors of sex trafficking were high, with those in child welfare settings reporting the highest levels of STS. Hierarchical regression analysis indicates higher STS was associated with variables at all levels of the socioecological model except the macrosystem, with fewer years of experience, a history of being sex trafficked, higher dose of indirect exposure, less use of emotional support, and lower organizational STS scores predictive of higher distress. Together, study findings indicate that STS is a significant concern in the anti-trafficking workforce and that a socioecological framework is useful for understanding STS impacts, highlighting the value of multiple response strategies across levels. This analysis suggests that organizational-level strategies to ameliorate/buffer impacts of occupation-related trauma exposure among these professionals can be especially impactful.

Risk factors of Secondary Traumatic Stress in psychotherapists studied during the COVID-19

Introduction: The aim of the study was: to assess the severity of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS), to identify ST's predictors, and to assess the model of relationships between predictors of Secondary Traumatic Stress in psychotherapists working during the pandemic in Poland. Materials and methods: The research group consisted of 153 psychotherapists (130 women, 85%) aged 25-66 (M = 39.39; SD = 9.65). The following tools were used to measure the variables: Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), FCV-19S Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), Personal Inquiry, Assessment of working conditions during a pandemic. Discussion: It has been shown that 9.8% of psychotherapists working during the pandemic experienced high or very high-intensity of symptoms of Secondary Traumatic Stress. The predictors of STS turned out to be: task-induced stress during the pandemic, emotion-focused stress-coping style, and fear of COVID-19. The proposed model of moderated moderation, which assumes that COVID-19 anxiety that intensifies the emotional style of coping with stress in specialists, has an influence on the relationship between occupational tasks stress during a pandemic and the severity of symptoms of Secondary Traumatic Stress, has not been confirmed. Therefore, there is a need for further exploration of the issue. Conclusions: Research shows an increase in STSD among Polish psychotherapists during covid as well as risk factors intensifying this diagnosis. Keywords: secondary traumatic stress, psychotherapist, anxiety, coping, risk factors

TF-CBT Training Augmented with a Self-Care Focus: Understanding Facilitators and Barriers to Treatment Implementation.

Clinicians working with youth exposed to trauma may be at increased risk for experiencing elevated levels of stress and symptoms of secondary traumatic stress, which can negatively impact clinician wellbeing and ultimately contribute to reduced access to quality care for clients. An innovative Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) training incorporating self-care practices (i.e., Practice What You Preach; PWYP) was developed to help facilitate the implementation of TF-CBT and to enhance clinicians' coping and decrease stress. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether the PWYP-augmented training met three Objectives: (1) increase clinicians' feelings of TF-CBT competency; (2) improve clinicians' coping abilities/reduce clinicians' stress; and (3) increase clinicians' insight into the benefits and/or challenges clients may experience in treatment. An exploratory aim was also developed to identify additional facilitators and barriers of TF-CBT implementation. The written reflections of 86 community-based clinicians who participated in the PWYP-augmented TF-CBT training were examined using qualitative methods. The majority of clinicians indicated increased feelings of competency and improved coping abilities and/or stress levels; almost half mentioned increased insight into clients' experiences. The most frequently mentioned additional facilitators were related to elements of the TF-CBT treatment model. Anxiety/self-doubt was the barrier most frequently mentioned, though all clinicians who mentioned this barrier indicated it lessened or resolved over the course of the training. Incorporating self-care strategies into trainings may serve as a facilitator for TF-CBT implementation by enhancing the competency and well-being of clinicians. The additional insights into barriers and facilitators can be used to further improve the PWYP initiative and future training and implementation efforts.

30 Monkeypox-Induced Secondary Traumatic Stress: An Exploratory Analysis of Young Sexual and Gender Minority Adults Living in Illinois

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The rapid spread of Monkeypox (MPV) across the US may trigger stress reactions that increase the risk of developing secondary trauma among those most at risk of exposure. The present study aimed to investigate the degree to which vicarious MPV exposure (i.e., knowing people who acquired MPV), was associated with symptoms of secondary traumatization. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: An online survey was administered to 253 participants enrolled in Keeping it LITE, a prospective U.S. cohort study of ethnically diverse, sexually active, sexual, and gender minority persons aged 19–39 in September 2022. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between proximity to MPV and secondary traumatic stress (STS) symptoms. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Study findings demonstrated that MPV morbidity was low (1%); however, 37% of participants reported knowing at least one person diagnosed with MPV. For most individuals, this person was a friend (28%). 16% of participants were found to have at least one indicator of MPV-related STS. Our multiple linear regression results demonstrated a positive association between an individual’s indirect exposure to MPV via their interpersonal relationships and STS symptoms. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Findings suggest that the more adults’interpersonal relationships are saturated with people who have acquired MPV, the more likely they are to develop symptoms of secondary traumatization. These findings provide initial evidence that secondary exposure to MPV via one’s social network may undermine adults’mental health.

