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Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth among Refugee Service Providers in Istanbul, Turkey
Mohamad Adam Brooks1, Anindita Dasgupta2, Neşe Şahin Taşğın3
1Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College CUNY, New York, NY, USA.
Transcultural Psychiatry
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Service providers working with Syrian refugees can experience vicarious posttraumatic growth (VPTG). Higher secondary traumatic stress (STS) and support systems correlate with increased VPTG, suggesting organizational support can foster positive psychological growth.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Vicarious posttraumatic growth (VPTG) is positive psychological change resulting from exposure to trauma.
- Service providers working with traumatized populations may experience VPTG.
- Understanding factors influencing VPTG is crucial for supporting these professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence of VPTG among service providers assisting Syrian refugees in Istanbul.
- To investigate associations between professional trauma exposure, support systems, and VPTG.
- To identify organizational strategies for fostering VPTG.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 104 service providers in Istanbul in 2018.
- Multivariable logistic regression analysis.
- Assessment of secondary traumatic stress (STS), social support, organizational support, and professional experience.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (44.66%) of service providers reported moderate-to-high levels of VPTG.
- Moderate/high/severe STS, higher social support, and higher organizational support were significantly associated with VPTG.
- Client trauma disclosure rates and years of professional experience did not show significant associations with VPTG.
Conclusions:
- VPTG is prevalent among service providers working with Syrian refugees.
- Professional support systems, particularly organizational support and peer networks, are key to fostering VPTG.
- Organizations can implement targeted programs to enhance support and promote positive growth in service providers.
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