Understanding Secondary and Vicarious Trauma 

Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma, refers to the emotional and psychological impact experienced by individuals who are indirectly exposed to traumatic events through their work or close relationships with trauma survivors. This article explores the nature, symptoms, causes, and treatment options for secondary trauma. Understanding secondary trauma is crucial for providing effective support and interventions for professionals and individuals who frequently encounter trauma in their roles.

Secondary trauma, or vicarious trauma, occurs when individuals are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others, leading to emotional and psychological stress. This phenomenon is commonly observed among professionals such as therapists, social workers, medical personnel, and first responders, as well as among family members and friends of trauma survivors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of secondary trauma, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment strategies, to enhance awareness and support for those affected.

Nature of Secondary/Vicarious Trauma

Secondary trauma involves the indirect exposure to traumatic events through listening to or witnessing the recounting of others' trauma. Unlike primary trauma, which affects individuals directly experiencing the traumatic event, secondary trauma impacts those who are empathically engaged with the trauma survivors. The cumulative effect of this exposure can lead to significant emotional and psychological distress (Figley, 1995).

Symptoms of Secondary/Vicarious Trauma

The symptoms of secondary trauma can mirror those of primary trauma and can manifest in various ways, including:

1. Emotional Symptoms: Individuals may experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear, and helplessness. Emotional numbness and detachment can also occur as coping mechanisms (Bride, 2007).

2. Cognitive Symptoms: Cognitive impacts include difficulty concentrating, intrusive thoughts or images related to the trauma, and a heightened sense of vulnerability or fear for personal safety (McCann & Pearlman, 1990).

3. Physical Symptoms: Physical manifestations can include fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite. Chronic stress from secondary trauma can weaken the immune system and lead to other health problems (Figley, 1995).

4. Behavioral Symptoms: Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from social activities, irritability, and increased substance use, can also indicate secondary trauma. Professionals may experience reduced job satisfaction and burnout (Bober & Regehr, 2006).

Causes of Secondary/Vicarious Trauma

Secondary trauma can result from various situations where individuals are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others, such as:

1. Professional Exposure: Therapists, social workers, medical personnel, and first responders are at high risk due to their roles in supporting trauma survivors. Continuous exposure to distressing narratives and situations can lead to secondary trauma (Bercier & Maynard, 2015).

2. Personal Relationships: Family members and friends of trauma survivors may also experience secondary trauma through their close emotional connections and efforts to support their loved ones (Figley, 1995).

3. Media Exposure: Continuous exposure to traumatic events through news reports and social media can contribute to secondary trauma, especially when individuals empathize deeply with the victims (Garfin, Silver, & Holman, 2020).

Treatment and Intervention

Addressing secondary trauma requires a multifaceted approach that includes self-care, professional support, and organizational interventions. Effective strategies include:

1. Self-Care: Practicing self-care is crucial for individuals at risk of secondary trauma. This includes maintaining a healthy work-life balance, engaging in regular physical activity, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and seeking social support (Newell & MacNeil, 2010).

2. Professional Support: Therapy and counseling can be beneficial for individuals experiencing secondary trauma. Approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help individuals process and manage their stress (Shapiro, 2017).

3. Supervision and Peer Support: Regular supervision and peer support groups can provide a space for professionals to discuss their experiences, receive guidance, and reduce feelings of isolation (Knight, 2013).

4. Organizational Interventions: Organizations can play a significant role in mitigating secondary trauma by promoting a supportive work environment, offering training on trauma-informed care, and ensuring access to mental health resources (Bell, Kulkarni, & Dalton, 2003).

Conclusion

Secondary trauma is a significant concern for individuals who are indirectly exposed to traumatic events through their work or relationships. Understanding the nature, symptoms, and causes of secondary trauma is essential for providing effective support and intervention. Through self-care, professional support, supervision, and organizational interventions, individuals can manage the impact of secondary trauma and maintain their well-being.

References

Bercier, M. L., & Maynard, B. R. (2015). Interventions for secondary traumatic stress with mental health workers: A systematic review. Research on Social Work Practice, 25(1), 81-89.

Bell, H., Kulkarni, S., & Dalton, L. (2003). Organizational prevention of vicarious trauma. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 84(4), 463-470.

Bober, T., & Regehr, C. (2006). Strategies for reducing secondary or vicarious trauma: Do they work? Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention, 6(1), 1-9.

Bride, B. E. (2007). Prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among social workers. Social Work, 52(1), 63-70.

Figley, C. R. (1995). Compassion fatigue: Toward a new understanding of the costs of caring. In B. H. Stamm (Ed.), Secondary traumatic stress: Self-care issues for clinicians, researchers, and educators (pp. 3-28). Sidran Press.

Garfin, D. R., Silver, R. C., & Holman, E. A. (2020). The novel coronavirus (COVID-2019) outbreak: Amplification of public health consequences by media exposure. Health Psychology, 39(5), 355-357.

Knight, C. (2013). Indirect trauma: Implications for self-care, supervision, the organization, and the academic institution. Clinical Supervisor, 32(2), 224-243.

McCann, I. L., & Pearlman, L. A. (1990). Vicarious traumatization: A framework for understanding the psychological effects of working with victims. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 131-149.

Newell, J. M., & MacNeil, G. A. (2010). Professional burnout, vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue: A review of theoretical terms, risk factors, and preventive methods for clinicians and researchers. Best Practices in Mental Health, 6(2), 57-68.

Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.