The mediating role of cognitive processing in the relationship between social support and secondary traumatic stress symptoms in healthcare professionals

Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to establish how cognitive processing of trauma may mediate the interaction between social support and secondary traumatic stress (STS) symptoms in healthcare professionals.Subject or material and methodsWe collected data from 419 Polish paramedics and nurses. The age of study participants ranged from 19 to 65 years (M = 39.60, SD = 11.03). We used a custom-developed survey and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Inventory, Social Support Scale and Cognitive Processing of Trauma Scale. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were applied to analyze the relationships between variables. A mediation analysis was used to check a mediating role of cognitive trauma processing.ResultsThe results showed significant links between STS symptoms and social support, as well as cognitive processing of trauma.DiscussionCognitive coping strategies, play the intermediary role in the relationship between social support and STS symptoms, however, this role varies depending on the source of support and preferred cognitive coping strategies.ConclusionsParamedics and nurses have higher risk in developing STS. Our findings show that cognitive trauma processing and social support may play an important role in secondary traumatic stress symptoms. It is crucial to develop and implement programs for the prevention and treatment of STS symptoms, which would take into account the studied variables.

Estrés laboral en médicos veterinarios y estudiantes avanzados dedicados a la clínica de pequeños animales

Stress (eng. "Stress", tension) is defined as a state of exaggerated tension that is reached by an excess of activity, work or responsibility, and that leads to physical and psychological disorders in people who suffer from it (Vilcahuamán, 2014). Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) can be defined as the consequent natural behaviors and emotions that result from knowing about a traumatic event experienced by another person (Figley, 1995). In this work, a descriptive study was carried out based on telephone survey methodology, incidental and cross-sectional design. Surveys were conducted through the use of different forms and scales as measuring instruments for the STS and the different variables. The sample consisted on 103 workers (advanced students in the career and Veterinary Doctors) belonging to the Small Animal Clinics of Montevideo and the Small Animal Unit of the Veterinary College Hospital. The objective was to estimate the prevalence of STS in this population, identify and evaluate risk factors for STS and analyze its relationship with the development of Burnout Syndrome and other psychological processes and behavioral strategies described. It was found that 3 out of 10 professionals presented symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the STS. It was concluded that the prevalence of symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder due to STS was considerable. We were able to observe that this acute process is related to a chronic condition known as Burnout Syndrome. Noting that an increase in STS symptoms is positively related to an increase in Burnout symptoms. This work can be the first step to continue researching on the subject and thus in this way build the best tools to take care of ourselves as professionals and be better doctors for our patients. &nbsp; &nbsp

Post-traumatic stress symptoms and burnout in healthcare professionals working in neonatal intensive care units: Results from the STRONG study.

Newborns' deaths and life-threatening conditions represent extremely stressful events for parents and professionals working in NICUs, facilitating the onset of secondary traumatic stress symptoms. The STRONG study aims to better understand the psychological impact on Italian NICUs staff of bereavement care. The STRONG (STress afteR lOss in NeonatoloGy) study is a cross-sectional study based on a web survey consisted of four sections: sociodemographic, CommuniCARE-Newborn questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. 227 NICU workers (42.7% nurses, 23.3% midwives, 22.2% physicians, 11.8% other HCPs) answered the survey. The hardest tasks were "communicating baby's death" and "informing on autopsy results"; 44.7% of HCPs did not receive formal training in communicating bad news, 44.2% 'learned from the field' by watching other colleagues; 41.2% declared that they do not have any communication strategy. More than 90% of professionals thought that training on bereavement care is necessary. The majority of HCPs showed some degree of post-traumatic stress symptoms: 34% medium and 35.3% severe. Professionals with training in bereavement care and/or in communication had less probability to develop stress symptoms. A multivariate analysis showed that higher levels of burnout were associated with 4 or more monthly losses and medium or severe stress symptoms. Having a well-defined communication strategy for breaking bad news was independently associated with a better personal accomplishment. Dealing with newborns' deaths is a highly stressful task; professionals should receive proper support such as debriefing, psychological support and training in order to prevent post-traumatic stress symptoms and reduce professional burnout.

Voluntary Search-and-Rescue Workers’ Experiences After Witnessing Trauma in the Earthquake Field

Turkey has an earthquake-prone geography, and as in Turkey, when professional resources are not sufficiently available in a community hit by a disaster, volunteer search-and-rescue workers’ help is crucial for quickly meeting disaster-area needs. However, few studies focus on volunteer search-and-rescuer’s post-traumatic reactions although trauma literature has grown regarding professional search-and-rescue teams’ post-traumatic responses. Based on this gap in the literature, this study was conducted. This qualitative study provides an in-depth understanding of secondary trauma and vicarious post-traumatic growth among 13 search-and-rescue team workers involved in disaster relief activities following the 2020 Izmir earthquake in Turkey. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and an interpretive phenomenological approach was used. The findings revealed that the participants suffered secondary traumatic stress symptoms, namely, hyperarousal, intrusive images, and thoughts but experienced vicarious post-traumatic growth in discovering personal strength, relating to others, appreciating life, and striving to do their job better. This study’s findings can be a source for developing psychosocial post-disaster support services and interventions for volunteers and be used to improve pre-field preparation training content for voluntary search-and-rescue teams. The findings also underlined the fact that focusing on facilitating vicarious post-traumatic growth is as crucial as overcoming voluntary search-and-rescue workers’ post-traumatic stress.

