Title: Secondary Traumatic Stress | The Administration for Children and Families
Headings: Secondary Traumatic Stress
Secondary Traumatic Stress
What is Secondary Traumatic Stress?
Common Compassion Fatigue Symptoms
Why Secondary Traumatic Stress is Important for Human Services Agencies
Relevant Interventions and Approaches
Individual Prevention Strategies to Consider:
Organizational Prevention Strategies to Consider:
Resources for Further Learning
References

Content: Secondary Traumatic Stress | The Administration for Children and Families
Secondary Traumatic Stress
What is Secondary Traumatic Stress? Compassion fatigue, or secondary traumatic stress disorder, is a natural but disruptive by-product of working with traumatized clients. It is a set of observable reactions to working with people who have been traumatized and mirrors the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Osofsky, Putnam & Lederman, 2008; Figley, 1995). Many types of professionals, such as physicians, psychotherapists, human service workers and emergency workers, are vulnerable to developing this type of stress, though only a subset of such workers experience it. The symptoms of compassion fatigue may include feelings of isolation, anxiety, dissociation, physical ailments, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, compassion fatigue is associated with a sense of confusion, helplessness, and a greater sense of isolation from supporters than is seen with burnout. ( Figley, 1995, 2002). It is preventable and treatable, however, if unaddressed, the symptoms can result in problems with mental and physical health, strained personal relationships, and poor work performance Pryce, Shackelford, & Pryce, 2007). Evidence of compassion fatigue can be difficult to recognize in oneself or even in others.