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Secondary Traumatic Stress in Foster Carers: Risk Factors and Implications for Intervention
Kay M Bridger1, Jens F Binder1, Blerina Kellezi1
1Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.
Journal of Child and Family Studies
|May 21, 2020
Summary
Foster carers experience high levels of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and burnout. Self-care shows a significant indirect effect on reducing STS, highlighting its importance in interventions for these professionals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Fostering roles increasingly expose professionals to children's trauma.
- Secondary traumatic stress (STS) in foster carers is under-researched.
- Intervention techniques for STS in this population require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of STS in UK foster carers.
- To identify psychological predictors of STS and primary stress appraisal.
- To assess the suitability of intervention techniques for foster carers.
Main Methods:
- A survey study involving 187 British foster carers.
- Utilized the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale for STS, burnout, and compassion satisfaction.
- Assessed primary trauma, empathy, resilience, and self-care.
Main Results:
- High levels of STS and burnout were prevalent among foster carers.
- Burnout, compassion satisfaction, and primary trauma directly predicted STS (R²=0.54, p<0.001).
- Self-care had a significant indirect effect on STS; resilience and empathy showed no direct association.
Conclusions:
- STS is a significant risk factor in the foster care profession.
- Self-care is a promising intervention strategy for mitigating STS.
- The roles of empathy and resilience in STS require further clarification.
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