RPTA169 Week 9 Article 3

Objective

• Investigates the indirect effects of secondary traumatic stress (STS) on secondary traumatic growth through perceived social support and self-efficacy.

Study Overview

• Two studies conducted:

  • Study 1: U.S. military healthcare providers (N=293 Time 1, N=115 Time 2)

  • Study 2: Polish healthcare workers (N=298 Time 1, N=189 Time 2)

Key Findings

• Evidence supports the cultivation hypothesis:

  • STS leads to lower self-efficacy, which subsequently leads to lower social support, resulting in lower secondary traumatic growth.

  • The enabling hypothesis was not supported: social support did not enhance self-efficacy.

Main Concepts

• Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS): Symptoms similar to PTSD from indirect trauma exposure.

• Secondary Traumatic Growth: Positive changes following engagement with trauma survivors.

• Self-Efficacy: The belief in one's capability to manage stress from trauma exposure.

• Perceived Social Support: The perception of having supportive resources available.

Hypotheses Tested

• Hypothesis 1: STS negatively affects self-efficacy.

• Hypothesis 2: STS negatively affects perceived social support.

• Hypothesis 3: Self-efficacy cultivates social support (confirmed).

• Hypothesis 4: Social support enhances self-efficacy (not confirmed).

Implications

• Focus on boosting self-efficacy in healthcare education to increase perceived social support.

• Importance of understanding the dynamics of self-efficacy and support in fostering psychological growth after trauma exposure.