Predictors of vicarious traumatization and quality of life among supervisees: testing moderation and mediation

ABSTRACTWe replicated and extended previous research to address the fragmented and simplistic understanding of the risk and protective factors of vicarious traumatization (VT) and quality of life (QoL) among supervisees. Mindfulness did not moderate the relationship between personal distress empathy (PDE) and VT; however, it uniquely predicted VT and the physical and psychological domains of QoL. The supervisory working alliance (SWA) mediated the relationship between PDE and VT, and the SWA and VT mediated the relationship between PDE and all four QoL domains. Strengths, limitations, and implications for theory, practice, and research are discussed.KEYWORDS: vicarious traumatizationsupervisory working alliancemindfulnessquality of life Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationNotes on contributorsMackenzie L. McNamaraMackenzie L. McNamara, PH.D., is a licensed Staff Psychologist and Clinical Supervisor at the University of Rhode Island Counseling Center. Her interests include college student mental health, mindfulness, vicarious traumatization, and clinical supervision and training.Michael V. EllisMichael V. Ellis, PH.D., ABPP, a Vincent O’Leary Professor Emeritus at the University at Albany, is a practitioner, clinical supervisor, and supervisor trainer, with teaching and research interests in multicultural clinical supervision, supervisor training, and research methodology, psychometrics, and statistics, all viewed through the lens of diversity, oppression, and privilege. He is Board Certified in Counseling Psychology, an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), a Fellow of the American Academy of Counseling Psychology and the American Psychological Association, a Fulbright Scholar, and a Distinguished Professional Achievement Award recipient (Supervision and Training Section, Division 17, APA, 2010). He conducts clinical supervision workshops nationally and internationally.Justin M. KimberJustin M. Kimber, PH.D., is currently a postdoctoral fellow in the field of digital mental health. His research and clinical interests include, health psychology, quality of life, behavioral medicine, and medically unexplained symptoms.