The role of cognitive trauma processing in the occurrence of secondary traumatic stress symptoms in professionals working with people after traumatic experiences

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between cognitive trauma processing and secondary traumatic stress (STS) in professionals working with people after traumatic experiences. Material and method. The results obtained from 500 persons representing five professional groups (therapists, paramedics, nurses, social workers and probation officers) were analyzed. The were more women (76.4%) than men (23.6%). The average age of the respondents is 44.09 years (SD = 9.85). The study used two standard measurement tools, i.e., the Secondary Traumatic Stress Inventory (STSI), and the Cognitive Processing of Trauma Scale (CPOTS), allowing assessment of five remedial strategies (positive cognitive restructuring, downward comparison, resolution/acceptance, denial, regret) and a survey developed for the use of the research. Results. The obtained results indicated that medical personnel, including paramedics and nurses, revealed the highest intensity of STS, and therapists - the lowest. STS was associated mainly with negative coping strategies, such as regret and denial, which play the predictive role for STS. Conclusions. There is a need to provide psychological assistance to professionals working with people after traumatic experiences, especially medical staff.