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Medical interpreters have feelings too
L Loutan1, T Farinelli, S Pampallona
1Département de Médecine Communautaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genéve.
Sozial- Und Praventivmedizin
|February 16, 2000
Summary
Interpreters working with refugees experience significant distress, including traumatic memories and difficult feelings, especially with increased exposure to patient violence. They need support and opportunities to share their emotions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Interpreters for refugees and asylum seekers face unique occupational stressors.
- Exposure to patient trauma can lead to secondary traumatic stress in healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological impact of working with refugees and asylum seekers on interpreters.
- To identify the prevalence of traumatic exposure, difficult feelings, and coping mechanisms among interpreters.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous questionnaire distributed to 22 interpreters at the Geneva Red Cross.
- Questions focused on work with refugees/asylum seekers, personal trauma history, session content, and emotional responses.
Main Results:
- 28% of interpreters reported prior exposure to major traumatic events.
- 7 interpreters (38%) frequently worked with patients exposed to violence.
- 66% experienced painful memories, and 28% reported difficult feelings during sessions.
- Emotional distress increased with the number of sessions involving violence victims.
Conclusions:
- Interpreters experience significant psychological distress, including secondary traumatic stress.
- A strong need for debriefing with medical doctors (83%) and family (44%) was reported.
- Healthcare providers must acknowledge these pressures and facilitate emotional support for interpreters.