Dana C. Branson (from 2019) notes that vicarious trauma (VT) is often used to refer to the “unique, negative, and accumulative changes” that may impact clinicians engaged in empathetic client relationships.
Are You a Victim of Vicarious Trauma? | Newsmax.com
Branson notes that within this context, characteristics and physical symptoms may include unwelcome thoughts or imagery induced by client disclosures, nightmares, absenteeism, social isolation, negative coping skills, hyperarousal to safety concerns, avoidance of physical intimacy, and many others.
Within some professions, vicarious trauma might be more pronounced, such as within the law enforcement or medical community, where employees are frequently exposed to human suffering.
2021-02-08