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Secondary Traumatic Stress in Postdisaster Field Research Interviewers
Jim McLennan1, Lynette Evans1, Sean Cowlishaw2
1School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|January 21, 2016
Summary
Researchers conducting postwildfire interviews experienced secondary traumatic stress (STS), with higher rates after fatal wildfires. However, most found positive effects, suggesting a protective role in mitigating future wildfire risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Psychology
- Disaster Mental Health
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Disaster responders are at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder and secondary traumatic stress (STS).
- Limited research exists on the psychological impact on postdisaster field researchers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the experiences of field researchers conducting postwildfire interviews.
- To assess the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (STS) symptoms among these researchers.
- To explore potential protective factors in their role.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up study of 33 researchers who conducted postwildfire interviews in Australia (2009-2014).
- Utilized a 20-item measure to assess STS symptoms.
- Compared experiences based on wildfire fatality (multifatal vs. nonfatal).
Main Results:
- Over half (54.5%) reported distressing interviews (deaths, threats to life, house destruction).
- A high percentage (81.6%) experienced one or more STS symptoms.
- Researchers interviewing after multifatality wildfires reported higher STS symptoms.
- A majority (63.6%) reported positive life effects from their interviewing experiences.
Conclusions:
- Postwildfire research interviewers are vulnerable to secondary traumatic stress (STS).
- The role of contributing to future wildfire risk mitigation may offer a protective function.
- Further research is needed to understand and support this occupational group.
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