The impact of vicarious trauma on aid workers.
Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, is a phenomenon that occurs when individuals who work in helping professions, such as humanitarian aid workers and disaster responders, develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of being exposed to the traumatic experiences of the individuals they assist. This can happen when they are exposed to stories of traumatic events, images, or even the trauma of the individuals they are helping on a daily basis.
Research has shown that humanitarian aid workers and disaster responders are at a high risk for developing vicarious trauma. A study conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross found that 80% of humanitarian aid workers reported symptoms of vicarious trauma, with 40% meeting the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. Similarly, a study by the World Health Organization found that up to 80% of disaster responders reported symptoms of vicarious trauma.
The negative effects of vicarious trauma on the mental health, performance, and safety of humanitarian aid workers and disaster responders are significant. Individuals who experience vicarious trauma may experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and burnout, which can negatively impact their ability to perform their duties and provide effective assistance to those in need. Additionally, vicarious trauma can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and isolation, which can have a detrimental effect on an individual's overall well-being.
Moreover, vicarious trauma can also impact the personal and professional relationships of the individuals affected. This can lead to difficulties in communication, emotional withdrawal, and mistrust. The impact of vicarious trauma can also extend to the family and friends of the individuals affected, leading to strain on personal relationships.
Furthermore, vicarious trauma can also have an impact on the safety of humanitarian aid workers and disaster responders. The stress and emotional burden of vicarious trauma can lead to decreased attention and focus, making individuals more susceptible to accidents and injuries. Additionally, the emotional toll of vicarious trauma can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, which can impede an individual's ability to make sound decisions and respond effectively in a crisis.
Given the significant negative impact of vicarious trauma on the mental health, performance, and safety of humanitarian aid workers and disaster responders, it is essential that organizations take steps to address this issue. This can include providing regular debriefings, counseling services, and opportunities for self-care for individuals working in these fields, as well as promoting a culture of psychological well-being within the organization.
领英推荐
Organizations are starting to offer courses on how to deal with vicarious trauma. For instance, Wolverine Global Response Services is offering a course on Building Resilience and Preventing Burnout tailored for aid workers and first responders. https://wolverinegrs.com/courses/resilience/
In conclusion, vicarious trauma is a serious issue that affects many humanitarian aid workers and disaster responders. The negative effects of vicarious trauma on the mental health, performance, safety, and personal and professional relationships of these individuals are significant. It is essential for organizations to take steps to address this issue and provide support to the individuals who may be affected. With the rising awareness of vicarious trauma, more and more organizations are offering courses and training on how to deal with it, it's important for individuals working in these fields to take advantage of such opportunities to build resilience and prevent burnout.
References:
Managed Service Product Manager @ Lumen Technologies | PMP
2 年Good article.