The Predictive Nature of Vicarious Trauma in School Counselors.

The Predictive Nature of Vicarious Trauma in School Counselors by Connie Honsinger MEd, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2003 BSEd, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1986 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Counselor Education and Supervision Walden University May, 2018 Abstract In the past decade, the counseling profession has begun to recognize the impact of vicarious trauma on counselors who provide services to individuals who have experienced trauma. The constructivist self-development theory asserts that interpersonal frameworks can determine healthy versus unhealthy coping styles and impact a counselor’s susceptibility to vicarious trauma. Researchers have explored vicariousIn the past decade, the counseling profession has begun to recognize the impact of vicarious trauma on counselors who provide services to individuals who have experienced trauma. The constructivist self-development theory asserts that interpersonal frameworks can determine healthy versus unhealthy coping styles and impact a counselor’s susceptibility to vicarious trauma. Researchers have explored vicarious trauma in a number of professions such as mental health counseling and social work however they have not examined potential risk factors specific to school counseling. The purpose of this correlational study was to investigate variables associated with vicarious trauma in school counselors. The research focused on the relationship between vicarious trauma and the level of exposure to student trauma, history of trauma in the counselor’s personal life, self-other differentiation, level of school, and amount of trauma education. An electronic questionnaire was sent to 654 school counselors in four school districts in Virginia and was returned by 217. The survey included the Vicarious Trauma Scale, Self-Other Differentiation Scale, Adverse Childhood Experiences Inventory-Revised, and demographic survey. Data analysis conducted using multiple regression revealed a significant negative relationship between scores on the Self-Other Differentiation Scale and scores on the Vicarious Trauma Scale indicating counselors with less emotional differentiation from clients are more likely to have higher levels of vicarious trauma. Results of the study may be used to reduce the risk of vicarious trauma in school counselors so they can continue to support students who have been exposed to trauma. Vicarious Trauma in School Counselors by Connie Honsinger MEd, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2003 BSEd, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1986 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Counselor Education and Supervision Walden University May, 2018 Dedication This research project is dedicated to all of the compassionate and committed individuals I have been so fortunate to work with and learn from on this journey. Your passion for helping those impacted by trauma inspires me daily. You hold the hands of those who have been hurt and lead the way to healing until they are able to move forward on their own. This work often takes a personal toll, yet you continue to serve those in need. My hope is this research project will contribute to the development of resilience and personal well-being for all helping professionals who bear witness to the pain trauma survivors have endured. You make a difference in the lives of many and you deserve to be cared for and supported. Acknowledgements I would like to thank my family for their love and support during this process. To my husband, Pete, thank you for your patience, understanding, and most of all for stepping up to cover more than your share while I pursued this dream. To my children, Jeffrey and Rachael, thank you for your encouragement and allowing me to be both mom and student. To my father, mother, and father-in-law, your belief in me and support carried me through the times I doubted myself and pushed me to continue. To my brother and sisters, who have always been my role models for achievement and perseverance, you paved the way and were my inspiration. I would also like to recognize and thank my dissertation chair, Dr. Theodore Remley, my methodologist, Dr. Walter Frazier, and my University Research Reviewer, Dr. Gregory Hickman, for your guidance and support through the dissertation process. Dr. Remley, your positive encouragement and calm demeanor helped to keep me on track and gave me the added determination to push through obstacles and challenges. My work is better because of all of you. I hope this study will positively contribute to the field of research in trauma and vicarious trauma.