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Content: Empathic behaviour is associated with the mirroring of emotions and body movements between people (e.g. how laughing and yawning is considered to be contagious). In cases of trauma, the result is the mirroring of negative psychological issues in the healthcare worker. Empathy can dramatically enhance the connection between patient and worker, but this connection may have a serious psychological impact on the worker, with long-term consequences if left untreated. Stress and Trauma Terminology
There is a great debate on the correct terminology for this type of trauma, with a range of descriptions that are often confused with each other. Vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue and burnoutare often used interchangeably (albeit incorrectly) (Tabor 2011). Although there is some discrepancy in the definitions, and these feelings may co-exist, it is important to be able to differentiate between the terms (Blue Knot Foundation 2018). This will help how we identify, respond and prevent the emotional impact of stress and trauma at work. Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious trauma occurs from repeated exposure to other people’s trauma. Over time, workers begin to mirror the bio-psychosocial effects shown by the victims of trauma (Tabor 2011; The Lookout 2017).