What is Vicarious Trauma

This article aims to educate readers about vicarious trauma, which occurs from exposure to the traumatic experiences of others, often common among caregivers, healthcare professionals, and even through media consumption.

It offers insights into identifying symptoms, understanding their impact, and strategies for managing and mitigating its effects.

What is vicarious trauma?

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma or compassion fatigue, refers to the emotional, psychological, and even physical distress that can occur when an individual is exposed to the traumatic experiences of others.

Coined by McCann and Pearlman in 1990^[1], vicarious trauma was previously termed secondary traumatic stress. McCann and Pearlman’s research explored the impact specifically on therapists.

In their report, they detail the experiences of therapists who have a profound world change and are permanently altered due to their interaction with a traumatized client. The mechanism for vicarious trauma taking place after this type of encounter is called empathetic bonding.

Empathetic bonding exists within therapeutic relationships and is characterized by a genuine concern for the other person’s well-being and a shared emotional journey. This type of bonding contributes to developing strong and supportive relationships where individuals feel seen, heard, and truly understood by one another.

The definition of ‘vicarious trauma’ has now been expanded to include all professionals who work with trauma survivors. This could include therapists, counselors, healthcare providers, and first responders.

It’s important to note vicarious trauma is not limited to professionals. Friends, family members, and individuals in various supportive roles may also experience this phenomenon when exposed to the traumatic experiences of others. Even members of the public who have witnessed distressing or traumatic imagery or stories directly or via the media can experience vicarious trauma.

In other words, experiencing vicarious trauma can happen to anyone who is significantly impacted by the traumatic experiences of others.

Who is more at risk of vicarious trauma?

Individuals in certain professions or roles are more at risk of experiencing vicarious trauma due to their exposure to the traumatic experiences of others.

Some of the groups at higher risk include:

Mental health professionals

Therapists, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists who work with trauma survivors are at a higher risk due to the emotional intensity of their work.

Healthcare providers

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, especially those in fields such as emergency medicine, critical care, or oncology, may be at risk due to their exposure to patients’ traumatic experiences and suffering.

First responders

Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders frequently encounter traumatic events, placing them at risk of vicarious trauma.

Social workers

Social workers who deal with cases involving abuse, neglect, or other traumatic situations may be susceptible to vicarious trauma.

Domestic violence advocates

Professionals working with survivors of domestic violence, including shelter workers and advocates, may experience vicarious trauma due to the nature of their work.

Child advocates

Professionals who work with abused or neglected children, such as child protective services workers or child advocates, may be at risk.

Journalists and reporters

Those covering traumatic events, conflicts, or disasters, whether as journalists, reporters, or photographers, can be affected by vicarious trauma.

Crisis hotline workers

Individuals providing support on crisis hotlines dealing with distressed callers and traumatic stories may be at risk.

Teachers and school counselors

Educators and school counselors dealing with students who have experienced trauma, abuse, or violence may be susceptible to vicarious trauma.

Family and friends

Individuals in close personal relationships with trauma survivors may also be at risk, mainly if they provide significant emotional support.

It’s essential to recognize anyone who consistently bears witness to the suffering of others, whether professionally or personally, may be at risk of vicarious trauma. The level of exposure, the nature of the traumatic material, and the individual’s capacity for self-care and emotional regulation can influence the likelihood and severity of vicarious trauma.

Awareness, education, and the implementation of self-care strategies are crucial for those at risk to mitigate the impact of vicarious trauma.

What factors trigger vicarious trauma?

The following factors are thought to contribute to a person’s experience of vicarious trauma.

Indirect exposure

Vicarious trauma is a result of indirect exposure to traumatic material through hearing about or witnessing first-hand accounts of trauma experienced by others. It differs from direct trauma, where an individual experiences trauma personally.

Empathy and compassion

Professionals in caregiving roles who are empathetic and compassionate may be particularly susceptible to vicarious trauma. The intense emotional connection with the trauma survivor can lead to a significant impact on the caregiver’s well-being.

Boundary challenges

Professionals working with trauma survivors may struggle with maintaining healthy emotional boundaries. The line between professional empathy and personal emotional involvement can become blurred, contributing to vicarious trauma.

Prevention and coping strategies

Awareness of vicarious trauma is crucial for professionals in caregiving roles. Employers and organizations can provide training, supervision, and support to help employees recognize and cope with vicarious trauma. Self-care practices, regular supervision, and seeking therapy can be essential in mitigating the impact.

Recognizing the signs and implementing coping strategies can help mitigate the potential negative effects of vicarious trauma.

What are the symptoms of vicarious trauma?

Vicarious trauma can manifest through various emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms. These symptoms may resemble those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and can have a significant impact on an individual’s well-being.

It’s important to note the experience of vicarious trauma can vary from person to person.

Common symptoms include:

Intrusive thoughts

Persistent and distressing thoughts related to the traumatic experiences of others. These thoughts may intrude into the caregiver’s consciousness even when they are not actively engaged in their work.

Nightmares

Disturbing dreams or nightmares that are connected to the traumatic content encountered in a professional or caregiving role.

Flashbacks

Vivid and distressing recollections of traumatic images or situations, often triggered by reminders or exposure to similar content.

Emotional numbing

A sense of emotional detachment or numbness, where the caregiver may find it challenging to connect emotionally with others or experience a diminished emotional response.

Increased anxiety

Heightened levels of anxiety, restlessness, or a constant state of alertness. This can contribute to feelings of being on edge or easily startled.

Depersonalization

A sense of detachment from oneself or feeling as though observing one’s life from a distance.

Avoidance behavior

Actively avoiding situations, people, or activities that are associated with the traumatic content is a way to minimize distress.

