Routine exposure to the difficulties of dealing with students with special needs can exact a heavy toll on practitioners. This is referred to as secondary traumatic stress:
Secondary traumatic stress is the emotional duress that results when an individual hears about the firsthand trauma experiences of another. Its symptoms mimic those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Accordingly, individuals affected by secondary stress may find themselves re-experiencing personal trauma or notice an increase in arousal and avoidance reactions related to the indirect trauma exposure. (Spring & Ross, 2011, p. 1)
Practitioners may experience any number of the following (Spring & Ross, 2011, p. 2):
- Hypervigilance
- Hopelessness
- Inability to embrace complexity
- Inability to listen, avoidance of clients
- Anger and cynicism
- Sleeplessness
- Fear
- Chronic exhaustion
- Physical ailments
- Minimizing
- Guilt
Research has shed light on the prevalence of this condition:
The development of secondary traumatic stress is recognized as a common occupational hazard for professionals working with traumatized children. Studies show that from 6% to 26% of therapists working with traumatized populations, and up to 50% of child welfare workers, are at high risk of secondary traumatic stress or the related conditions of PTSD and vicarious trauma. (Spring & Ross, 2011, p. 2)
The risk is greater for females and those who are overworked:
That being said, risk appears to be greater among women and among individuals who are highly empathetic by nature or have unresolved personal trauma. Risk is also higher for professionals who carry a heavy caseload of traumatized children; are socially or organizationally isolated; or feel professionally compromised due to inadequate training. (Spring & Ross, 2011, p. 3)
What Can Be Done to Minimize These Effects?
According to Spring & Ross (2011, p. 4), other preventative strategies may include:
- Self-report assessments
- Participation in self-care groups in the workplace
- Caseload balancing
- Use of flextime scheduling
- Use of self-care accountability buddy system
The effects of proper rest, nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction activities should also not be underestimated (Spring & Ross, 2011, p. 4).