Secondary Traumatization of People Working with Refugees in Serbia

Abstract

Professionals working with refugees are on a daily basis faced with people who have experienced most terrifying human suffering, and as such, are exposed to secondary traumatization (ST). ST comprises of typical trauma-related symptoms usually seen in trauma survivors suffering from PTSD. Aim of this research was to provide preliminary data on risk factors for ST in people working with refugees in Serbia. A total of 52 service providers working with refugees completed Secondary Traumatization Questionnaire, check list of refugees’ traumatic experiences, Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL) assessing depression and anxiety, quality of life questionnaire (MANSA), HEXACO personality inventory, and COPE assessing coping mechanisms. Level of ST has shown to be correlated with overall lower quality of life, symptoms of anxiety and depression, but not with overall number of traumatic events. Moreover, results have shown that personality traits such as altruism, proneness to anxiety, and sentimentality make one more vulnerable to ST. Finally, maladaptive coping strategies such as focusing on distress and venting of emotions, as well as substance disengagement are associated with higher levels of ST. Results indicate that ST in service providers could be prevented, as well as psychological vulnerability can be reduced through education, adaptive coping trainings and psychological support.