Date
8-24-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Human Services: Emphasis in Trauma, Resilience, & Self-Care Strategies
Department
Human Services
First Advisor
Jerrod Brown
Second Advisor
Ryan Chukuske
Abstract
The on-going exposure to the trauma of others that is regularly experienced in the daily work of human service professionals carries with it risks to the wellbeing of the individual professional, the health of the organization in which they work and to the quality of care that they are providing. The scope of the effects that are experienced both acutely and over time include, among others, mental and physical exhaustion, mental health symptoms that mirror those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in those directly impacted by trauma, changes in worldview, and dramatic reductions in empathy. By understanding the consequences of Secondary Traumatic Stress, Vicarious Trauma, Burn Out, and Compassion Fatigue on the personal and professional lives of those impacted and exploring the interventions that can be employed by individuals and within organizational cultures, practices can be adopted to mitigate these risks and support overall wellbeing. This literature review will explore the body of research available on this topic to recognize conditions founded in secondary trauma exposure, to increase understanding of the organizational and individual factors that elevate potential harm, and to identify protective measures that can be implemented to counter these impacts and positively impact wellbeing. Better understanding of the human experience of human service professionals will help us move the field forward for both the providers and the clients.