Role Of Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth In Mitigating Secondary Traumatic Stress And Compassion Fatigue Among Mental Health Providers

Abstract

For mental health professionals dealing with trauma survivors, secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue are occupational threats. Whereas Compassion fatigue results from persistent emotional exhaustion due to empathetic engagement, secondary traumatic stress results from indirect exposure to traumatic events. Both conditions can impact work performance, leading to burnout, lower job satisfaction, and reduced client care. Emerging research indicates that vicarious posttraumatic growth—the positive psychological transformation resulting from exposure to others' trauma—may function as a protective factor. The current research examines the role of vicarious posttraumatic growth in mitigating the adverse effects of Secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue. A correlational cross-sectional investigation was carried out with professionals in trauma-exposed environments. Two hundred twenty-four participants completed validated self-report instruments that evaluated secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and vicarious posttraumatic growth. A moderation analysis was performed to evaluate the interaction effect of vicarious posttraumatic growth on the connection between secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue. Analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue, whereas it was significantly negatively correlated with vicarious posttraumatic growth. Secondary traumatic stress emerged as a significant positive predictor of compassion fatigue. The relationship between secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue was significantly moderated by vicarious posttraumatic growth. While secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue pose significant challenges for mental health providers, vicarious posttraumatic growth offers a promising counterbalance. By fostering meaning-making, emotional support, and resilience, vicarious posttraumatic growth moderates the negative effects of trauma exposure and promotes professional sustainability. Future research should further explore interventions that enhance VPTG and its role in maintaining the well-being of mental health providers in high-stress environments.

Keywords: Secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, vicarious posttraumatic growth, moderating effect, mental health providers.