First Advisor

Helm, Heather M

Second Advisor

Clemens, Elysia V

Document Type

Dissertation

Date Created

5-1-2010

Department

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, APCE Student Work

Abstract

Professional counselors' exposure to demoralizing, tragic stories of trauma, disempowerment and abuse is inevitable. The effects of exposure to traumatized clients on professional counselors have received increased attention in the literature (e.g. Figley, 1995; McCann & Pearlman, 1990a; Pearlman & Saakvitne, 1995). Scholars identified the development of vicarious traumatization as one of the most extreme effects of working with traumatized clients; however, not all practitioners working with traumatized clients will develop vicarious traumatization (McCann & Pearlman; Pearlman & Saakvitne). This study addressed the gap in the literature regarding the examination of a comprehensive theoretical model for vicarious traumatization based on the constructivist self-development theory (CSDT). Path analytic procedures were used to assess a comprehensive theoretical model of vicarious traumatization. Based on the CSDT, the path model tested the effects of a combination of organizational factors (i.e. job satisfaction and workload), clinical supervision (i.e. supervisory working alliance), personal wellness, and childhood trauma on vicarious traumatization in practitioners working in community mental health centers. Results of this study provided insight into the effect of therapist, work, and supportive factors on vicarious traumatization. While the CSDT failed to provide a comprehensive framework for vicarious traumatization, results of this study explained 46% of the variance in vicarious traumatization in practitioners surveyed. Childhood trauma and personal wellness had significant effects on vicarious traumatization, whereas the effects of supervisory working alliance, organizational culture, and workload were not statistically significant. Examination of these results within the context of the literature provided practical implications for practitioners, counselor educators and supervisors in decreasing the impact of vicarious traumatization in practitioners.

Abstract Format

html

Keywords

Counseling Psychology; Community Mental Health; Constructivist Self Development Theory; Counselor Impairment; Practitioner Impairment; Vicarious Traumatization; Health Sciences

Extent

149 pages

Local Identifiers

Williams_unco_0161N_10027

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by author.

Digital Origin

Born digital

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