Focusing on the Rape Advocate: What Factors Influence the Effects of Secondary Trauma?
Sexual assault against women is an ongoing epidemic of violence in the United States. Rape survivors undergo various psychological traumas due to their victimization (e.g., PTSD, depression, rape trauma syndrome, low self-esteem, and suicidal tendencies). Rape advocates play a vital role in assisting rape victims and ameliorating the negative effects of rape (McCann & Pearlman; 1989; Prins & Ruzek, 2002; Wasco & Campbell, 2002). However, assisting rape victims often leads to strong emotions and profound psychological effects on the part of rape advocates (Boniello, 1990; Campbell, 2002; Hesse, 2002; Pearlman & Mac Ian, 1995; Schauben & Frazier, 1995; Sorell & Allen, 2004; Wasco & Campbell, 2002). These emotional and psychological effects are both challenging and beneficial and include: various conceptualizations of secondary trauma (e.g, PTSD, burnout, countertransference, disruptions in cognitive schemas), empowerment, bonding with other advocates, and healing as an advocate, among others. The current study will focus on one of the most challenging potential outcomes of rape advocacy, which is secondary trauma. The proposed study will expand the knowledge base on rape advocacy by identifying the factors that influence the outcome of secondary trauma in rape advocates and rape survivor advocates. By identifying which factors are related to secondary trauma, rape advocates will be better informed in prevention strategies against secondary trauma.
School:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department:
Psychology
Research Advisor:
Nicole Allen
Department of Research Advisor:
Psychology
Year of Publication:
2005