Interventions for Secondary Traumatic Stress With Mental Health Workers

Abstract

Objective A systematic review was conducted to examine effects of indicated interventions to reduce symptoms of secondary traumatic stress (STS) experienced by mental health workers. Method Systematic review methods were employed to search, retrieve, select, and analyze studies that met study inclusion criteria. Results Over 4,000 citations were reviewed, 159 full-text reports were screened, and two studies were fully coded and determined to be ineligible. No studies met criteria for inclusion in this review. Discussion There is compelling evidence of psychological effects of working with trauma victims; however, no rigorous evidence meeting eligibility criteria was found to inform how to intervene most effectively with mental health workers who experience symptoms of STS. While it is important to provide effective interventions to helpers who may be experiencing symptoms related to secondary trauma, it seems apparent that there is yet more we need to do in order to advance efforts in evaluating the outcomes of practices currently being used and under development.