Difficulty sleeping

Insomnia or other sleep disturbances, possibly related to nightmares or heightened arousal.

Hypervigilance

Constantly scanning the environment for potential threats leads to increased stress and fatigue.

Negative changes in beliefs and worldview

Fundamental beliefs, values, or worldviews shift from exposure to traumatic content. This may include a more pessimistic outlook on humanity or a diminished sense of safety.

Physical symptoms

Physical manifestations of stress include headaches, gastrointestinal issues, muscle tension, or other stress-related ailments.

Difficulty concentrating

Challenges in maintaining focus and concentration, possibly due to intrusive thoughts or heightened emotional intensity.

It’s crucial for individuals who work in caregiving or trauma-exposed professions to be aware of these symptoms and seek support if they begin to experience them. Supervision, self-care practices, and professional counseling can be essential in addressing and managing vicarious trauma symptoms.

“Doom scrolling” and its link to vicarious trauma

‘Doom scrolling’ refers to continuously and obsessively scrolling through negative or distressing news. It can also apply to endless scrolling of social media content, especially concerning catastrophic events, crises, or traumatic situations.

This behavior can have a significant impact on one’s mental health^[2], contributing to heightened anxiety, stress, and a sense of hopelessness. While doom scrolling is not equivalent to vicarious trauma, there can be a relationship between the two.

Here’s how doom scrolling and vicarious trauma may be connected:

Exposure to traumatic content

Doom scrolling often involves exposure to distressing news and images, including reports of violence, disasters, or other traumatic events. This constant exposure can be emotionally taxing and may contribute to symptoms similar to vicarious trauma.

Heightened emotional impact

Constant exposure to harmful and traumatic content can lead to heightened emotional responses, such as increased anxiety, fear, and a sense of helplessness. These emotional reactions can resemble some of the symptoms of vicarious trauma.

Impact on well-being

Both doom scrolling and vicarious trauma can negatively impact an individual’s overall well-being. Constant exposure to distressing content, whether through the media or in a professional caregiving role, can contribute to mental and emotional exhaustion.

Difficulty disconnecting

Individuals who engage in doom scrolling may find it challenging to disconnect from negative news feeds, leading to a continuous cycle of exposure to traumatic content. This difficulty in disengaging is a common aspect of both doom-scrolling and vicarious trauma.

Cumulative effect

Over time, the cumulative effect of doom scrolling and exposure to traumatic content may contribute to increased stress levels and a compromised ability to cope with emotional challenges. This cumulative impact aligns with the gradual onset of symptoms often associated with vicarious trauma.

It’s important to note that while there may be a relationship between doom scrolling and experiences that resemble vicarious trauma, they are not identical.

Vicarious trauma typically refers to the emotional toll experienced by individuals who are consistently exposed to the traumatic experiences of others in a caregiving or professional capacity. On the other hand, doom scrolling is a behavior driven by an individual’s engagement with harmful content on digital platforms.

To mitigate the potential adverse effects of both doom scrolling and vicarious trauma, individuals can implement strategies such as setting boundaries with media consumption, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed.

What are some strategies for managing and mitigating the effects of vicarious trauma?

Managing and mitigating the effects of vicarious trauma is crucial for individuals in caregiving roles or professions that involve exposure to traumatic content.

The following strategies could help cope with managing and reducing the impact of vicarious trauma:

• Develop an awareness of personal reactions to traumatic content and recognize the signs of vicarious trauma. Regular self-check-ins can be beneficial.
• Engage in regular supervision or consultation with peers to discuss challenging cases and share experiences. Peer support provides validation and helps prevent feelings of isolation.
• Establish and maintain clear professional and personal boundaries to prevent emotional overload. Know when to take breaks and when to disengage from traumatic content.
• Prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, mindfulness, hobbies, and activities that bring joy and relaxation.
• Take breaks during the workday to decompress. Even briefly, stepping away from a caregiving role can help reset and reduce stress.
• Consider seeking support from a mental health professional, counselor, or therapist who specializes in vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue.
• Stay informed about the impact of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. Attend workshops or training sessions to enhance understanding and develop coping strategies.
• Supervisors and leaders in caregiving organizations should receive training on recognizing and addressing vicarious trauma in their teams. Providing ongoing support is essential.
• Engage in regular team debriefing sessions to discuss challenging cases and share insights. This promotes a culture of open communication and support.
• Strive for a healthy work-life balance. Avoid overcommitting and allow for sufficient rest outside of work.
• Develop positive coping mechanisms that align with personal values, such as journaling, creative expression, or engaging in activities that promote a sense of accomplishment.
• Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques to manage stress and promote emotional well-being.
• Invest in ongoing professional development to enhance skills, knowledge, and resilience. This can contribute to a sense of empowerment and efficacy in the caregiving role.
• Regularly assess for warning signs of vicarious trauma and take proactive steps when needed. Don’t hesitate to seek support or take a break if symptoms emerge.

Remember to tailor these strategies to individual preferences and circumstances. Regularly reassess and adjust these practices as needed. Additionally, organizations should actively foster a supportive work environment that encourages open communication and provides resources for managing vicarious trauma.

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1. McCann, I.L. and Pearlman, L.A., 1990. Vicarious traumatization: A framework for understanding the psychological effects of working with victims. Journal of traumatic stress, 3, pp.131-149.
2. Dyar, C., Crosby, S., Newcomb, M.E., Mustanski, B. and Kaysen, D., 2022. Doomscrolling: Prospective associations between daily COVID news exposure, internalizing symptoms, and substance use among sexual and gender minority individuals assigned female at birth. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.