Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2017
Publication Title
The Journal of College & University Student Housing
Volume
44
Issue
1
Pages
10-29
Abstract
SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS has been described as "the stress resulting from helping or wanting to help a traumatized or suffering person" (Figley, 1999, p. 10). College resident assistants often serve as first-responders to students who have experienced traumatic life events such as severe mental illness, substance abuse, sexual violence, and hate crimes. To date, the literature has not thoroughly addressed the impact of providing this level of support on collegiate resident assistants. This study aimed to explore one possible outcome identified in individuals in other helping professions: secondary traumatic stress. The researcher set out to develop and validate an instrument that may aid in understanding four symptoms associated with secondary trauma within U.S. college resident assistants, as indicated in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V): negative alteration of mood or cognition, arousal and reactivity, avoidance, and intrusive thoughts. Results indicated a four factor model representing internal and external manifestations of negative alteration of mood or cognition, avoidance, and intrusive thoughts. Arousal and reactivity did not emerge as a factor and was therefore excluded. Implications for future research and practical applications are discussed.
ORCID
0000-0002-1694-1302 (Lynch)
Original Publication Citation
Lynch, R. J. (2017). The development and validation of the secondary trauma in resident assistants scale. The Journal of College & University Student Housing, 44(1), 10-29.
Repository Citation
Lynch, R. Jason, "The Development and Validation of the Secondary Trauma in Resident Assistants Scale" (2017). Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications. 40.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/efl_fac_pubs/40
Included in
Community Psychology Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Higher Education Administration Commons
Comments
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