Citation

Nelson-Gardell D, Harris D. Child Welf. 2003; 82(1): 5-26.

Affiliation

School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa 35487-0314, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Child Welfare League of America)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12641376

Abstract

Social workers are exposed to trauma vicariously through the trauma of their clients. This phenomenon, called secondary traumatic stress, vicarious traumatization, or compassion fatigue, presents a risk of negative personal psychological consequences. Based on a sample of 166 child welfare workers and using standardized measures, the study findings document the link between a personal history of primary trauma, childhood abuse or neglect, and the heightened risk for secondary traumatic stress in child welfare workers.

Language: en