Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2017 Vicarious Trauma Coping and Self-Care Practices Among Trauma Therapists. Annette Zaccari Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Health and Medical Administration Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, and the Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Annette Zaccari has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Tracy Mallett, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Leslie Barnes-Young, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Rolande Murray, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2017 Abstract Vicarious Trauma Coping and Self-Care Practices Among Trauma Therapists. by Annette M. Zaccari Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University August, 2017 Abstract Therapists who specialize in trauma therapy are indirectly exposed traumatic events presented by clients within the therapeutic relationship. The potential consequences for trauma therapists may be the risk of vicarious trauma. Effective coping and self-care are essential in the practice of trauma work . The research question for this study is: Do coping skills and self-care practices in trauma therapists moderate the disruptive effect of vicarious trauma on the fulfillment of their psychological needs (trust/dependence and control)? The purpose of this research study was to examine quantitatively, the role of trauma therapists’ beliefs in the effectiveness of coping skills and time spent devoted to self-care practices as moderators of the disruptive effect of vicarious trauma on their fulfillment of psychological needs of trust/dependence and control. Based on the constructive self-development theory, this study explored 2 psychological needs areas including trust/dependence and control. A sample of therapists with 10 years or more experience in the field and who primarily treated traumatized populations were recruited. A survey design methodology via a customized internet-based system was used to administer the trauma and attachment belief scale and the coping inventory scale. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was completed to address the research question and hypotheses. The results of regression analysis supported the research question. Contributions to positive social change include increased awareness of the risk of vicarious trauma and potential coping strategies necessary to address this phenomenon. Therapists may then enhance their therapeutic effectiveness and organizational service delivery to traumatized client populations. Vicarious Trauma Coping and Self-Care Practices Among Trauma Therapists. by Annette M. Zaccari Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University August, 2017 Table of Contents List of Tables .................................................................................................................... v List of Figures .................................................................................................................. vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study .................................................................................... 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1 Background ..................................................................................................................... 3 Problem Statement ........................................................................................................ 11 Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................................... 13 Research Question ......................................................................................................... 14 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................. 16 Nature of the Study ....................................................................................................... 17 Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 19 Assumptions, Scope, and Limitations ........................................................................... 20 Significance ................................................................................................................... 23 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 24 Chapter 2 - Literature Review ............................................................................................26 Literature Search Strategy ............................................................................................. 29 i Theoretical Foundation: Constructivist Self Development Theory (CSDT) ................ 30 Literature Review Related to Key Concepts ................................................................. 33 Psychological Needs .................................................................................................36 Empathy ..................................................................................................................37 Countertransference ..................................................................................................40 Professional Burnout .................................................................................................42 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) .........................................................................44 Vicarious Trauma, Secondary Traumatic Stress, and Compassion Fatigue .......................46 Secondary Traumatic Stress .......................................................................................49 Compassion Fatigue ..................................................................................................51 Vicarious Trauma .....................................................................................................52 Coping and Self-care Practices ...................................................................................55 Stress and Coping .....................................................................................................57 Self-Care Practices ....................................................................................................64 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 66 Chapter 3 - Research Method ............................................................................................68 Research Design and Rationale ..................................................................................... 69 Methodology ................................................................................................................. 71 Population...................................................................................................................... 73 ii Sampling and Sampling Procedures .............................................................................. 74 Procedure for Recruitment, Participation and Data Collection ..................................... 75 Protection of Participants .............................................................................................. 77 Instrumentation and Operationalization of Constructs.................................................. 78 Data Analysis Plan ........................................................................................................ 82 Research Question and Hypotheses .............................................................................. 82 Threats to Validity ......................................................................................................... 84 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 85 Chapter 4: Results ............................................................................................................88 Data Collection .............................................................................................................. 90 Results ........................................................................................................................... 96 Statistical Analysis ........................................................................................................ 96 Model Summary for Hierarchical Regression Analysis ................................................ 98 Statistical Assumptions ................................................................................................. 99 Moderation