Protective factors of STS in residential treatment staff

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between empathy, a problem-focused coping style, compassion satisfaction (CS), staff cohesion, and symptoms of secondary traumatic stress (STS) in residential treatment center (RTC) staff, while controlling for previous direct trauma exposure. A total of 44 participants were recruited from RTCs in a western state and included mental health care providers (clinical staff), direct-care staff, and educational staff. Participants completed a 62-question electronic survey that included several self-report measures evaluating each of the aforementioned variables, in addition to demographics. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the degree to which these variables explain STS symptoms in RTC staff. The experience of direct trauma, empathy, problem-focused coping, CS, and staff cohesion significantly explained STS symptoms in RTC staff. Particular individual and/or organizational factors were hypothesized to serve a protective function against STS; however, the results of this study suggest that an individual’s direct history of trauma is significantly associated with STS. Further research is warranted as this knowledge may benefit training programs and staff development opportunities across systems that serve traumatized youth.