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Abstract
Secondary traumatic stress, or vicarious trauma (VT), describes the emotional and
psychological burden mental health professionals endure when exposed to the trauma of
their clients. This issue is particularly prevalent among counselors providing care to
survivors of sexual assault. While significant research exists on this topic, most studies
focus on the experiences of female psychologists. This proposal aims to highlight the gap
of research that exists on this topic pertaining to male practitioners working with sexual
assault survivors. This proposal will discuss how this research consideration is applicable
to the counseling field, the methods and type of data that will be considered, and relevant
biblical integrations.
Keywords: vicarious trauma, sexual assault, gap of research, counseling field
Research Proposal
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Literature Review
To preface, secondary traumatic stress, also known as Vicarious trauma (VT) is a
coined term that can be described as the process of experiencing suffering through others
suffering. This has become a rising critical concern in the counseling field for mental
health professionals, specifically in the area of providing care to survivors of sexual
assault. Sexual assault is a traumatizing experience for the victim at hand, as well as for
counselors, who often hear detailed accounts of these experiences. It is human nature for
intense emotions to be evoked due to this such as sadness, anger and helplessness,
although the weight of these client experiences can linger. This phenomenon entails the
psychological and emotional consequences leading to burnout, diminished job
satisfaction, emotional distress, impaired perspective and inability to remain objective to
client experiences. (Craig & Sprang, 2010).
Problem Statement
While there is alot of existing literature surrounding this issue, majority of
findings have focused on female psychologists, creating substantial gap in research
regarding the experiences of male psychologists experiences working with survivors of
sexual assault. This is notable especially considering societal norms and expectations that
may prevent practitioners from openly discussing these challenges, exacerbating the
psychological effects of trauma exposure. (Crivatur, Horvath & Massey, 2022). Research
suggests that male practitioners may feel pressured to conform to traditional ideations of
masculinity, leading to increased risk of burnout and emotional suppression. (Craig &
Sprang, 2010).
It is necessary to understand the impact of gender on the experience of vicarious
trauma (VT) in this field. To further support the claim that there is a lack of
understanding from a male psychologists perspective, Padmanabhanunni & Gqomfra
(2022) created a study exploring the experiences of psychologists providing treatment to
survivors of sexual assault and the aftermath of being exposed to these narratives and
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how it effected the participants personally. Though the findings were very similar in
participants feeling guilt relating to not experiencing assault or having better experiences,
shame, bias towards men, it is highlighted in this study that a major limitation is that none
of these practitioners who participated were men. (Padmanabhaunni & Gqomfra, 2022).
Purpose of Research Proposal
The overarching purpose of this study is to explore the emotional and
psychological experiences of male psychologists working with survivors of sexual
assault. By understanding the psychological aftermath of exposure to client trauma, the
study can help form appropriate interventions and training programs that are sensitive and
considerate to gender-specific experiences to promote better emotional and psychological
outcomes for professionals in the mental health field. This will enhance the quality of
care provided to survivors of sexual assault by ensuring that practitioners are adequately
supported, overall paving the way for resilience.
Method
Research Question
How do male psychologists who provide care for survivors of sexual assault
experience vicarious trauma?
Importance of the Research Question
Research focusing on male psychologists remains limited, and understanding the
psychological and emotional experiences of male psychologists can help create
supportive mechanisms tailored to needs as well as enhancing quality of care.
Research Design
The research will utilize a phenomenological design, a qualitative research
approach suitable for exploring the lived experiences of individuals (Heppner et al.,
2016). This design is effective in encapsulating the subjective aspects of vicarious trauma
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(VT) experienced by male psychologists. Semi structured interviews will allow rich,
descriptive data to be captured to highlight common patterns and themes in participants'
experiences.
Strategy of Inquiry
Given the phenomenological approach, the best strategy of inquiry for this
research is qualitative approach. It will facilitate an exploration of participants' lived
experiences. Member checking will be employed to review interpretations and findings to
make sure their experiences have been accurately represented. Not only does this
strengthen the validity but also fosters a collaborative relationship throughout the
research process.
Contribution to the Field of Counseling
By exploring the unique challenges and coping mechanisms of these professionals,
the research will inform training programs and clinical supervision practices, ultimately
enhancing the support systems available to psychologists working with sexual assault
survivors. Furthermore, the findings may encourage a broader conversation about gender
dynamics in trauma work, fostering a more inclusive understanding of vicarious trauma
experiences across diverse professional contexts.
Biblical Integration
It is vital to recognize that while all mental health professionals may experience
vicarious trauma, considering that there are so many intertwining factors that play a role
in how we process and cope with these experiences. Felt (2021) emphasizes that men
and women differ significantly in how they seek social support, as men are less likely to
seek help when they experience severe stress, or have personal experiences similar to
those of their clients. This increases levels of susceptibility in experiencing vicarious
trauma due to working with sexual assault survivors. On a broader scale, understanding
the role gender dynamics has within the mental health process can help in addressing
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emotional expression and masculinity expectations, while encouraging conversations
about how these factors impact both counselors and their clients.
From a biblical perspective, this study proposal aligns with the principle of
bearing one another’s burdens, as articulated in Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other’s
burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."As counselors, we carry our
clients burdens and feel their sufferings on a deep level that is often at the individual's
expense, though it’s done with great empathy and compassion, by emphasizing how male
psychologists experience vicarious trauma through clients, it underscores the importance
of a supportive community that not only acknowledges but validates the struggles of both
male and female practitioners within the profession.
References:
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Barros, A. J. S., Teche, S. P., Padoan, C., Laskoski, P., Hauck, S., & Eizirik, C. L.
(2020). Countertransference, defense mechanisms, and vicarious trauma in work
with sexual offenders. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the
Law Online, 48(2), JAAPL.003925-20. https://doi.org/10.29158/JAAPL.003925-
20Crivatu, I. M., Horvath, M. A.
Craig, C. D., & Sprang, G. (2009). Compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and
burnout in a national sample of trauma treatment therapists. Journal of Trauma &
Dissociation, 10(3), 319–339. https://doi.org/10.1080/10615800903085818
Felt, M. (2021). Vicarious trauma as experienced by male therapists. Walden
Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection. Walden University ScholarWorks
H., & Massey, K. (2023). The impacts of working with victims of sexual violence: A
rapid evidence assessment. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 24(1), 56–71.
https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380211016024
Padmanabhanunni, A., & Gqomfa, N. (2022). "The ugliness of it seeps into me":
Experiences of vicarious trauma among female psychologists treating survivors of
sexual assault. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public
Health, 19(7), 3925. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073925
Tremble, C. J. (2022). Experiences of counselors counseling clients who have been
sexually assaulted. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 15(3),
Article 11. https://doi.org/10.46743/2375-4788/2022.1702