A Qualitative Investigation into the Trauma Exhibited by First Responders Impacted by the Opioid Epidemic.

This qualitative study aimed to capture the lived experiences of first responders (FRs) combatting the opioid epidemic in an effort to better understand how the increase in opioids, opioid-related harm, and opioid-related death has affected the FR profession. FRs (N = 30) from Tennessee partook in semi-structured interviews investigating the impact of responding to opioid-related incidents. Using a phenomenological approach, three response themes emerged including (1) opioid epidemic burden on FR mental health, (2) variable availability and effectiveness of resources, and (3) identified roles of FRs in reducing the impact of the epidemic. The findings indicate that FRs are experiencing posttraumatic stress and secondary traumatic stress symptoms due to a shift in their duties, as well as repeated exposures to the adverse impacts of opioid use. This study finds a deficit in resources and support to combat the mental health repercussions FRs have experienced due to the epidemic. Given that FRs are often directly involved in preventing opioid-related deaths, ensuring that they are well resourced is an essential component of harm reduction and will ultimately augment care for individuals experiencing opioid-related harm.

The role of secondary traumatic stress breakthrough champions in reducing worker trauma and improving organizational health using a configurational analysis approach.

Emerging research has demonstrated that organizational efforts at becoming secondary traumatic stress (STS)-informed can improve the overall well-being of the workforce, especially when implementation activity by a champion team is high. Questions remain, however, regarding the mechanisms that enable these improvements. This study uses configurational analysis to determine necessary and sufficient conditions to produce reductions in STS symptoms in workers as well as organizational improvements toward being more STS-informed in a cohort survey of 6,033 professionals working with individuals exposed to trauma representing 52 organizations. The Secondary Traumatic Stress Informed Organizational Assessment (STSI-OA) was used to measure professional's perceptions of how well the unit addressed secondary trauma in the workplace, and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) assessed traumatic stress symptoms in respondents. Champions' activity was scored using the categories suggested by Shea. For the STSS outcome, either a STSI-OA positive increase of 10 or more points or high levels of champion problem-solving were independently sufficient for an improvement in the outcome. The STSI-OA model had two pathways: high levels of peer engagement via the scaling up of innovations using PDSAs or the combination of facilitation of peer knowledge and skills together with working in a child welfare organization. Either pathway was sufficient by itself to yield the STSI-OA outcome. Identifying and cultivating the champions' use of problem-solving and peer engagement strategies can transform the threat posed by indirect trauma exposure into an opportunity for shared experience and healing. Organizational champions are individuals or teams that strive to promote change within their workplace. These champions are integral to spreading innovative ideas and strategies and creating organization-wide changes ( Powell et al., 2015). However, little is known about the processes or specific strategies that make champions successful. One area in which champions are needed is in improving organizations' response to and understanding of secondary traumatic stress (STS), among those in helping professions that are indirectly exposed to trauma through the traumatic stories of those they work with. In fact, research has shown that organizational efforts to address STS improve the well-being of individual professionals within that organization ( Sprang et al., 2021). The present study sought to better understand what champion-related processes or conditions led to organizational change in addressing the effects of indirect exposure and improving symptoms related to STS. Results showed that organizational change in addressing STS and champions' problem-solving strategies resulted in reductions in individual professionals' STS symptoms. Furthermore, champions' use of peer engagement or sharing of knowledge among peers in child welfare settings led to improvements at an organizational level. These results show that organization-level change can have a direct impact on individual well-being and there are specific champion activities that can promote this change. Specifically, results demonstrate a need to identify and support champions' use of problem-solving and peer engagement strategies to turn the individual and organizational threat posed by indirect trauma into an opportunity for shared healing.

Assessing the Prevalence, Predictors, and Consequences of Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Emergency Nurses in Palestine During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Emergency nurses who are working in direct contact with COVID-19 patients are at an increased risk of developing secondary traumatic stress disorder. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, predictors, and consequences of secondary traumatic stress among emergency nurses in Palestine during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study utilized a cross-sectional design and recruited a total of 189 emergency nurses from multiple healthcare centers in Palestine. Data collected from January 21, 2021, to March 31, 2021. The study revealed that emergency nurses had a high degree of secondary traumatic stress with the prevalence of high to severe symptoms of secondary traumatic stress being 61% of the total participants. In terms of predictors, the results showed that years of experience, level of education, burnout, and organizational support were significantly correlated with secondary traumatic stress and thus that years of experience and burnout are predictors of secondary traumatic stress. Based on our findings, nurses in emergency departments in Palestine have a high degree of secondary traumatic stress disorder which impacts their lives on a personal and professional level.