Secondary Trauma in Mental Health Professionals Working with Refugees

Migration Psychology-wos kapak

Hülya AYHANa

aİstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Institute of Forensic Sciences and Legal Medicine, Department of Social Sciences, İstanbul, Türkiye

Ayhan H. Secondary trauma in mental health professionals working with refugees. In: Öztürk E, ed. Migration Psychology. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2024. p.82-90.

ABSTRACT

The escalation of global displacement, primarily driven by conflicts, persecution, and natural disasters, has led to a staggering increase in the number of forcibly displaced individuals, with refugees comprising a significant subset. Mental health professionals play a pivotal role in addressing the psychological ramifications of forced displacement and migration-related trauma among refugee populations. However, these professionals often encounter numerous challenges, notably secondary traumatization, stemming from prolonged exposure to the traumatic experiences of refugees. This article comprehensively examines the phenomenon of secondary traumatization among mental health professionals working with refugees, elucidating its nature, risk factors, impact, and strategies for mitigating adverse outcomes. Additionally, key concepts elucidated include the definition of forcibly displaced individuals and refugees, highlighting the extensive trauma experienced during pre-displacement, flight, and post-displacement phases. The profound mental health consequences faced by refugees underscore the necessity for tailored psychological interventions. Mental health professionals working with refugees often experience burnout and secondary trauma due to the emotionally taxing nature of their profession. Secondary traumatization, characterized by symptoms akin to posttraumatic stress disorder, results from repeated exposure to refugees’ traumatic narratives. Risk factors include personal trauma history, high caseloads, and limited organizational resources provided to professionals. Mitigation strategies encompass individual self-care practices, organizational support systems, and ongoing professional development. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent the devastating consequences of secondary traumatization on personal and professional well-being. In conclusion, prioritizing the mental health of professionals working with refugees is imperative to enhance the quality of psychological support provided and to foster resilience among forcibly displaced populations. Addressing secondary traumatization from a psychological perspective necessitates a multifaceted approach spanning individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels.

Keywords: Secondary trauma; mental health professionals; refugees; risk factors; mitigation strategies

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