Predictors of Secondary Traumatic Stress in Mental Health Professionals: Trauma History, Self-Compassion, Emotional Intelligence

Although the organizational and professional variables that have an impact on the psychological adjustment of mental health professionals are well known, there is limited evidence of the individual factors playing a role in the development of secondary traumatic stress. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of personal trauma history, self-compassion, and emotional intelligence on secondary traumatic stress symptoms among mental health professionals. A cross-sectional study with 155 mental health professionals who work with traumatized clients was conducted in Turkey. The data collected by Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Short Form (TEIQue-SF), Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) were analyzed using hierarchical regression. The study results showed that personal trauma history predicted a higher risk of experiencing secondary traumatic stress. Emotional intelligence and self-compassion were negative predictors of stress symptoms. According to the findings of the current study, self-compassion and emotional intelligence play a protective role in the development of secondary traumatic stress.