Predictors of secondary trauma in sexual assault trauma counselors

This study evaluated psychological distress, secondary trauma intensity, and specific components of secondary trauma in 89 sexual assault trauma counselors (SATC). Results indicated that some SATC were experiencing secondary trauma based on measures of psychological distress and PTSD-like symptoms. The study also examined whether personal trauma history, greater counseling experience, emergency room work as primary client contact type, counseling satisfaction levels, and demographic variables significantly predicted self-reported psychological distress and PTSD-like symptoms. Results supported the hypothesis that personal trauma history and younger age significantly predicted self-reported psychological distress. Results also supported hypotheses that personal trauma history, younger counselor age, and lower counseling satisfaction levels significantly predicted higher levels of secondary trauma intensity. Contrary to prediction, exposure to trauma survivors, emergency room work as primary client contact type, and education did not significantly predict psychological distress or secondary trauma intensity. Findings were robust even when SATC currently in psychotherapy or taking medication were conservatively excluded in follow-up analyses. Research and training implications are discussed [International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 2000, 2(4), 229-240).