Recognizing and mitigating the effects of occupational exposure to traumatic death in forensic anthropology

Abstract

Forensic anthropologists regularly come into direct contact with decedents affected by skeletal trauma, and consequently can experience high levels of indirect trauma exposure. However, beyond their nominal inclusion in self-reported surveys of the general forensic science population, there have been few empirical research studies chronicling the outcomes experienced from indirect traumatic stress in forensic anthropologists, including their risk for the development of acute and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSDs). There have been even fewer educational and training efforts aimed at recognizing and mitigating potential harmful effects. This article utilizes an interdisciplinary approach grounded in clinical psychology and anthropology to examine the risks and potential outcomes associated with exposure to indirect traumatic stress in forensic anthropologists. Vicarious traumatization, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and acute and PTSDs are considered in terms of their symptomatology and risks of harm. Forensic anthropology casework involving domestic abuse (including pediatric non-accidental injury), multiple traumatic deaths, fieldwork recoveries, specialized contexts (e.g., mass fatality incidents, human rights investigations), and interaction with family members of decedents are associated with a high risk for potential negative outcomes. Evidence-based recommendations for organizational, peer, and individual mitigation and intervention of risk factors for the development of traumatic stress in these forensic practitioners are provided. Psychoeducation and training as well as empirical study of the potential harmful effects of indirect traumatic stress exposure on forensic anthropologists are strongly encouraged.