Secondary vs Vicarious Trauma: What Every Caregiver Needs to Know
Working in trauma-focused professions carries profound emotional risks that extend far beyond the workplace. While both secondary and vicarious trauma impact caregivers and healthcare professionals who witness others’ suffering, understanding their distinct characteristics is crucial for maintaining mental wellness and professional effectiveness. Secondary trauma often develops through direct exposure to others’ traumatic experiences, creating immediate emotional responses and stress symptoms. In contrast, vicarious trauma emerges gradually through the cumulative impact of empathetically engaging with trauma survivors, …