Transdiagnostic risk factors for secondary traumatic stress among mental health professionals after the Maraş Earthquake: Exploratory analysis.

Abstract

Objective: Mental health professionals are at increased risk for developing secondary traumatic stress (STS), which can progress to posttraumatic stress disorder. Distress tolerance (DT) and rumination play important roles in posttraumatic stress disorder development and maintenance, yet few studies have examined these constructs in relation to STS. This study first compared mental health professionals and individuals in nonhelping professions regarding STS, DT, and rumination. Second, it explored whether rumination mediates the relationship between DT and STS.

Method: Participants included mental health professionals (N = 90) and individuals not at risk for STS through their work (N = 67). Self-report measures assessed DT, rumination, and STS. Independent-samples t tests were used for group comparisons, and mediation analyses were conducted using the SPSS PROCESS Macro.

Results: Mental health professionals showed lower STS and higher DT scores, but no significant differences were found in rumination. Lower DT was associated with higher STS and rumination. Rumination partially mediated the relationship between DT and STS.

Conclusions: While mental health professionals experienced lower levels of STS and higher DT, this study highlights the role of transdiagnostic factors-such as DT and rumination-that are relevant across various mental health conditions. Low DT may lead to maladaptive cognitive strategies, like rumination, which in turn heighten STS. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding transdiagnostic constructs to develop targeted interventions and prevention efforts for both the general population and mental health professionals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).