OhioCanDo4Kids

How to Maintain Emotional Health When Working with Trauma

By Joy D. Osofsky, Frank W. Putnam, and Judge Cindy S. Lederman

ABSTRACT

Vicarious traumatization, compassion fatigue, or secondary traumatization refers to the cumulative effect of working with survivors of traumatic life events as part of everyday work. Although this issue has been acknowledged and addressed among professionals such as police officers and medical professionals, it has been discussed less among juvenile and family court judges who also experience secondary traumatic stress. In fact, in one recent study, a majority of judges reported one or more symptoms of secondary traumatization. This article describes the common signs and symptoms of secondary trauma, job-related factors that contribute to secondary trauma among judges, and the potential negative impact on organizational performance. The authors conclude with specific recommendations tailored for juvenile and family court judges.

INTRODUCTION
Definition

Vicarious traumatization (VT) or compassion fatigue (CF), also labeled secondary trauma, refers to the cumulative effect of working with survivors of traumatic life events or perpetrators, as part of everyday work. People who engage empathically with victims or survivors are particularly vulnerable (Figley, 1995; Pearlman & Saakvitne, 1995). Risk factors for VT or CF include measuring your self worth by how much you help others; having unrealistic expectations of yourself and others; being self critical and a perfectionist; fearing others will judge you if you show "weakness" (e.g., seek help or express your feelings); being unable to give or receive emotional support, overextending yourself; and letting work bleed over into your personal time (Figley, 1995).

In a 2002 study, Figley reported secondary stress reactions in health care providers, attorneys, first responders, supportive services, military personnel, volunteers, and media personnel. Judges were not included in this study, but a later paper by Jaffe, Crooks, Dunford-Jackson, and Town (2003) indicated that judges also experience secondary traumatic stress. In some professional environments, for example those involving mental health supervision, care is taken to build in prevention, intervention, and coping strategies in the work environment to support and help those who may be impacted. At times, this support may just be an opportunity to debrief after dealing with a traumatic situation or event. In many work settings, however, VT or CF is neither acknowledged nor dealt with as it may be perceived as a sign of weakness. Within the judiciary and the legal profession, or among first responders, the issue of VT or CF is rarely discussed, and prevention or intervention strategies related to "psychological reactions" are not considered a part of the culture. Observations of professionals who work in such environments indicate they often find their own ways to cope and adjust; if their strategies are maladaptive, they may leave that type of work, or in some cases be asked to leave if their performance suffers due to the situation being too stressful.

The purpose of this paper is to review the effects of vicarious traumatization and compassion fatigue on professionals who face trauma every day as part of their work responsibilities. It is assumed that professionals who work in child welfare, law enforcement, health care, and mental health are impacted. Because dealing with the effects of trauma and violence is a part of their work responsibilities, judges also may experience vicarious traumatization and compassion fatigue. Therefore, specific issues that may emerge for judges are discussed including how juvenile court judges may be impacted by their work and the strategies they may use to cope with the inevitable stresses in their environment.

THE EFFECTS OF VICARIOUS TRAUMATIZATION ON CHILD WELFARE, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WHO WORK WITH TRAUMATIZED CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Child Welfare
Child welfare systems deal with child abuse and neglect, Family violence, and trauma on a daily basis. Most child welfare/child protection systems are multilayered, and the traumatized children and troubled families served by the system are usually seen by a large number of professionals including child protection workers, police officers, social workers, doctors and nurses, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Guardians

TABLE 1
Signs and Symptoms of Secondary Traumatization in Child Welfare Workers

• Cynicism, anger, or irritability
• Anxiety or new fears, e.g.. about the safety of one's family
• Emotional detachment, depersonalization, or a sense of numbness
• Sadness, depression
• Intrusive imagery or thoughts about victims, patients, or clients
• Nightmares and difficulty sleeping
• Social withdrawal and disconnection from family and friends
• Changes in world view-sense of futility or pessimism about people
• Changes in spiritual beliefs
• Diminished self-care
• Increased physical ailments and illness
• Use of alcohol drugs to "forget about work" or "relax"

ad Litem (GALs), prosecutors, and judges. In addition, there are often foster parents and volunteers who spend considerable amounts of time caring for or working with traumatized children. In the course of performing their jobs, these professionals and volunteers routinely encounter disturbing. disheartening, disgusting, shocking, and frightening accounts and situations.

-- For complete article read attached pdf file.