Effects of Spirituality on Professionals at Risk of Developing Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder

This study investigated the relationship between spirituality and secondary traumatic stress with counseling professionals in a Midwestern metropolitan area (N= 35, 34). This study utilized a sample of therapists, social workers, case managers, and counselors. Two surveys were utilized to measure the level of secondary traumatic stress symptoms and level of spirituality. Scores from the Secondary traumatic Stress scale were used as predictor variables, with scores from the Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale – Revised as criterion variables. Demographic variables were also utilized to explore the relationship between spirituality and secondary traumatic stress symptoms. Measurement of central tendencies was conducted on both surveys. The results of this study implies that there may be a correlation between the two variables.