Vicarious trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder
Vicarious trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder are closely related because the symptoms of each condition are similar. What distinguishes each condition from one another is how the trauma was experienced. For this Assignment, review Lt. Commander Malstrom’s experience with vicarious trauma in the media resources. As a starting point, think about how this individual who is trained military but a noncombatant could have mitigated his trauma. Using this as an example, complete the following assignment:
Please note that the military personnel in the media discuss graphic details of their combat experiences, which may be disturbing. Please consult your faculty if you experience trauma related to the media. If, after consultation, you feel you need further services, please contact the Walden Counseling Center.
The Assignment (2–3 pages):
Scenario:
You are a social worker assigned to a military installation and you are given the task of educating the following individuals (noncombatants) who are preparing to deploy in a combat zone on vicarious or secondary trauma:
- Healthcare providers—military physicians and nurses
- Air Force maintenance and logistics support personnel
- Military reporters
Then provide the following:
- Describe how you would contextualize vicarious and secondary trauma.
- Describe risk factors of vicarious and secondary trauma.
- Identify strategies to avoid vicarious or secondary trauma.
- Explain how you might encourage support if someone experienced vicarious or secondary trauma.
- Describe the sensitivities a social worker would need to have in order to educate effectively these noncombatants.
Support your plan with at least two scholarly articles
